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Recognising Australia's education changemakers
On Friday, 8 August 2025, the best of what Australia’s education system has to offer was recognised and celebrated when more than 600 principals, deputies, department heads and teachers converged at the annual Australian Education Awards.
The nation’s top educators and schools were recognised across 29 award categories, including the national awards of Wayground (formerly Quizziz) Australian School of the Year and Compass Australian School Principal of the Year.
These top accolades were taken out by Hunter Sports High School and Adrian Camm, principal of Westbourne Grammar School, respectively.
AFL Schools, a long-time champion of teachers’ roles in shaping young minds, sponsored the Primary School of the Year (Government) award. Mark Morgan, national schools lead at AFL Schools, reflected on its support for the awards: “Given the current pressures faced by teachers, we are passionate about supporting the profession and recognising outstanding contributions to education. Our involvement in these awards is an opportunity to showcase our resources and connect with educators we might not usually reach. The Australian Education Awards are vital for celebrating the amazing work of teachers and elevating the importance of the profession nationwide.”
FACTS, known for giving back to the education community and nurturing the next generation of leaders, sponsored The Educator’s Rising Star of the Year award. Director Wendy Demarte said, “We’re proud to back rising educators making an impact early in their careers. Sponsoring this award is our way of celebrating their dedication and shining a light on the next generation of education leaders. The Australian Education Awards champion the unseen effort, creativity and heart that educators bring to their work every day, encouraging others to keep pushing forward.”
The Australian Boarding Schools Association, whose mission centres on celebrating excellence in boarding education, highlighted the unique contributions of boarding schools nationwide. “The Australian Education Awards are a powerful celebration of excellence in education and an outstanding way to recognise all we do well in our schools, especially our boarding schools,” said CEO Richard Stokes. “We are proud to sponsor this award and celebrate the achievements of our sector at this unforgettable event.”
Street Science, dedicated to inspiring future innovators through hands-on STEM experiences, sponsored the Best STEM Program award. Brook Anderson, general manager, explained, “We’re proud to support and celebrate educators delivering outstanding STEM programs. Sponsoring the Best STEM Program Award allows us to champion innovation in education and recognise schools transforming student outcomes through hands-on learning. The Australian Education Awards shine a spotlight on the passion, innovation and commitment seen in schools across the country, uplifting the profession and building a stronger, more connected education community.”
Compass, recognising the pivotal role of school leadership in driving educational excellence, sponsored the Australian School Principal of the Year award. CEO John de la Motte said, “School principals play a pivotal role in shaping the future of students and fostering thriving learning environments. By sponsoring this prestigious award, we aim to highlight the dedication, innovation and profound impact of principals across Australia. The Australian Education Awards celebrate the achievements of educators and school leaders, building pride in the profession and reminding us all of the impact education has on communities.”
Parentshop’s commitment to student wellbeing was reflected in its support for the Best Student Wellbeing Program category. Founder Michael Hawton commented: “Our mission is to support those who care for children and to be catalysts for effective change for the new generation. We sponsor the Best Student Wellbeing Program category to recognise those delivering real results for kids and communities. The Australian Education Awards honour educators who shape the future of our nation, rewarding their drive and passion and inspiring others to make a difference.”
A word from Key Media
The team at The Educator are extremely proud to have hosted the Australian Education Awards for the eighth year. The Educator continues to be Australia’s leading media resource for the education sector, delivering essential news, insights and analysis to you each week.
The last 12 months have likely been a little smoother for the sector than the year before. While many schools have found their rhythm, the education industry still faces significant challenges, including staff shortages, student wellbeing, funding pressures and evolving learning needs. That’s why the work of school leaders, teachers, support staff and education professionals is so worthy of recognition. Despite these ongoing obstacles, the education profession continues to step up and support students and school communities across the country.
