Why choose us?
Empire Vale Public School is a Kindergarten to Year 6, Comprehensive, Coed Primary School in Empire Vale. We are proud to be part of a strong public education system and welcome students from all backgrounds and cultures.
Our vision: Empire Vale Public School's vision is to provide high quality inclusive educational experiences and a diverse range of opportunities for improving learning and wellbeing.
Contact us to find out if Empire Vale Public School is the right choice for your child's education. Enrol today and join an inclusive community that values learning, growth and success!
Enrol today
Ready to enrol? You can apply online or visit our school in person. Join our school community today!
Why families choose us
Empire Vale Public School is located between Ballina and Evan’s Head on the North Coast of New South Wales. It is set in a rural sugar cane farming district, with limited community infrastructure, making our school a social hub and key asset within the community. Our students come from a range of home environments which include cane farms as well as rural, residential and rental properties in the Empire Vale and South Ballina areas.
Integral to our school environment are our community partnerships and support networks including our P&C and our well-established networks within the local arts industry. The school is also part of the collegiate of Southern Cross Community of Small Schools. These 8 schools (Empire Vale, Broadwater, Cabbage Tree Island, Rous, Fernleigh, Coraki, Wardell and Tregeagle) join throughout the year for sporting events, High Potential student activities and combined excursions.
In 2022 the Empire Vale community and school was destroyed in the February and March Northern Rivers floods. This has led to a much more intensive focus on our Strategic Direction 2 - Wellbeing.
Throughout 2022-2024 Empire Vale PS staff and students have been supported by our host school Southern Cross PS. We returned to Empire Vale school site in October 2024.
The school evaluation processes have identified Student Growth and Attainment and Wellbeing for the focus of our 2025-2028 school plan to reflect continued wellbeing recovery and a 'new start' for our students and staff in their educational journey. In 2024 Empire Vale Public School underwent an extensive External Validation process. Our school was assessed by the external panel as Sustaining and Growing and Excelling in must areas assessed.
We are proud of the opportunities we are able to provide for our students and encourage you to come and see for yourself what has made us such a great school over the last 150 years!
A strong start
We help every child feel safe, included and confident from their very first day.
Support for every family
Our teachers and learning and wellbeing support teams work with our families. We co-design plans that help students learn in the way that works best for them.
High quality education
We offer our students a wide range of subjects and opportunities. This empowers them to learn, develop skills, and discover their passions.
Easy to access
Located in Empire Vale, our school is easy to access by public transport, walking or driving. This makes every day at school more convenient for our families.
"We love our school for its supportive community and commitment to every student’s success. Our child feels safe and inspired every day.” — a parent of Empire Vale Public School
What we can offer your child
Student success
Our school provides a high-quality, low-cost education that supports every child’s growth. We’re proud of our students’ success in learning, competitions and life beyond school.
- participation in a range of competitions
- success in life beyond school
- active community members
- growth through high potential and gifted education
- striving for personal improvement.
A world of opportunities
We offer a wide range of programs and experiences to help them thrive. From STEM and sport to the creative arts and more, our broad curriculum encourages curiosity and critical thinking.
- excursions
- incursions
- extra-curricular activities
- a wide variety of subjects.
Tailored learning support
We know every child learns in their own way. That’s why we provide tailored learning support to help each student do their best. Our programs meet different student needs. This includes high potential and gifted students, students with additional needs or disability, and those who need wellbeing support. At our school, your child will get the support they need to succeed.
- student learning support officers (SLSO) in the classroom
- teaching and learning adjustments
- extension activities for students who need extra challenge
- wellbeing and counselling support.
A welcoming community
Our school is a place where students from all backgrounds feel safe, respected and part of the community. We value diversity and fairness. Your child will learn and grow in a school that celebrates who they are. We prepare students to be confident, well-rounded global citizens.
- supporting students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)
- celebrating Harmony Day
- incorporating culturally inclusive school events
- ensuring cultural safety for all students.
Stories and highlights
Hear about stories, wins and proud moments from our staff and students.
Policies and reports
Discover our local school policies, reports and plans.