At a time when many schools are navigating workforce pressures and rising student needs, Bishop Druitt College (BDC) has built a culture centred on wellbeing, collaboration and professional growth.
The independent Anglican K–12 school, which stands as the premier co-educational K–12 institution on the Coffs Coast, combines strong academic outcomes with a deliberate focus on people, from mentoring pathways and innovative teaching models to deep community connection.
In 2025, BDC recorded its strongest academic results to date, with 80% of university applicants securing early entry offers, including into highly competitive courses such as Medicine and Engineering – an achievement reflecting the college’s broader commitment to excellence, empowerment and opportunity.
In 2025, BDC was named one of The Educator’s 5-Star Best School and a 5-Star Employer of Choice, and this strong momentum has continued in 2026, with the college again recognised as a 5-Star Employer of Choice and receiving an Excellence Award in the Regional School of the Year category ahead of the Australian Education Awards, which are being held in August.
The awards reflect BDC’s belief that when you invest in people, great things happen – for staff, students and the wider school community.
Supporting the people behind success
While the college spares no effort to attract and keep quality staff, it also fosters a workplace where staff feel supported to grow, making sure teachers feel valued as people, not just employees.
“At Bishop Druitt College, valuing teachers means embedding personal and professional support directly into our daily rhythm,” Sarah Stokes, Head of Primary, told The Educator.
“Leadership ensures staff feel heard by conducting regular check-ins to gauge the school climate, allowing them to genuinely understand and support the team’s day-to-day experience.”
Stokes said wellbeing takes centre stage, each term during Week 7, with dedicated staff activities and ‘Chalkies’ – BDC’s Friday staff café featuring ‘Pat on the Backs’ to celebrate colleagues' hard work.
“Ultimately, BDC builds a culture of clear transparency by constantly seeking staff feedback to shape the school’s direction, ensuring every individual feels respected as a person, not just an employee.”
A culture built on connection
The college’s strong sense of community is anchored by ‘The BDC Way’, a shared commitment to wellbeing, empowerment, diversity, excellence and service. More than a set of values, it helps create a culture where students, staff and families feel connected, supported and inspired to make a positive contribution.
Sue O’Connor, Deputy Principal, said the BDC Way provides a shared framework that shapes how staff work together across the college’s K-12 community.
“Values such as wellbeing, inclusion, service and empowerment foster a culture of trust, collaboration and mutual respect, ensuring staff feel supported and connected in their roles,” O’Connor told The Educator.
“In a dynamic K-12 environment, these values strengthen partnerships between Primary and Secondary teams, while also connecting faculties, year groups and professional and operational staff in a shared commitment to student success.”
O’Connor said this culture is reflected in every aspect of college life.
“The BDC Way empowers staff to contribute their strengths, lead with purpose and work collectively toward achieving the best outcomes for every student and the broader college community.”
‘Educators are free to teach to their passions’
BDC has earned a strong reputation for innovation and staff development, particularly when it comes to helping teachers feel confident in trying new approaches and rethinking what teaching and learning can look like.
Joel Davis, Innovation & Professional Learning Coordinator, said BDC empowers teachers to take creative risks and experiment with tools that redefine how students engage with their learning.
“Through flagship, student-centred initiatives like BDC Investigations, Project-Based Learning, Kaizen, and World Options, educators are free to teach to their passions, inspiring students to embark on unique learning journeys each semester,” he said.
“Ultimately, this culture proves that regional schools don't just keep up with educational trends, we set them. By trusting our teachers as the experts they are and celebrating their creative courage, we have built a vibrant ecosystem where both staff and students thrive.”
Growing great teachers together
The college’s Principal, Simon Doyle, said BDC cultivates inspiring professionals by embedding learning within daily practice.
“Through Teams of Practice (TOPs), teachers collaborate across disciplines, sharing strategies, observing one another, and reflecting on impact in real time,” Doyle told The Educator. “Program Evaluation Days provide dedicated opportunities to work with peers, analyse impact, and share best practices.”
Doyle said early adopters are often supported through initiatives like Genius Groups and structured peer support, enabling innovation to spread.
“The Teaching Hub and microcredentials further recognise growth expertise through mentoring new teachers and spark curiosity,” he said.
“This culture of trust, collaboration, and purposeful experimentation ensures fresh ideas continually enrich the art of teaching and strengthen our teachers’ expertise in the classroom, resulting in an award-winning environment for our students to thrive in.”