This award recognises the most outstanding co-curricular program or initiative developed by a school in Australia, including special needs support programs in the 2026 academic year. When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Objectives of the co-curricular program and how it supports classroom learning
• Variety and scope of the co-curricular program
• Degree of student participation and engagement with the program and its effectiveness in developing personal skills
• Evidence of stakeholder consultation and feedback

This award recognises the most outstanding STEM-based project or education program implemented by a school in Australia in the 2026 academic year. When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Demonstrated school leadership and support of STEM education
• Consistently high standards of STEM teaching
• Staff participation in professional learning and collaboration to improve STEM education 
• Evidence of student engagement and outcomes in the 2026 school year

This award recognises excellence in the use of education technology by an Australian school in the 2026 academic year. Entries should focus on the tools and platforms a school has adopted and their impact on learning. Technology with built-in AI features is eligible in this category where the entry focuses on the tool itself rather than a broader AI program. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

• How the technology has fulfilled a need in or outside the classroom
• Impact of the technology on the school
• Change management and implementation process
• Evidence the technology has supported student learning outcomes 

This award recognises an Australian school that has developed and implemented an outstanding program using artificial intelligence to improve teaching, learning or school operations in the 2026 academic year. Entries should demonstrate a deliberate, school-led approach to AI, not simply the adoption of a tool. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

• Vision and strategy: how the program was designed to address identified needs in teaching, learning or operations
• Implementation and capability building, including professional learning for staff and guidance for students
• Safe, ethical and responsible use, including policies, safeguards, data privacy and academic integrity
• Engagement with staff, students, parents and the wider school community about the school’s approach to AI
• Evidence of impact on teaching, learning or operational outcomes

This award recognises excellence in curriculum design in an Australian school in the 2026 academic year. The innovation can be school-wide or subject specific. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

• Consultation and engagement to determine the need for innovation
• Stakeholder engagement and school community consultation in the design process
• Strong leadership at all levels to support innovation
• Change management and implementation process
• Evaluation of the impact on student learning

This award recognises excellence in the design and use of campus and learning environments in an Australian school in the 2026 academic year. This includes new or redesigned learning spaces, whole-campus design, and innovative use of outdoor and experiential learning spaces that extend learning beyond the classroom. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered: 

• Consultation and engagement to determine the need for innovation
• Stakeholder engagement and school community consultation in the design or planning process
• How the campus or learning environment reflects and supports pedagogy, including learning beyond the classroom
• Creative and effective use of campus spaces and resources to enhance student learning and wellbeing
• Change management and implementation process to transition into, or make use of, the new or reimagined space
• Evaluation of the effectiveness of the space and its impact on student learning

To be eligible, the project must have been completed or implemented in 2026.

This award recognises the best first nations education program developed by a school in Australia in the 2026 academic year. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

• How the school is developing skills and attitudes that drive positive physical and mental health outcomes for Indigenous students
• Examples of constructive partnerships with parents and community members
• Training and support provided to, and by teachers, for a safe and supportive school environment for all
• Examples of how the school provides quality education in a culturally inclusive environment
• Tangible outcomes of the program, with a focus on the last two years

This award recognises the most outstanding professional (staff) learning and development program or initiative implemented in an Australian school in the 2026 academic year. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

• Innovation and excellence in program design and delivery
• Demonstrated support for individual professional learning and links to individual and school-wide learning priorities
• Contribution to improved student learning outcomes
• Effective collaboration, reflection and feedback

This award recognises the best strategic plan developed by a school in Australia in the 2026 academic year. The plan can apply school-wide or to a specific project. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

• Consultation and engagement with the school community
• Demonstrated strategic development of the plan to ensure it meets defined school needs and business objectives
• Implementation process that includes clear priorities and goals in defined timeframes
• Demonstrated results and progress, supported by both quantitative and qualitative evidence.
• Commitment to evaluating impact and reporting progress to the school community

This award recognises the most outstanding program or initiative developed by a school in Australia in the 2026 academic year to improve student health and wellbeing. The program or initiative can apply to the entire school or a targeted group of students. When judging this award the following criteria will be considered:

• Innovation and excellence in program design and delivery
• Integration of wellbeing into students’ overall learning and education
• Contribution to improved student learning outcomes
• Effective collaboration, reflection and feedback

This award recognises excellence in the design, delivery, and student outcomes of an industry-aligned learning pathway by an Australian school in the 2026 academic year. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

• How the program has mapped secondary school learning directly to employment sectors and industry standards
• Impact of the industry partnerships and vocational training on the school and its community
• Success of the school-to-work transition, apprenticeships, and employment pathways for students
• Evidence the program has supported practical skill acquisition and student qualification outcomes

This award recognises the most outstanding boarding school in Australia in the 2026 academic year. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

• Consistently high standards of teaching and learning
• Academic and other achievements during the 2026 school year
• Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery
• Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community
• Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources
• Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement
• Provision of a supportive home environment focused on student wellbeing

This award is open to all schools providing boarding facilities in Australia.

This award recognises the most outstanding government primary school in Australia in the 2026 academic year. When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Consistently high standards of teaching and learning
• Academic and other achievements during the 2026 school year
• Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery
• Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community
• Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources
• Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement 

This award is open to all government primary schools in Australia. 

This award recognises the most outstanding non-government primary school in Australia in the 2026 academic year. When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Consistently high standards of teaching and learning
• Academic and other achievements during the 2026 school year
• Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery
• Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community
• Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources
• Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement

This award is open to all non-government primary schools in Australia. 

This award recognises the most outstanding school in a regional or rural area in Australia in the 2026 academic year. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

• Consistently high standards of teaching and learning
• Academic and other achievements during the 2026 school year
• Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery
• Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community
• Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources
• Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement

This award is open to all schools in Australia that are located outside of major capital cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra).

This award recognises the most outstanding government secondary school in Australia in the 2026 academic year. When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Consistently high standards of teaching and learning
• Academic and other achievements during the 2026 school year
• Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery
• Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community
• Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources
• Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement

This award is open to all government secondary schools in Australia. 

This award recognises the most outstanding non-government secondary school in Australia in the 2026 academic year. When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

• Consistently high standards of teaching and learning
• Academic and other achievements during the 2026 school year
• Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery
• Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community
• Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources
• Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement

This award is open to all non-government secondary schools in Australia. 

This award recognises the most outstanding school in Australia in the 2026 academic year for its provision of inclusive education for students with disability and diverse learning needs. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

• Consistently high standards of teaching and learning, with adjustments that enable all students to access and participate in education
• Academic and other achievements of students with disability and diverse learning needs during the 2026 school year
• A school culture of belonging, respect and wellbeing, including meaningful inclusion of student voice
• Rigorous professional learning to improve inclusive teaching practice and curriculum delivery
• Strong communication links with students, parents and carers, teachers, specialists and the wider community
• Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources to support inclusion
• Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement

This award is open to all schools in Australia, including specialist schools and mainstream schools with inclusive education programs.

This award recognises the most outstanding school in Australia. The excellence awardees in this category will comprise the winners of the following categories:

• Primary School of the Year – Government
• Primary School of the Year – Non-Government
• Secondary School of the Year – Government
• Secondary School of the Year – Non-Government
• Inclusive Education Program of the Year
• Boarding School of the Year

This category is not open for nominations. Excellence awardees will be announced at the Australian Education Awards

This award recognises the most outstanding school principal in Australia. The excellence awardees in this category will comprise the winners of the following categories:

• Primary School Principal of the Year – Government
• School Principal of the Year – Government
• School Principal of the Year – Non-government

This category is not open for nominations. Excellence awardees will be announced at the Australian Education Awards