10 November 2026
Four public secondary schools have been recognised in the WA Education Awards 2026 for supporting their students through excellent teaching and learning initiatives.
Melville Senior High School, Harrisdale Senior High School, Exmouth District High School and Aveley Secondary College are all finalists in the excellence in teaching and learning (secondary) category.
This award recognises secondary schools that create an environment in which students are positively impacted.
The winner will be announced at a presentation breakfast on Monday 16 November.
Here’s a little more about our four finalists.
Melville Senior High School
Melville Senior High School staff embody a community-focused approach that allows every student to be known, connected and empowered.
They recognise that every learner is different and empower each student to reach their potential.
Industry partnerships strengthen their specialist programs for aviation, graphic design, media, gifted and talented, netball and music.
The school’s framework, Melville Mode, establishes common expectations across school settings, creating calm, inclusive and learning-focused classrooms.
Harrisdale Senior High School
At Harrisdale Senior High School, students and staff are encouraged to excel and embrace their curiosity.
Guided by their motto, excellence everywhere, and their teaching and learning framework, staff value the connection between leadership, wellbeing and education.
Collaboration between teachers builds a culture of trust, and sharing expertise achieves high-quality teaching in every classroom.
Investing in teacher innovation and connection creates a flow-on effect to students, ensuring they are challenged and supported to achieve their full potential.
Exmouth District High School
There is a belief at Exmouth District High School that every young person deserves an education that creates pathways to success.
Staff are guided by the purpose 'we stand together as one school, one community' which creates an environment that inspires aspiration and achievement.
Strong partnerships with Aboriginal communities, industry, tertiary providers and local organisations let students graduate with real-world experience and a sense of purpose.
Students are encouraged to aim high and embrace opportunity, demonstrating how exceptional teaching creates limitless opportunities for each learner.
Aveley Secondary College
The approach to education at Aveley Secondary College is considered and sustained.
Through whole school explicit instruction, collaborative curriculum design, professional learning communities, instructional coaching and data-informed decision making, they have maintained consistent high-quality teaching and empowered staff to continuously improve.
At Aveley Secondary College, they believe that teaching is measured not only by outstanding practice, but by the lasting impact on every student's learning, aspirations and future success.
Find out more about the WA Education Awards.
Meet the finalists:
