WA Education Awards finalists 2026: Excellence in disability and inclusion

Butler College, Fremantle College, Fremantle Language Development Centre and Warriapendi Primary School have been recognised for embracing the diverse needs of students, parents, families and their communities.

These schools are the finalists in the excellence in disability and inclusion category of the WA Education Awards 2026.

This category acknowledges the tremendous work school staff are undertaking to deliver engaging and inclusive learning programs and environments for students with a disability or an imputed disability.

Students at each of these schools enjoy collaborative, inclusive and innovative support that enables equitable access to education and other opportunities.

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

Here’s more about the finalists:

Butler College

Inclusion is more than a concept at Butler College. It’s a promise that every young person belongs, grows and succeeds, whatever their needs.

First-class facilities and resources, such as the hydrotherapy pool and trishaws, that introduce students to the joys of riding a bike, have positioned Butler College as a shining example for other schools to emulate.

Collaboration between therapists and education assistants ensures that support follows each student into the classroom.

And the outcomes are being felt on a personal level. For example, a student laughing as he unlocks the ability to read, another proudly wearing shoes at school for the first time in years, every student crossing the stage for graduation, and a father proclaiming that Butler College has shifted the trajectory of his son's life.

When Principal Ryan Govan heard that his school had been named a finalist, he felt a sense of validation.

“Over the past four years, we've asked a lot of our staff to learn, grow, and change the culture, so it was really reaffirming,” he said.

“External validation is not ... why we do the work, and we've got plenty of examples of where we've made a meaningful difference in the lives of students, but this … captures everybody, and so it's nice to see the whole school be recognised.”

Fremantle College

Every student at Fremantle College is valued and empowered to grow, develop and achieve their personal best. The entire student body gets behind one another when celebrating disability, diversity and inclusion and there is a genuine sense of belonging and acceptance that is authentic and impossible to miss.

Students of all abilities and backgrounds have access to specialised support, including a nationally recognised Autism Specialised Learning Program, inclusive teaching practices, a culturally responsive environment and strong community partnerships that create meaningful pathways.

The caring and inclusive environment at the school is underpinned by values of curiosity, enthusiasm for learning, kindness, perseverance and leadership.

This culture reflects the spirit of the Fremantle community, too, which is welcoming, inclusive, and committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Principal Stan Koios said staff and students were incredibly proud when they heard that Fremantle College had been named a finalist.

“It feels like recognition of something that is deeply embedded in who we are as a college, rather than something we consciously set out to achieve for an award,” he said.

“Fremantle College was built just nine years ago to serve the vibrant and diverse community surrounding the City of Fremantle. Since then, our staff and students have wholeheartedly embraced what I proudly call our ‘Fremantleness’.

“Every day, everyone works hard to ensure that each student is supported, challenged and encouraged to become the very best version of themselves.”

Fremantle Language Development Centre

Inclusion is at the heart of every relationship, opportunity and decision at Fremantle Language Development Centre, a specialist independent public school for students with significant language disorder or a diagnosis of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).

All students at Fremantle Language Development Centre can be heard and understood in an environment that offers a genuine sense of belonging, specialist expertise, authentic inclusion and strong partnerships.

A whole-school, multidisciplinary approach enables teachers, speech pathologists, education assistants and families to work as one team. This collaboration enables each child to build confidence, communication and self-advocacy, while supporting smooth transitions to mainstream education.

Fremantle Language Development Centre’s statewide outreach service also helps other schools and educators create more inclusive learning environments.

Principal Nichola Middlemiss felt incredibly proud, excited and a little overwhelmed when she found out Fremantle Language Development Centre was named as a finalist in this category.

“It was wonderful recognition of our staff’s dedication and the difference our school makes for students with DLD and their families,” she said.

“It was also a valuable opportunity to shine a light on the important work of all five Language Development Centres across Western Australia and the specialist expertise they provide to help students develop the communication skills they need to succeed.

“Most of all, I felt privileged to be part of such an exceptional school community.”

Warriapendi Primary School

Inclusion at Warriapendi Primary School is a whole-school system that is adapted for every learner. Staff determine support and extension based on each student’s individual need.

With a focus on communication, regulation, participation and independence, disability and inclusion efforts link families, educators, health professionals and agencies from birth to secondary school.

Every student benefits from quality classroom teaching, supported by explicit instruction, consistent routines, authentic relationships, flexible grouping, intervention and extension. The school’s specialised learning hub provides additional individualised, evidence-informed teaching to meet student needs.

Achievement at Warriapendi Primary School is measured not only by outcomes, but also by how much students grow and their ability to learn, participate, belong and thrive.

Principal Matt Pinkard said that being recognised as a finalist in this category is a nod to the school’s culture of inclusion and engagement and to what can be achieved when a school community is genuinely committed to ensuring every child belongs, participates and succeeds.

“Finding out that Warriapendi Primary School was named a finalist provided a very special moment for our school community,” he said.

“For us, it was never about one individual. It was an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate four years of collective effort, high expectations and an unwavering commitment to excellence from our staff, students, families and wider community.

“Most importantly, I hope this recognition sends a powerful message to our students – aim high, work hard, believe in what is possible and take pride in what we can achieve together.”