In a bold move for Port Macquarie High and Westport High, the two long-standing schools will combine to become the area's first multi-campus college.

Aside from the new name, sharing of resources and expertise and appointment of an executive principal, the most contentious change is the introduction of new start and finish times - 8.15am to 2.15pm.

New executive principal Dr Warren Ible described the unique partnership as "an opportunity to design a college of the future and challenge traditional ways of schooling".

The former principal, NSW Department of Education quality assurance director and superintendent of Newcastle district schools explained that Year 11 students would now be able to choose subjects at either campus and take part in combined college sporting teams, bands, choirs and performances.

From 2016, Years 11 and 12 will benefit from the multi-campus model.

Travel will be via a free mini bus and qualified student drivers will be free to use their own transport if preferred.

College spokesperson Tony Cronin said there were "no plans at this stage for junior students to share curriculum choices at the two campuses, however, an opportunity exists to explore the possibility of combining students from both campuses for cultural, sporting and academic occasions".

Previously, the two public high schools were in close proximity, but operated separately and largely in isolation.

The college will have approximately 1300 students combined, but if growth predictions materialise the college has the capacity to accommodate up to 1600 students across the two campuses, without the need for any additional buildings.

Mr Ible said the existing principals would continue to provide leadership and management of their respective campuses, while his mandate was to provide broader strategic leadership of the college.

"Key focus areas now include the expansion of the college's creative and performing arts, sporting program, gifted and talented program and community links," Mr Ible said.

Mr Cronin added that staff had studied "other successful college models in the two years leading up to this, especially the one at Bathurst, and we're confident of how well this will improve public secondary education in Port Macquarie".

School starts for Years 7, 11 and 12 on Wednesday, followed by Years 8, 9 and 10 on Thursday.

Information will continue to be shared via the college's newsletters, however, parents with any concerns are welcome to phone the Port Macquarie campus on 6583 1844 or the Westport campus on 6583 6400 from next Tuesday, January 27.

nicole.langdon@fairfaxmedia.com.au

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