WINNER: Innovation in Learning Environment Design

Ballina Coast High School

Larrakeyah Primary School

@stmichaelsgrammarschool

@TDSLaw

Ballina Coast High School is a comprehensive public secondary school on the Far North Coast of New South Wales, with a clear focus on Empowering Learners. Shaping Excellent Humans. We know young people achieve their best when they feel connected to their school, understood as individuals and have genuine ownership of their learning. Our approach places strong relationships and student agency at the heart of education, providing authentic opportunities for students to discover their strengths, pursue their interests and shape their futures. From personalised learning pathways and innovative wellbeing practices to industry and community partnerships, entrepreneurial learning, emerging technologies and student-led initiatives, we continually explore new ways to prepare young people for a rapidly changing world. Our students are encouraged to be curious, creative, capable and open to new possibilities. Recognised as one of The Educator’s 2026 5-Star Best Schools and winner of the Australian Education Awards’ Innovation in Learning Environment Design, Ballina Coast High School is proud to be at the forefront of educational innovation. We are creating a school where young people have a genuine voice, diverse opportunities to succeed and the confidence to contribute to their community and the world beyond it.

As an independent, forward-thinking girls’ school we are committed to preparing girls for a lifetime of learning, leadership and engagement in our global community. We believe in girls. At Ruyton Girls’ School we foster the individuality of each girl in a caring and safe environment, nurturing her intellectual, physical, social and emotional qualities that are essential to flourish. Powerful learning is central to the Ruyton culture, building on our strong academic reputation. We focus on advancing the learning of every girl through the engagement of intellectual curiosity, building their knowledge and skills about how to learn, and supporting them to achieve their personal best and be exemplary citizens. We believe in real-world learning beyond the classroom, collaborating with the wider community to promote growth, discovery and sustainability. We empower our girls to lead lives of purpose with courage, character and compassion. Through the development of values and action-focused learning they are inspired to pursue equity and justice for self and others. By embracing diversity and raising their voices, our girls effect positive change and make a difference.

Principal

Peter Howes

Principal

Jesse Coates

Deputy Principal

Lachlan Klose

Deputy Principal

Aaron Mcdonald

Deputy Principal

Paul Dhu

Deputy Head of Senior School - Academic

Peta Raftery

Deputy Head of Middle School - Wellbeing

Craig Askin

Deputy Head of Middle School - Academic

Deputy Principal

Jesse Coates

Deputy Principal

Lachlan Klose

Deputy Principal

Aaron Mcdonald

Deputy Head of Senior School - Academic

Paul Dhu

Deputy Head of Middle School - Wellbeing

Peta Raftery

Deputy Head of Middle School - Academic

Craig Askin