WA Education Awards 2024 winners announced

Six outstanding schools from across the state are celebrating today after being named winners in the WA Education Awards 2024.

The WA Education Awards highlight the exceptional achievements of public schools and celebrate the important way they positively shape the lives of young people.

There were six award categories this year, recognising schools that demonstrate excellence in leadership, teaching and learning (both primary and secondary), cultural responsiveness, disability and inclusion, and wellbeing.

Winning schools were announced at a presentation breakfast at Optus Stadium.

For more information about the WA Education Awards refer to our website.

Excellence in school leadership

Morawa District High School

Staff at Morawa District High School demonstrate excellent leadership with a united approach that creates a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Located in the Midwest on Yamaji Country, the school’s leadership style involves high levels of collaboration to improve student success and community involvement. Morawa District High School also has a strong focus on literacy across the school, with dedicated leaders who share effective teaching methods that enable student achievement. The school also has a successful student leadership program, giving young learners the chance to grow their leadership skills and build a positive school culture.

Excellence in teaching and learning (primary)

Gwynne Park Primary School

Gwynne Park Primary School in Armadale is the hub of the local community where students develop a lifelong love of learning in a stimulating and fun setting. The school has outstanding education initiatives that have led to high student results, with consistent and collaborative quality teaching approaches that are embedded across the school as well as mentorship opportunities for new teachers. Staff at Gwynne Park Primary School also value community partnerships and positive engagement with families to ensure all students feel welcomed, valued, and supported to achieve their best. Other initiatives that support students’ learning include a meditation garden, a Noongar six seasons yarning circle, and regular mindfulness activities.

Excellence in teaching and learning (secondary)

Applecross Senior High School

Staff at Applecross Senior High School are dedicated to consistently achieving high student results through comprehensive teaching and learning programs. The school’s core values of mutual respect and personal best guide every aspect of education, creating a supportive and motivating environment. Students are equipped for success with effective ATAR and VET pathways, alongside strategic STEM initiatives and specialist arts and sports programs that promote creativity and resilience. The commitment to professional development for staff and a ‘teachers leading teachers’ model ensures ongoing innovation and reflection, enhancing the rich classroom learning experience for students.

Excellence in cultural responsiveness

Bannister Creek Primary School

Bannister Creek Primary School staff are committed to building culturally safe and engaging learning environments through a range of practical initiatives. Among them is the school’s Aboriginal parent liaison group called Baldja Waangkiny (Talking Strong Together) where parents and Aboriginal leaders guide important cultural learning opportunities, projects, celebrations, and activities. Cultural education also flows out on to school grounds, with an outdoor classroom and Aboriginal six seasons trail where students learn about caring for Country, Aboriginal perspectives, language, plants, and animals. The school’s Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer (AIEO) is also instrumental in leading cultural projects and supporting students to achieve their best.

Excellence in disability and inclusion

Beachlands Primary School

Located in Geraldton, Beachlands Primary School caters to students from Kindergarten to Year 6 who are all encouraged to achieve their “Beachlands Best”. At Beachlands Primary School, staff work together to create safe learning environments where students with diverse learning needs can thrive in a mainstream setting. There is a key focus on building the capability of staff to ensure they can better understand and support different needs of students. The leadership team and staff also work together with students, their families, health professionals, and the local community to ensure each child’s learning journey is based on a collaborative approach.

Excellence in wellbeing and learning

Lockridge Primary School

By prioritising strong relationships with families and local organisations, Lockridge Primary School creates a supportive network that enhances both educational outcomes and personal growth. Initiatives, such as breakfast clubs and tailored mentoring programs, ensure that all students have access to the wellbeing resources they need to succeed. School staff also partner with various services to provide accessible support for students. Through implemented wellbeing strategies, school staff create a structured space where students can thrive academically and personally in a safe and rich learning environment.