2026 News

The Cook Government's landmark free Full-time Kindergarten Pilot begins today, marking a major milestone in early childhood education in Western Australia.

For more information, refer to the media statement Kindergarten pilot begins as record number of students start school.

Roebourne District High School's multimillion-dollar redevelopment has been completed ahead of schedule, enabling students to begin the new school year in the upgraded facilities.

For more information, refer to the media statement $94 million Roebourne District High School redevelopment complete.

The Cook Labor Government will invest $754 million in State Budget 2026-27 into new schools, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance to continue delivering for Western Australia's growing population while upgrading existing facilities.

For more information, refer to the media statement Cook Labor Government to invest $2.1 billion in WA schools.

Western Australia's early childhood workforce is getting a major boost, with 37 recipients sharing in $750,000 through the first round of the Attraction and Retention Grants program.

For more information, refer to the media statement Grants to support WA's early childhood education workforce.

A landmark agreement under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap has been reached to strengthen services and support for Aboriginal children and families in the East Kimberley.

For more information, refer to the joint media statement Landmark partnership to boost outcomes for East Kimberley children.

The Cook Labor Government will continue its strong investment in educational outcomes and school infrastructure, boosting funding for new schools and upgrades, additional support for school-based staff, and learning opportunities for young Western Australians in this year's State Budget.

For more information, refer to the media statement Budget to deliver quality education throughout Western Australia.

The Cook Labor Government is delivering for the Wheatbelt region in the 2026-27 State Budget through investments in health, housing, and jobs for the region, while providing significant cost-of-living relief for families.

For more information, refer to the media statement Cook Labor Government delivering for the Wheatbelt.

Premier Roger Cook and Education Minister Sabine Winton today announced $4.6 million in new funding extend Western Australia's groundbreaking WA ClassmAIte® pilot program designed to reduce teacher's workloads.

For more information, refer to the media statement $4.6 million for AI platform designed to reduce teacher's workloads.

The Cook Labor Government will establish a $15.7 million Disability and Inclusion Professional Learning Hub, as part of a new package of initiatives designed to support schools, educators and students across Western Australia.

For more information, refer to the media statement New training hub to shape future of public education in WA.

The Cook Labor Government and Minderoo Foundation have committed $10.45 million to the Early Years Partnership (EYP) for a range of projects that are critical to improving children's wellbeing and school readiness in four communities across Western Australia.

For more information, refer to the media statement Cook Labor Government and Minderoo Foundation investing in Early Years Partnership.

The Cook Labor Government and Minderoo Foundation have committed $10.45 million to the Early Years Partnership (EYP) for a range of projects that are critical to improving children's wellbeing and school readiness in four communities across Western Australia.

For more information, refer to the media statement New committee to lead Australian-first Play Strategy for WA.

Nominations are now open for the WA Education Awards 2026 to celebrate the valuable work of schools, school leaders, and teachers who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and beyond.

For more information, refer to the media statement Nominate State's best teachers, schools for WA Education Awards.

Members of the newly formed WA Play Strategy Advisory Committee met for the first time today to begin their important work supporting the development of the Australian-first strategy.

For more information, refer to the media statement WA Play Strategy Advisory Committee to meet for the first time.

Students and staff from regional schools across Western Australia kicked off the 2026 Senior High Schools Country Week today.

For more information, refer to the media statement Country Week kicks off with largest event in its history.

Claims for a third round of the 2026 WA Student Assistance Payment open tomorrow, giving Western Australian parents and carers of school children access to hundreds of dollars in cost-of-living relief to help cover school expenses.

For more information, refer to the media statement $90 million in cost-of-living student payments open to WA families.

Five more Western Australian public schools will offer free, optional full-time kindergarten in 2027, building on the pilot program's successful start in 2026 and delivering on a key Cook Labor Government election commitment.

For more information, refer to the media statement Full-time kindergarten pilot program expanded to five more schools.

Ten Western Australian public schools are joining a national effort to stamp out the scourge of antisemitism by boosting awareness and understanding, through a six-month pilot program.

For more information, refer to the media statement Pilot program in WA schools to target antisemitism scourge.

Education Minister Sabine Winton has today announced the finalists for the 2026 WA Education Awards, recognising the outstanding work of public school teachers and schools across Western Australia.

For more information, refer to the media statement Finalists announced for the 2026 WA Education Awards.

The Cook Labor Government has delivered on its key 2025 election commitment to expand the School Breakfast Program to 680 Western Australian schools, with 688 schools now offering students nutritious breakfasts five days a week.

For more information, refer to the media statement School Breakfast Program commitment delivered to support WA families.

The Cook Labor Government is launching a landmark pilot to ban unnecessary screen use for Western Australia's youngest students, supporting positive early learning and development.

For more information, refer to the media statement New pilot to ban screen use in early years classrooms.

The Cook Labor Government is calling on Western Australian children, families, and early childhood professionals to have their say on the future of play across the State.

For more information, refer to the media statement Western Australian children and families to have their say on play.

A new early childhood education block is a step closer for staff and students at Cowaramup Primary School, with the tender for construction now open.

For more information, refer to the media statement Tender open for early years facilities at Cowaramup Primary School.