Ballina Coast High School has been recognised as one of NSW’s leading public schools, taking out the 2026 Secretary’s Award for Outstanding School Achievement at the NSW Public Education Awards in Sydney.
The school’s success was matched by two of its students, with Year 12 School Captain Clem de Vos and Year 11 student Shakira Hargrave each receiving a Minister’s Award for Excellence in Student Achievement.
The awards recognise the school’s focus on involving students in shaping school life and learning. Over the past three years, students have helped redesign learning spaces, worked with industry mentors to produce films, led artificial intelligence workshops with staff and local businesses, and co-designed the school’s Orientation Week.
Principal Peter Howes said the recognition reflected a culture of partnering with students rather than making decisions for them.
‘These awards are a wonderful recognition of what is possible when schools genuinely partner with young people,’ Mr Howes said.
‘We are intentionally working to create a culture where students are not simply participants in their education; they are contributors, leaders and decision-makers.’
Mr Howes said the awards recognised not only the achievements of the two students, but the broader school community.
‘Clem and Shakira represent the very best of public education,’ he said.
‘Their journeys are different, but both have embraced opportunities, demonstrated exceptional character and shown what can happen when young people are supported to discover their strengths, find their voice and pursue their passions.’
Clem was recognised for his leadership and advocacy around respectful relationships and the prevention of gender-based violence, while Shakira’s award celebrated her work through the school’s Big Picture program, where she is pursuing wildlife conservation and veterinary science through internships, vocational training and university study.
Ballina Coast High School is also a finalist in the Innovation in Learning Environments category at the upcoming Australian Education Awards.
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