Finalists in the annual Public Education Awards have been announced today – recognising the outstanding people or programs supporting and delivering education in South Australian schools, preschools and children’s centres across the state.

Spanning a dozen categories, the awards celebrate and showcase innovation, equity and excellence across public education.

Individuals and teams are recognised for the work they do with students, families and communities to unlock their potential, enabling them to learn and thrive.

This year’s finalists include a vast array of sites, leaders and student learning experiences ranging from a regional primary school working in their local community to expand their knowledge of the environment to a metropolitan site running a digital channel to build digital literacy skills.

They come from the smallest of kindergartens to area schools, primary schools, or large high schools, and are also reflective of the diverse ways in which schools and preschools support students with specialised programs and learning opportunities.

The winners of each category will receive $5,000 and finalists will receive $1,000 for professional development or resources for their site community.

Finalists and winners will be celebrated at an awards ceremony on 27 November.

Being a finalist gives schools, preschools, children’s centres and central employees the opportunity to share their expertise and be recognised more widely for their outstanding impact.

Department for Education Chief Executive, Professor Martin Westwell, congratulated all of the finalists.

“Excellence in Public Education is something our 900 school and preschool sites strive for every day, and it gives me great pleasure each year to recognise some of those who have excelled,” said Professor Westwell.

“This celebration of our best is a chance for everyone to reflect on the leadership and excellence which exists in public education right across our state supporting the next generation of learners.”

“I’m proud of their work, and excited to see the diversity of excellent work that is brought to light through these awards.”

Minister for Education, Training and Skills Lucy Hood also recognised the contribution of South Australia’s teachers and educators.

“We acknowledge their courage and commitment to the role in working with each student, adapting to the diverse needs and abilities of young learners,” said Minister Hood.

“Congratulations to all the finalists who make such a positive impact on their school communities across the state.”

The 2026 Public Education Awards finalists are:

Equity and Excellence in Education

Anna Mirasgentis, Principal - Woodville High School

Claire Higgs, Preschool Leader - Koonibba Preschool

Peace Library - Thebarton Senior College

Innovation in Teaching and Learning

Bird Legends: Heroes of the Limestone Coast - Kangaroo Inn Area School

Empowering Change: Innovative Collaborative Teaching - Peterborough High School

Prospect North TV - Sammy Leverenz - Prospect North Primary School

Excellence in Learner Agency

Amy Watson, Preschool Director - Largs North Kindergarten

Big Questions, Bright Futures: Where Learners Lead the Way - Stansbury Primary School

Highways Program - Charles Campbell College

Inclusive Practices in Education

All In: Inclusion as Identity - Long Street Primary School

Inclusive Education Team - Highbury Primary School and Disability Unit

Kidman Park Primary School and Disability Unit

Community Impact Award

Books in Homes program - Mount Gambier Public Library and Melaleuca Park Kindergarten

Meldanda Environmental Education- Mid Murray Landcare and Cambrai Primary School and Preschool

Aunty Josie Agius Award

Aboriginal Education Team -- Hallett Cove School

Aboriginal Voice Framework - Aboriginal Education Policy Team

Emmalene Richards, Barngarla Language Curriculum Writer - Port Lincoln Education Office

Outstanding Early Career Professionals (new in 2026)

Georgia McLeod, Acting Deputy Principal - Memorial Oval Primary School

Sean (Xuan) Sun, Preschool Teacher - Lantana Kindergarten

Shaun Miller, Primary Aboriginal Education Coordinator - Ceduna Area School

Excellence in Collaborative Partnership

Growing Teaching Talent in Whyalla - Port Augusta 2 Portfolio, People and Culture Division and Adelaide University

Hybrid Learning: Stronger Pathways, Stronger Communities - Port Lincoln 1 Portfolio and Port Lincoln 2 Portfolio

Learning Centre - Urrbrae Agricultural High School

Outstanding Safety Initiatives

Elizabeth Grove Primary School

Vale Park Primary School

WHS Management System - Hallett Cove School

Excellence in Collective Wellbeing

Cultural Leaders Group - Elizabeth Vale School, Preschool and Intensive English

Enhancing Persistence and Perseverance through Regulation - Oakbank School

Positive Behaviour for Learning Initiative - Support and Inclusion Reform Directorate

Outstanding Reconciliation Initiatives

Bush Tucker Garden - Collective commitment to reconciliation - Flinders View Primary School

One River, Many Stories: A Community-Led Model of Living Reconciliation on Kaurna Country - Riverdale Primary School

The Culturally Responsive Framework - Workforce Strategy

Excellence in Leadership

Craig Akehurst, Principal - Port Lincoln High School

Madeleine McArthur, Deputy Principal - Long Street Primary School

Margaret Roads, Principal - Ardrossan Area School