The Australian Education Awards brought together some of the country’s outstanding educators for an evening of celebration. Every year, the judging panel is impressed by the quality of Excellence Awardee submissions, consistently noting the depth, professionalism, innovation and leadership demonstrated by schools and educators – and 2025 is no exception. The awards represent the pinnacle of achievement across K-12 education, from individual teachers and principals to schools of all sizes and specialities.
We want to thank the panel of judges who gave their time and expertise to the judging process. With hundreds of high-calibre nominations from across Australia, the level of competition was incredibly strong. The winners and Excellence Awardees represent the best of an elite group.
Finally, we would like to thank all our sponsors whose generous support of these awards is greatly appreciated. Our thanks go out to A Team Tuition, AFL Schools, the Australian Boarding Schools Association, Campion Education, Compass, FACTS, Parentshop and Wayground (formerly Quizizz).
Event highlights
Department Head of the Year
WINNER
- Marten Visser
St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Antonella Dolores
NextSense School
- Bianca Battoraro
Townsville Grammar School
- Corinne Salmon
Loreto College Coorparoo
- Lauren Fletcher
Loganlea State High School, Loganlea
- Mark Bretherton
Holland Park State High School
Deputy Principal of the Year
WINNER
- Michael Ha
Toogoolawa School
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Ali Barr
Westminster Preparatory School
- Charlotte Lush
Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School
- Christopher Nastrom-Smith
Loreto College Coorparoo
- Danni Mattiazzo
Larrakeyah Primary School
- Dr Steven Middleton
St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar
- Ita Garvey
St. Peter’s Catholic Primary School
- Justin Clinch
Coombabah SHS
FACTS Management Australia Education Rising Star of the Year
WINNER
- Catriona Vo
Groves Christian College
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Amy Griffin
John Paul College
- Emily Graham
Tagai State College
- Isabelle Coote
Blue Mountains Grammar School
- Ruby Harris
Westminster School
- Zachary Mansfield
Brisbane State High School
- Zoe Anlezark
Mastery Schools Australia – Springfield
Sponsored by
Primary School Principal of the Year – Government
WINNER
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Allan Ison
Galston Public School
- Carly Woods
Gillwinga Public School
- Charlie Moncada
Wilsonton SS
- Fathma Mauger
Larrakeyah Primary School
- Jordan Warren
Rosewood Downs Primary School
Primary School Principal of the Year – Non-Government
WINNER
- Stephanie Kriewaldt
Lobethal Lutheran School
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Leanne Meehan
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School
- Lindsay McQuattie
John Paul College
- Matthew Noel
Hills International College
- Monica Palmer
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Georges Hall
- Terri Taylor
St. Michael’s Lutheran Primary School
Primary School Teacher of the Year – Government
WINNER
- Chrissy Marcelli
West Leeming Primary School
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Alison Diamond
Yowie Bay Public School
- Lisa Fleming
Stretton State College
Primary School Teacher of the Year – Non-Government
WINNER
- Jo Muirhead
Coomera Anglican College
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Angie Stitcher
Trinity Grammar Preparatory School
- Brooke Collington
OneSchool Global – Adelaide Campus
- Chloe Brown
John Paul College
- Daniel Silla
Infant Jesus School
- Eliza Nolan
Strathcona Girls Grammar
- Gregory Milholland
Xavier College
- Nathan Stubbs
Redlands
School Principal of the Year – Government
WINNER
- Marcus Jones
Marsden State High School
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Anne Mclauchlan
The Gap State High School
- Laura McRae
Orara High School
- Lynette Corletto
Naracoorte High School
- Rachel Byrne
Hunter Sports High School
- Sharon Amos
Park Ridge State High School
School Principal of the Year – Non-Government
WINNER
- Dr. Adrian Camm
Westbourne Grammar School
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Catherine Shaw
The Nature School
- Corey Tavella
Thomas More College
- Doug Braiden
Faith Lutheran College Mainland
- Ross Patterson
Scotch Oakburn College
- Sharyn Angel
Mastery Schools Australia – Springfield
- Tammy Prestage
Southern Cross Catholic College
Secondary School Teacher of the Year – Government
WINNER
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Bernie Bryan
Maryborough State High School
- Ineke McGuire
Shailer Park State High School
- Jake Hartland
Marsden State High School
- Luda Kovalev
Loganlea State High School
- Nathan Pickels
Brisbane South State Secondary College
- Taylor Linz
Riverbank College
Secondary School Teacher of the Year – Non-Government
WINNER
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Chloe Yates
Loreto College Coorparoo
- Dane Ponting
Fraser Coast Anglican College
- Grant Grierson
Marymount College
- Matthew Pitman
Catholic Regional College Caroline Springs
- Maynard Victor Erece
Clairvaux MacKillop College
- Mitchell Mills
Saint Stephen’s College
