In Focus: Education.

Every school project we build is an investment—it’s a space where tomorrow’s leaders will learn, grow, and thrive.

With over 60 completed education projects, from early learning through to tertiary education, Newpol is proud to create environments that support learning, growth, and innovation. We have built a reputation for delivering high-quality builds in live environments where safety, planning, and collaboration are critical. Our long-standing partnerships with schools are built on trust, understanding, and a shared commitment to creating spaces that inspire the next generation.

We are education specialists with experienced project and subcontracting teams that understand the needs and expectations of our clients within this sector. Understanding stakeholder needs—both current facility requirements and expectations for the final project—is essential for a seamless delivery. This enables project managers to align objectives, manage expectations, and mitigate risks effectively throughout the project lifecycle.

One of our most exciting achievements to date is securing our largest project yet: the new three-storey Performing Arts Centre at Fintona Girls’ School. Designed to support a dynamic and immersive arts curriculum, the facility forms a key part of the school’s long-term masterplan and embodies Fintona’s creative vision for the future. It provides young women with a world-class space to explore their creativity and perform in music and drama—empowering them to reach their full potential.

More recently, we’ve had the opportunity to deliver larger Design and Construct (D&C) education contracts, which require greater input into buildability strategy and the resolution of design outcomes. Being immersed in the pre-construction phase enables Newpol to respond to client needs and manage complex project considerations much earlier than in construct-only engagements.

Delivering the first stage of a multi-stage school masterplan also presents its own unique challenges. These include navigating sub-divisions, incomplete road networks, integration with council assets, and compliance with Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) audits—all of which are critical to ensuring that hundreds of enrolled students have a school to attend at the beginning of the new academic year.

Our impact goes beyond construction. We’re fortunate to support schools in highlighting the many career pathways available in the construction industry. We value these opportunities to speak with students—both during live construction and by returning to schools where projects have recently been completed.

One such example is Sacred Heart Girls’ College, where we delivered a brand-new, three-storey teaching and support facility and have since had the pleasure of presenting at their annual Year 10 Careers Expo on multiple occasions. Our presence at Avila College also extended beyond the site boundary, where our team had the privilege of speaking with the entire Year 9 cohort about careers in construction—exploring both trade and tertiary pathways.

Presenting during the construction phase allows students to better understand the industry through visualisation, and hopefully, sparks their interest in its operations. Seeing the excitement—and sometimes surprise—of young women discovering new career possibilities is a powerful reminder of why we value this sector.

Sustainability is also woven into our work wherever possible. From utilising environmentally responsible materials to reducing on-site waste, we recognise the importance of prioritising a healthier environment.

A key milestone was our first mass timber build—a project that embodied sustainable design to improve concentration, mood, and productivity for its users. Another notable build was the multipurpose building at Catholic Regional College in Caroline Springs, which featured rammed earth walls. The 400mm and 450mm thick walls provided superior insulation and helped bear the structural load of the facility. Notably, since no firing process is required when building with this natural material, the use of kilns is eliminated—along with the associated toxic emissions and harmful greenhouse gases.

Each project stands out for its unique significance: Brentwood Secondary College’s new VCE Centre became the school’s first permanent learning facility; Strathmore Secondary College introduced Victoria’s first suburban vertical school; and Ilim College’s Kiewa Secondary Boys Campus celebrated its first-ever indoor sporting facility and performing arts centre.

We’ve supported the establishment of brand-new schools in Melbourne’s outer west and delivered the final stages of college masterplans. Regardless of the scale or stage, each undertaking is more than construction—it’s an opportunity to transform the way schools prepare their students for the future.

Over the last 13 years, our projects have spanned from the Mornington to the Bellarine Peninsula, from Leongatha to Sydenham, and from Brunswick to Wollert. We’re humbled by the trust placed in us across Victorian colleges as we deliver state-of-the-art facilities tailored to their communities.

By creating environments where students can grow, we are constructing opportunities, experiences, and pathways for the next generation. At Newpol, we are proud to be building more than just buildings—we are constructing futures.

Our work is guided by collaboration, innovation, and a deep respect for the communities we serve, ensuring every build is safe, functional, and forward-thinking.