WA Education Awards finalists 2026: Excellence in school leadership

Alkimos College, Exmouth District High School, Kinross Primary School and Wattle Grove Primary School have been recognised for having school leadership that helps to build a strong culture, develop staff and lift outcomes for their students.

These four schools are the finalists in the excellence in school leadership category at the WA Education Awards 2026.

This award acknowledges that collective leadership can happen at all levels while also recognising schools that create and sustain conditions for all students to achieve and progress.

The winner will be announced at an award presentation event on Monday 16 November.

Here’s more about the finalists:

Alkimos College

When Alkimos College opened in 2020 it had 176 students, 40 staff and no traditions to inherit. Seven years on, it is a Year 7 to 12 college of 1,342 students and 165 staff and has built a belief that leadership belongs to everyone, not just those with a title.

The college grows its own leaders through tailored programs including ALIGN (Alkimos Leadership Initiative to Grow and Nurture), Agile Leadership and the Aspirant Accelerator Program. Teachers who arrived as graduates now lead whole-school initiatives and mentor their colleagues. Staff have moved into associate principal, program coordinator and head of learning area roles.

The college also runs its own program for teachers and education assistants.

Principal Nancy McNally believes what sets Alkimos College apart is a belief that leadership belongs to everyone.

“Leadership leaves its greatest legacy not in the achievements of one person, but in the lives changed when others are empowered to lead,” she said.

“At the heart of the college is a simple but powerful belief that when people are trusted, supported and encouraged to grow, extraordinary things happen.

“People are empowered to contribute, collaborate and lead with confidence, creating a community where success is shared rather than owned by a few.”

Exmouth District High School

Leadership at Exmouth District High School is driven by the saying “we stand together as one school, one community”.

By building staff capability, developing student leadership and celebrating success as a shared achievement, Exmouth District High School is demonstrating that exceptional leadership is not defined by location, but by vision, purpose and impact.

Principal Marcus Gianatti said a shared purpose unites students, staff, families and community partners to create exceptional opportunities and outstanding outcomes for every learner.

“Through strong leadership, high expectations and a culture of collective responsibility, we have built a seamless learning journey from Kindergarten to Year 12 where every student is known, every staff member is empowered and every family belongs,” he said.

“Our leadership extends beyond the school gates through enduring partnerships with Aboriginal communities, local organisations and industry. Together, we enrich learning, strengthen pathways and inspire young people to aim high while ensuring every child is supported by a community that believes in their potential.”

Kinross Primary School

At Kinross Primary School, leadership is written into the school’s systems, not tied to any one person. A formal leadership policy outlines a model where staff lead areas that match their expertise and passions.

Through distributed leadership, high-trust relationships and evidence-informed decision-making, leaders have built the collective capability of staff to continuously improve teaching, wellbeing and student achievement.

This leadership has delivered measurable results, including strong student achievement and exceptional staff engagement and retention. It has also been recognised as Western Australia’s Mental Health School of the Year.

Principal Therese Gorton said that leadership is shared at every level of the school, empowering staff, students and community members to contribute meaningfully to school improvement and ensure success is sustainable beyond individual leaders.

“Leadership extends beyond the school through mentoring aspiring leaders, supporting network initiatives and sharing expertise in cultural responsiveness and instructional practice,” she said.

“At Kinross, leadership is measured not only by what has been achieved, but by the capability, confidence and culture that have been developed to ensure excellence continues to flourish for years to come.”

Wattle Grove Primary School

Guided by the philosophy of “give to receive”, leadership at Wattle Grove Primary School is intentionally developed in every student, staff member and family. The result is a school community where people are empowered to learn, contribute and lead with confidence.

Currently, five teachers are in a program preparing them for executive roles, while every Year 6 student takes on a leadership responsibility at the school.

As a school with the Department's WA Centre for Excellence in the Explicit Teaching of Literacy, staff at Wattle Grove have mentored more than 32 schools across Western Australia, strengthening leadership, teaching and learning across the public education system.

School board chair Joelle Greenway said Wattle Grove has built a culture of trust, collaboration and a high expectation that leadership is shared.

“Teachers are empowered to innovate, students are encouraged to lead from their earliest years and families are valued as genuine partners in school life,” she said.

“Together, they create a community where everyone can make a difference.

“At Wattle Grove Primary School, leadership is measured not only by today's success, but by the future it creates.”