- Peter Tsambalas
Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood
Best Co-Curricular Program
WINNER
- Yeronga SHS – Horizons Women’s Hub
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Bellbird Park State Secondary College
- Central Coast Grammar School
- Clairvaux MacKillop College
- Immanuel Primary School
- Kolbe Catholic College
- Loganlea State High School – Agribusiness Star Program
- Scotch Oakburn College
Street Science Best STEM Program
WINNER
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Brisbane South State Secondary College
- Clairvaux MacKillop College
- Kennedy College
- Kolbe Catholic College
- St Andrew’s Anglican College
Sponsored by
Best Use of Technology
WINNER
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Canterbury College
- Emmaus College
- Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School
- Xavier College South Australia
Innovation in Curriculum Design
WINNER
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Aquinas College
- Chevalier College
- Kirwan State High School
- Marsden State High School
- Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC)
- St Columba Anglican School
- St Peter’s College
Innovation in Learning Environment Design
WINNER
- Joseph Banks Secondary College
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Brisbane Grammar School
- Caulfield Grammar School
- Haileybury Pangea
- Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School
- Strathcona Girls Grammar
- Westbourne Grammar School
Best First Nations Education Program
WINNER
- Bellbird Park State Secondary College
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Corpus Christi College Maroubra
- Haileybury Rendall School
- Marsden State High School
- Woodridge State High School
Best Professional Learning Program
WINNER
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Australian International Islamic College
- Presbyterian Ladies College (PLC Perth)
- Ravenswood School For Girls
- Redlands
- St Augustine’s College
- St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill
- Westminster School
Best School Strategic Plan
WINNER
- Marsden State High School
High Quality Teaching Strategic Plan
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Canterbury College
- Central West Leadership Academy
- Clayfield College
- John Paul College
- St Joseph’s Primary
Alstonville
- Westbourne Grammar School
Parentshop Best Student Wellbeing Program
WINNER
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Larrakeyah Primary School
- Ravenswood School For Girls
- Redlands
- Yeronga State High School
Sponsored by
Australian Boarding Schools Association Boarding School of the Year
WINNER
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Clayfield College
- Kincoppal – Rose Bay School of the Sacred Heart
- PLC Perth
- Ravenswood School For Girls
- SCOTS PGC College
- The Rockhampton Grammar School
Sponsored by
AFL Schools Primary School of the Year – Government
WINNER
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Bandiana Primary School
- Berry Public School
- Galston Public School
- Kingswood Primary School
- Mount Victoria Public School
Sponsored by
Primary School of the Year – Non-Government
WINNER
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Central Coast Grammar School
- Haileybury Rendall School
- St Peter’s Woodlands Grammar School
- Strathcona Girls Gramma
Regional School of the Year
WINNER
- Maryborough State High School
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Central West Leadership Academy
- Haileybury Rendall School
- James Fallon High School
- Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School
- St Andrew’s Anglican College
- Trinity Anglican College
A Team Tuition Secondary School of the Year – Government
WINNER
- Hunter Sports High School
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Ashdale Secondary College
- Bellbird Park State Secondary College
- Coombabah State High School
- James Fallon High School
- Maryborough State High
- Naracoorte High School
Sponsored by
Campion Education Secondary School of the Year – Non-Government
WINNER
- Southern Cross Catholic College
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Canterbury College
- Faith Lutheran College, Plainland
- Haileybury
- Siena College
- St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls
- St Laurence’s College
- St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar
- Walford Anglican School for Girls
Sponsored by
Special Education School of the Year
WINNER
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Lucas Gardens School
- Mancel College
- St Luke’s Arrunga
- Toogoolawa School
- Warrah Specialist School
Wayground (formerly Quizizz) Australian School of the Year
WINNER
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Haileybury
- Labrador State School
- Southern Cross Catholic College
- Warakirri College
Sponsored by
Compass Australian School Principal of the Year
WINNER
EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
- Marcus Jones
Marsden State High School
- Stephanie Kriewaldt
Lobethal Lutheran School
- Steven Trotter
Ashby
Sponsored by
Nominations
A nationwide call for nominations was conducted from February to March 2025 using The Educator’s online channels.
