Australian Education Awards 2025: Recognising Excellence in Australian Schools

The Australian Education Awards 2025 highlight the outstanding achievements of schools, principals, department heads, and teachers across the nation.

As part of their commitment to celebrating excellence in education, The Educator has announced the Excellence Awardees for 2025.

These awards, now in their eighth year, showcase the best of what Australian education has to offer.

Featuring a diverse array of categories such as Best Student Wellbeing Program, Education Rising Star of the Year, and Australian School of the Year, these awards mark a significant milestone for the Australian education system.

The Excellence Awardees for 2025 were selected based on their exceptional contributions to education, from primary schools to secondary institutions.

Below, we take a deeper dive into the key award categories and the deserving winners who have excelled in their respective fields.

Individual Awards: Recognising Outstanding Educators

The Australian Education Awards 2025 not only celebrate schools but also acknowledge the hard work and dedication of individual educators.

From department heads to school principals, the awards highlight those who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of their students.

Department Head of the Year

Department heads play a critical role in shaping the curriculum and guiding the educational direction of their departments.

The Department Head of the Year award recognises those who have shown leadership, innovation, and commitment in their roles.

The winners in this category include:

• 🏫Antonella Dolores, NextSense School

• 🏫Belinda Vlasenko, Trinity College Beenleigh

• 🏫Bianca Battoraro, Townsville Grammar School

These individuals have demonstrated exceptional leadership, fostering environments where both students and staff thrive.

Deputy Principal of the Year

Deputy Principals are integral to the success of a school, ensuring smooth operations and providing support to both staff and students.

The Deputy Principal of the Year category highlights individuals who have excelled in this role:

• 🏫Ali Barr, Westminster Preparatory School

• 🏫Charlotte Lush, Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School

• 🏫Christopher Nastrom-Smith, Loreto College Coorparoo

These leaders have not only contributed to the overall running of their schools but have also inspired positive change and supported their communities.

Rising Stars and Future Leaders in Education

The Education Rising Star of the Year award is dedicated to recognising young educators who are making a significant impact early in their careers.

These rising stars are the future of education in Australia, and their passion for teaching and learning sets them apart.

• 🏫Amy Griffin, John Paul College

• 🏫Catriona Vo, Groves Christian College

• 🏫Emily Graham, Tagai State College

These educators have shown great promise and have quickly become leaders in their schools, inspiring both their students and colleagues.

Primary School Awards: Excellence in Early Education

Primary schools form the foundation of a child’s education, and these awards recognise the dedication and excellence of both the leaders and teachers in primary education.

The Primary School Principal of the Year category highlights outstanding leadership at the primary school level.

Primary School Principal of the Year – Government

• 🏫Allan Ison, Galston Public School

• 🏫Carly Woods, Gillwinga Public School

These principals have created nurturing and innovative environments for young learners, ensuring that every child has the support they need to succeed.

Primary School Principal of the Year – Non-government

• 🏫Angela Drysdale, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School

• 🏫Leanne Meehan, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School

Their leadership has fostered exceptional educational experiences, with a focus on student wellbeing and academic achievement.

Secondary School Awards: Leadership and Achievement at the High School Level

Secondary education plays a vital role in shaping the academic and personal growth of students.

The School Principal of the Year awards in the secondary school category highlight those who have excelled in creating positive learning environments for adolescents.

School Principal of the Year – Government

• 🏫Anne McLauchlan, The Gap State High School

• 🏫Heather Murry, Kirwan State High School

These leaders have shown extraordinary dedication to student success, fostering an environment where high academic standards are maintained while supporting student wellbeing.

School Principal of the Year – Non-government

• 🏫Catherine Shaw, The Nature School

• 🏫Corey Tavella, Thomas More College

These principals are known for their innovative approaches to education and their unwavering commitment to creating inclusive, forward-thinking schools.

Curriculum and Co-Curricular Awards: Enhancing the Educational Experience

The Australian Education Awards also recognise schools that have made outstanding contributions to the development and implementation of innovative curricula.

These awards celebrate the schools that provide well-rounded educational experiences that go beyond the classroom.

Best STEM Program

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs have become increasingly important in Australian schools.

The Best STEM Program award recognises schools that have created engaging and effective STEM curricula, preparing students for the future workforce.

The winners include:

• 🏫Brisbane South State Secondary College

• 🏫Clairvaux MacKillop College

These schools have developed outstanding programs that not only engage students but also help them to develop the skills necessary for careers in STEM fields.

Best Co-Curricular Program

Co-curricular activities play an important role in developing well-rounded students.

The Best Co-Curricular Program award acknowledges schools that have developed exceptional extracurricular opportunities for their students. The awardees are:

• 🏫Bellbird Park State Secondary College

• 🏫Central Coast Grammar School

These programs have enriched students’ educational experiences, providing them with opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and teamwork.

School Awards: Excellence in School Operations

Schools are more than just places of learning – they are complex organisations that require effective management and strategic planning.

The Best School Strategic Plan award recognises schools that have developed and successfully implemented forward-thinking strategies.

• 🏫Canterbury College

• 🏫Central West Leadership Academy

These schools have demonstrated exceptional vision and leadership, effectively planning for long-term success while ensuring that the needs of students, staff, and the wider community are met.

National Awards: The Pinnacle of Educational Excellence

The Quizizz Australian School of the Year award recognises the top-performing school in Australia.

This prestigious award is given to the schools that have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, student wellbeing, and community engagement.

• 🏫Primary School of the Year – Government: Bandiana Primary School

• 🏫Primary School of the Year – Non-government: Central Coast Grammar School

• 🏫Secondary School of the Year – Government: Ashdale Secondary College

• 🏫Secondary School of the Year – Non-government: Canterbury College

These schools have set the standard for excellence in education, demonstrating that with the right leadership, dedication, and support, students can thrive.

Compass Australian School Principal of the Year

The Compass Australian School Principal of the Year award recognises the most outstanding principal in Australia.

The awardees in this category are selected from the Primary School Principal of the Year and Secondary School Principal of the Year categories, and they exemplify outstanding leadership and vision.

• 🏫Primary School Principal of the Year – Government: Allan Ison, Galston Public School

• 🏫Secondary School Principal of the Year – Non-government: Corey Tavella, Thomas More College

These individuals have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a strong commitment to providing high-quality education for all students.

Conclusion: Celebrating Excellence in Australian Education

The Australian Education Awards 2025 showcase the very best of Australia’s educational institutions and leaders.

From primary schools to secondary schools, the awardees have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in every aspect of education.

These awards not only recognise individual achievements but also highlight the collective efforts of educators, administrators, and communities in providing the best possible education for young Australians.

As the education sector continues to evolve, it is crucial to celebrate the achievements of those who are making a real difference in the lives of students.

The Excellence Awardees of 2025 have set a high standard for the future of Australian education, and their efforts will continue to inspire the next generation of students and educators.