Australian Schools Plus

Disadvantage doesn't have to win. Education is how we rewrite Australia's future.

Parental education stands out as one of the largest and most consistent drivers of disadvantage in this year’s NAPLAN results. At every year level, students whose parents hold a bachelor's degree or higher significantly outperform those whose parents did not complete Year 12, and the gap is substantially above, and statistically significant, in all five testing domains, at every year level.

It doesn't narrow as students move through school. It is just as wide in Year 9 as it was in Year 3.

Indigenous students face an equally persistent gap, and theirs is a double disadvantage: lower achievement, and lower participation, with fewer Indigenous students still being tested by the time they reach Year 9.

ACARA's own CEO described it as disheartening that these disparities have persisted over the years for students from regional and remote areas, Indigenous students, and students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and said this needs to be a continuing focus for all in the coming years.

That is the challenge. It is also the opportunity. If we understand the problem, we can address it.

Education has the power to change a child's trajectory by giving them the tools to overcome their circumstance. But only if the investment reaches them early enough and stays with them long enough.

Australia's future is not fixed by where a child starts. It is shaped by what we choose to do about it.

Great school cultures are built through relationships, connection and a strong sense of belonging.

During a recent visit to Cherrybrook Technology High School, our Director of Education Alexandra Harper. experienced the welcoming spirit of the community firsthand. From students greeting her and offering directions, to a vibrant lunchtime filled with handball, music and connection, the pride and joy of the school community was clear.

The visit also created space for a professional conversation with Eddie Woo, Schools Plus ambassador, sparking ideas and imagining what is possible for students, the Schools Plus Alumni Network and the future of education in Australia.

Each year, the Schools Plus Teaching Awards shine a light on exceptional teachers whose commitment, creativity and leadership are transforming outcomes for young people in Australia's most disadvantaged school communities. These educators go beyond the curriculum to remove barriers to learning, strengthen student wellbeing and build environments where every child can thrive.

We're proud to celebrate this year's recipients at Parliament House, Canberra on Tuesday 15 September, where their stories will be shared on a national stage.

In communities facing disadvantage, teachers are often the most consistent source of stability, belief and opportunity in a young person's life, and these awards exist to acknowledge that incredible impact.

To join us in Canberra for this wonderful night of celebration enquire today: [email protected]

Schools Plus is delighted to welcome Alexandra Harper as our new Director of Education.

Alexandra is an experienced and innovative educational leader who is deeply committed to making our schools and system work better for the benefit of all children.

She has held teaching, school leadership, and advisory roles across the government, Catholic and Independent sectors, with a specialty in primary and early years learning.

Alexandra has also delivered major initiatives at the systems level, including at the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) where she conceptualised, established and led the statewide Teacher Expert Network (TENs) to bring the voice of over 240 teachers to the NSW curriculum reform.

Alexandra has extensive experience and networks, a strong academic background (including as a lecturer in education and current PhD candidate) and a passion for education equity.

Her appointment strengthens our capacity to work alongside school communities, education leaders and policymakers to close the opportunity gap facing disadvantaged students across Australia.

We are looking forward to the insight and leadership Alexandra will bring to that work.

Please join us in welcoming Alexandra to the team.

This week is NAIDOC Week and this year's theme, 50 Years of Deadly, marks five decades of a movement built on culture, resistance and community leadership.

Fifty years ago, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education operated inside a system built for assimilation, where language and culture were excluded rather than embedded.

Today we are starting to see what is possible when you embrace culture into learning.

Language revitalisation programs are restoring words and knowledge systems in classrooms nationally, and two-way learning models are placing Elders and knowledge holders alongside classroom teachers, so that Country and curriculum inform each other rather than compete.

The 1997 Bringing Them Home report documented the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, and its findings on intergenerational trauma remain central to why culturally safe schooling is foundational, not optional.

The latest data though shows how much structural work still remains nearly thirty years on. Only four of the nineteen Closing the Gap targets are on track. Year 12 attainment is improving but not on track, and early developmental outcomes for First Nations learners are going backwards.

Closing that gap will take sustained investment delivered in genuine partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities already leading this work.

But crucially we can see that when this investment is made, positive impact follows.

Applications deadline extended!
If you’re considering applying, start your submission now.

Applications now close on Friday 15 May 2026
Be sure to submit before the new deadline.

Apply now: www.schoolsplus.org.au/teachingawards/apply-now/

We are recruiting for a Learning Gaps Program Manager.

Addressing students’ learning gaps in critical curriculum areas such as literacy, numeracy and STEM is one of Schools Plus’ five major program areas.

This role is responsible for the strategic direction, program management, establishing and managing partnerships, and ensuring measurable impact across all school collaborations.

Learn more: https://au.seek.com/job/91908380

It’s not every day that you are awarded a national award for your contribution and excellence in education.

The award ceremony marked a significant milestone in my career. Since that moment, I have found myself reflecting on what the Fellowship has given me - not just in recognition, but in growth, perspective, and purpose.

Opportunities throughout the Fellowship year and beyond have been priceless. One of the most valuable things I’ve learned is the importance of intentional Professional Development. Through workshops, discussions, ongoing learning opportunities and school visits, I’ve developed a stronger sense of direction in my career.

I now approach challenges with greater confidence and with a more strategic mindset. The Fellowship year has encouraged me to be more reflective, more curious, and more proactive in seeking opportunities to improve my practice.

The guidance of the Lead Fellow has also been instrumental to my growth. Their mentorship has provided clarity, encouragement, and at times, the necessary challenge to push beyond my comfort zone. Having someone who models excellence while remaining approachable has made a lasting impression on how I view leadership and collaboration.

Equally impactful has been my connection with other Fellows, who have become life friends. This network of passionate, driven individuals has been inspiring. The opportunity to exchange ideas, experiences, and collaborate with like-minded educators has reminded me that growth doesn’t happen in isolation.

Each Fellow brought a unique perspective, and learning from them has broadened my understanding of what is possible within our profession. These lifelong connections have sparked new ideas and have also encouraged me to reflect more critically on my own setting and consider how I can implement meaningful change.

Life after the award ceremony and fellowship year has been one of continued growth and reflection.

I feel more connected, more capable, and more committed to making a positive impact to education. This experience has not only enhanced my professional skills but has also shaped my mindset - encouraging me to lead with purpose, collaborate with intention, and continue striving for student excellence.

Natalie Wise
Schools Plus Award Winner 2024

Applications Close Soon.
Apply now: www.schoolsplus.org.au/teachingawards/apply-now