Established in 1968, Kotara High is set in grounds incorporating lawns and native bushland, presenting an attractive physical setting.
Facilities: A multipurpose centre was opened in 1997, providing a wide range of sporting and cultural opportunities. HudsonPark, opposite the school, provides additional sporting fields. Nearby are tennis and squash courts, the lake and beach. The library has been developed as a technology centre and the entire school is fully networked. The school is part of the Newcastle Community Trade Training Centre
Electives Years 7 to 10: Japanese, Music, Ceramics, Electronics, Visual Arts, Drama, Early Childhood Studies, Food Technology, Wood and Metal Technics, Sports Studies, Commerce, Media Studies, Textiles, Sculpture.
Electives Years 11 and 12: Society and Culture, Legal Studies, Industrial Technology, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Senior Science, Visual Arts, Business Studies, Design and Technology, Ancient History, Modern History, Drama, Food Technology, Economics, Geography, Marine Studies, Exploring Early Childhood, Ceramics, PD/Health/PE, Sport Lifestyle and Recreation. VET courses in Hospitality, Retail, Construction and Metals and Engineering.
Sport: A wide range of sports is available including rugby union, rugby league, soccer, netball, volleyball, water polo, basketball and hockey. Recreational sports include sailing, squash, aerobics, wind-surfing, golf, weight training and surfing.
Extracurricular activities: Several bands including concert, jazz, ensemble and rock; Star Struck performances; debating; drama; environmental club; volunteering.
Welfare and personal development: A very active SRC, crime prevention workshops, Years 7, 9 and 11 camps, peer and parent reading schemes, and a proactive student welfare committee are strong features. The school offers work experience over two years and has a well-developed senior student welfare program. A high uniform standard is maintained. An inter-denominational religious program operates across Years 7 to 10.