Chatham Public School, located on the northern outskirts of Taree, was established on its current site in 1953. It has a stable enrolment: this year there are 323 students, including 53 Aboriginal students. The school is on the National Partnerships Low SES funding program from 2010 to 2013. This will have a significant impact on the programs offered to the students and staff during the next quadrennium, placing a strong focus on technology, literacy, numeracy, community partnerships and Teacher Quality. The students perform well in many academic competitions, including the Premier's Spelling Bee. Students also participate in a range of sporting activities including NSW primary schools sports knockout competitions. The school has had successful public speaking and debating programs for a number of years. There are junior and senior choirs as well as two recorder groups. The school has an established Environmental program and is currently the champion environmental school in the Manning District. The school is a NSW P47 school, trialling increased autonomy in the management of staffing, maintenance and cleaning during 2010-11. The school established a Multi Category class in 2010 as well as the OC class.