The school is located approximately 30 kilometres south of the Auckland City Centre, situated on the suburban boundary of Takanini and Papakura.

This was to provide opportunities for trainee teachers to experience teaching in a small rural environment.

A new classroom block and administration area were built in 2007 next to the Walters Road entrance.

An extensive upgrade to the school's buildings began in 2008 with the senior and models blocks being the first to be improved.

Papakura Normal has head students to guide the younger generation at their school and to create a bright road for both their learning and their hauora.