Record number of finalists for WA Education Awards

•  Four teachers and 28 schools announced as finalists in WA Education Awards
• Record number of nominations for eight categories received across WA
• Two new categories this year include the Minister's Teacher of the Year award and Excellence in Early Childhood Education

Education Minister Sabine Winton has today announced the 2025 WA Education Awards finalists, selected from a record number of nominations recognising the inspiring work of educators and schools across Western Australia.

The annual WA Education Awards celebrates the achievements of schools, school leaders, and teachers across eight categories, with two new categories added this year.

The new award categories this year are Minister's Teacher of the Year, and excellence in early childhood education.

Of the 171 nominations - the highest number ever received since the awards began in 2008 - 28 schools and four teachers have been recognised as finalists.

Nominations across WA surged by 27 per cent compared to last year, with the highest number of nominations received in the Minister's Teacher of the Year category.

The winning school and individual in each category will be awarded $20,000, and three finalists in each category will receive $5,000 to put towards professional development.

Winners will be announced at a presentation event on 17 November.

Finalists for each category:

• Minister's Teacher of the Year (new)

          Christopher Lambe - Grandis Primary School
          Emmily Deering - North Tom Price Primary School
          Patricia Levitzke-Gray - Shenton College Deaf Education Centre
          Rhianna Reynolds - Mount Barker Community College

• Excellence in early childhood education (new)
  
  Baynton West Primary School
  Esperance Primary School
  Joondalup Education Support Centre
  Karratha Primary School

• Excellence in school leadership

          Anne Hamersley Primary School           
          Boyare Primary School            
          John Curtin College of the Arts
          Joseph Banks Secondary College

• Excellence in teaching and learning - primary
  
  Campbell Primary School
  Karratha Primary School
  Warriapendi Primary School
  Winterfold Primary School

• Excellence in teaching and learning - secondary

           Ashdale Secondary College
           Aveley Secondary College           
           Harrisdale Senior High School
           Ocean Reef Senior High School

• Excellence in disability and inclusion

           Bob Hawke College
           Fremantle College
           Mosman Park School for Deaf Children
           Warnbro Community High School Education Support Centre

• Excellence in wellbeing and learning

          Avonvale Primary School            
          Bannister Creek Primary School            
          Charthouse Primary School
          Rangeway Primary School

• Excellence in cultural responsiveness

          Deanmore Primary School          
          Dianella Secondary College
          Rangeway Primary School
          Wiluna Remote Community School

Comments attributed to Education Minister Sabine Winton:

"It is a pleasure to announce the finalists for the WA Education Awards, recognising the incredible work of our schools and educators.

"This year's record number of nominations is testament to how many great schools and outstanding teachers we have in Western Australia.

"I am excited by the addition of the Minister's Teacher of the Year award, which will shine a light on teachers who are making a difference in students' lives and putting them on the path to future career success.

"The new excellence in early childhood education award recognises schools that are going above and beyond in providing high-quality early learning to their school communities.

"Congratulations to all finalists and I look forward to announcing winners at the awards ceremony in November."