Nominations open for 2025 WA Education Awards with new focus on early childhood excellence

Western Australia’s top educators and schools are set to be recognised, with nominations now open for the 2025 WA Education Awards. This year’s program introduces two new categories that highlight the critical role of early childhood education and the outstanding contributions of individual teachers.

The annual awards celebrate innovation, inclusion and excellence across WA public schools. In 2024, 24 schools were acknowledged for their achievements. The 2025 awards will shine an even brighter spotlight on the inspiring work occurring in classrooms and early learning environments across the state.

For the first time, nominations are invited for:

• Minister’s Teacher of the Year – recognising exemplary teachers across primary, secondary, education support and early childhood settings. This category honours educators who demonstrate outstanding professional practice, leadership, and strong collaboration with colleagues, families and the community.
• Excellence in Early Childhood Education – acknowledging early childhood centres and programs that achieve exceptional outcomes in early learning and development. Nominees must demonstrate inclusive practices and effective partnerships with families to ensure every child thrives.

Education Minister Sabine Winton said the new categories reflect the pivotal role teachers and early learning programs play in shaping the lives of WA children.

“We all have a teacher who has left a lasting mark on our lives. This award highlights the exceptional impact individual teachers have on students, ensuring their contributions are recognised and celebrated,” Ms Winton said.

“The new early childhood category recognises strong partnerships with families and measurable impacts on young children’s learning and wellbeing.”

Other categories for 2025 include:

• Excellence in School Leadership
• Excellence in Teaching and Learning – Primary
• Excellence in Teaching and Learning – Secondary
• Excellence in Disability and Inclusion
• Excellence in Wellbeing and Learning
• Excellence in Cultural Responsiveness

Each winning school or educator will receive $20,000 to invest in programs or professional development. Finalists in each category will receive $5,000.

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 5 September 2025. Winners will be announced at a presentation event in November.

For full details and to submit a nomination, visit: WA Education Awards 2025 – Department of Education.