WA Education Awards finalists 2026: Excellence in wellbeing and learning

Four West Australian public schools are being recognised in the WA Education Awards 2026 for their exceptional approach to student wellbeing needs.

Avonvale Primary School, Kelmscott Senior High School, Nollamara Primary School and Waddington Primary School are all finalists in the excellence in wellbeing and learning category.

This award acknowledges schools that create environments where every student feels valued and welcome, while also enhancing student achievement and progress.

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

Here’s some more about the finalists:

Avonvale Primary School

Located in the Wheatbelt town of Northam, Avonvale Primary School is proving that students can thrive when the right conditions are created.

Driven by strong relationships and a deep commitment to belonging, Avonvale combines high expectations with substantial support to transform learning and wellbeing.

"We believe wellbeing is not separate from learning. It is the foundation that makes learning possible," principal Leah Vogler said.

"Our work is underpinned by genuine partnerships with families, Elders, community organisations and allied professionals, ensuring every child is surrounded by adults who believe in their potential."

Kelmscott Senior High School

Guided by the philosophy of every learner known, every learner challenged, every learner thriving, Kelmscott Senior High School is proudly diverse with students from more than 40 cultural backgrounds.

The school's commitment to inclusion, high expectations and student voice has contributed to significant improvements in attendance, engagement and academic achievement.

“At Kelmscott Senior High School, we believe that when young people are genuinely known, supported and challenged, remarkable things become possible," principal Mark Jeffery said.

"Our success comes from creating a school where wellbeing and learning go hand-in-hand, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive."

Nollamara Primary School

Serving one of WA's most culturally and linguistically diverse communities, Nollamara Primary School brings learning, wellbeing and belonging together as equal, inseparable parts of every student's day.

Through evidence-informed teaching, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and strong partnerships with families and community organisations, barriers to learning are identified early and addressed with compassion, purpose and high expectations.

"Families are welcomed as genuine partners through translated communication, community connections and culturally responsive practices that build trust and belonging," principal Terese Morse said.

"We don't expect children to fit our school, we intentionally shape our school so every learner, regardless of language, culture or circumstance, is known, belongs and has the opportunity to thrive."

Waddington Primary School

Waddington Primary School is a small school having a big impact for students who often come from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

Using trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices and strong community partnerships the school places wellbeing at the heart of learning.

"Driven by the complexity of its context, Waddington has built a connected community where students feel safe, families are genuine partners in learning and staff work collectively to achieve the best possible outcomes," principal Katherine Chivers said.

"Waddington Primary School demonstrates that when relationships, wellbeing and learning are intentionally woven together, every child can flourish."