Award categories

Minister’s Teacher of the Year

This award recognises exemplary teachers across early childhood, primary, secondary and education support settings who demonstrate outstanding professional knowledge, practice and engagement. It acknowledges educators who have a deep understanding of their students and curriculum, using evidence-informed pedagogy to meet diverse learning needs and maximise student outcomes. The award also recognises their professional leadership in collaborating with colleagues, parents and the community, sharing expertise and initiating activities that improve educational opportunities for all students, exemplifying the highest standards of the teaching profession.

Excellence in school leadership

This award celebrates schools and teams taking an inclusive approach to leadership where shared responsibility and a focus on collective impact rather than individual achievement is encouraged. This award recognises schools that create and sustain the conditions for all students to achieve and progress. It acknowledges that collective leadership can happen at all levels.

Excellence in teaching and learning - primary

This award acknowledges primary schools that demonstrate excellence in teaching and learning. It recognises schools that create an environment in which students are positively impacted through excellent learning and teaching. Schools nominated for this award should demonstrate collaboration, inclusion and show innovative ways to enhance student achievement and progress.

Excellence in teaching and learning - secondary

This award acknowledges secondary schools that demonstrate excellence in teaching and learning. It recognises schools that create an environment in which students are positively impacted through excellent learning and teaching. Schools nominated for this award should demonstrate collaboration, inclusion and show innovative ways to enhance student achievement and progress.

Excellence in cultural responsiveness

This award recognises schools that lead equity and reconciliation in school communities through culturally responsive, whole-school approaches. It acknowledges schools that demonstrate a commitment to building culturally safe and engaging learning environments for Aboriginal students. The award recognises schools that lead the whole school community in strengthening their knowledge, understanding and respect for Aboriginal histories, cultures and languages. It celebrates schools that contribute to and benefit from reconciliation.

Excellence in disability and inclusion

This award acknowledges schools and teams that demonstrate excellence in meeting the diverse needs of students, their parents, families and communities. It recognises schools that provide engaging and inclusive learning programs and environments for students with a disability or an imputed disability. Schools nominated for this award should demonstrate the collaborative, inclusive and innovative ways they are enabling equitable access to education and other opportunities.

Excellence in wellbeing and learning

This award acknowledges schools that demonstrate excellence in meeting the wellbeing needs of students, creating school environments where every student feels valued and welcome, enhancing student achievement and progress. This could be achieved through enrichment programs that engage students in learning such as sport or art, innovative partnerships or programs, or approaches that ensure all students have a sense of belonging and connection, that positively impact their wellbeing. These initiatives demonstrate successful student engagement by building strong relationships between students and the school community while considering the physical, psychological, social, spiritual and environmental contexts.

Excellence in early childhood education

This award acknowledges early childhood centres and early years programs in WA that demonstrate excellence in early learning and development. It recognises settings where play-based, child-centred approaches and innovative teaching strategies create holistic learning environments, advancing children’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. Nominees should demonstrate strong partnerships with families and communities, inclusive practices for learners of all backgrounds and abilities, and evidence of positive, measurable impact on children’s learning outcomes and wellbeing.