Research and selection of Excellence Awardees
The Australian Education Awards team reviewed the submissions and drew on industry knowledge and information gained through sister publication The Educator to identify the most outstanding schools and individuals in each category.
Confirmation of Excellence Awardees
Once the research was completed, Excellence Awardees were selected in each category (except Australian School of the Year and Australian School Principal of the Year) and notified by email. Excellence Awardees were also announced on The Educator’s website on 12 May. Excellence Awardees for Australian School of the Year and Australian School Principal of the Year comprised the winners of the other school and principal categories. These were announced at the awards ceremony.
Judging
The Australian Education Awards team sent the shortlisted Excellence Awardee submissions to an independent panel of judges made up of education industry leaders and senior representatives. The judges are well known and well respected in the industry and their judgment is impartial, balanced, incisive and fair. Any judge with a conflict of interest in a particular category recused themselves from judging that category.
Awards ceremony
The winners in each category were announced at the Australian Education Awards official gala event and awards ceremony on Friday, 8 August 2025, at The Star Event Centre in Sydney. Winners were also published on The Educator’s website.
2025 Judging panel
-
Dr Barbara Blackburn
International Educational
Consultant and Director
Barbara Blackburn Education Group
-
Mark Breckenridge
President
Queensland Secondary
Principals Association
-
Edwina Dohle
CEO
Teach for Australia
-
Allan Dougan
Chief Executive Officer
The Australian Association
of Mathematics Teachers
-
Megan Edwards
CEO
Primary English Teaching
Association Australia (PETAA)
-
Robyn Evans
Principal in Residence, Office of the Deputy Secretary, Public Schools
NSW Department of Education
-
Angela Falkenberg
President
Australian Primary Principals Association
-
Paul Foley
Leader of Humanities
Loreto College Marryatville
-
Keith Graham OAM
Senior Principal, Reviews
Department of Education
-
Mat Grining
President
Tasmanian Principals’ Association
-
Matthew Johnson
National President
The Australian Special Education Principals’ Association, Representative General – International Confederation of Principals
-
Eva Kannis-Torry
President
South Australia Secondary
Principals’ Association
-
Tina King
President
Australian Principals Federation
-
Denise Lofts
President
New South Wales Secondary
Principals’ Council
-
Gavin McCormack
Founder
Upschool.co
-
Lila Mularczyk OAM, JP
Executive Coach, Consultant,
Principal in Residence and Professional Learning Adviser
-
Pat Murphy
President
Australian Government Primary Principal Association
-
Dr Ragnar Purje
Adjunct Senior Lecturer in the School of Education
CQ University
-
Dr David Roy
Lecturer in Education
University of Newcastle
-
Derek Scott
Principal and CEO
Haileybury
-
Richard Stokes
CEO
ABS
