The red carpet was rolled out as the stars of public schools were honoured for their efforts over the past 12 months at the NSW Public Education Awards last night.

This year’s ceremony, at a packed Sydney Town Hall, included 91 awards that celebrated the inspiring achievements, innovative ideas, and dedicated service that are shaping the future of public education across NSW.

Ballina Coast High School captain, Clem de Vos, who gave the student speech, spoke about how he had transferred from the private system in Year 7.

“That decision changed the course of my life. For the first time, I felt accepted, valued and part of a community where I could simply be myself,” de Vos said.

“Public education provides opportunities and experiences that shape us as people and untap our potential.”

De Vos received a Minister’s Award for Student Excellence noting his work as a school leader and his advocacy around domestic and family violence that has helped raise awareness of respectful relationships and encouraged others to stand up for what matters.

“Through the incredible encouragement of my teachers, I have been given the confidence to step outside my comfort zone, discover my voice and realise my potential,” he said.

“These experiences have shaped not only the leader I have become, but also the person I continue to strive to be.

“The strength of public education is about community, students, teachers and parents working together. Teachers who commit to public education are truly incredible.”

The Public Education Alumni of the Year was also announced with New York’s Juilliard School dance dean, Melissa Toogood, and marine biologist, Alex Schnell, sharing the honour.

Dr Schnell, a former Randwick High School student, urged students to pay attention to the things that aroused their curiosity.

Dr Schnell said “I certainly didn't know that was where I was headed when I was at Randwick, but I had parents who encouraged me to reach for the stars, and teachers who did the same, and the most supportive public education community.

“And I think that’s one of the great things about public education – it gives you the opportunity to find the thing that really engages you and then discover what you're capable of.”

Kooringal High School in Wagga Wagga emerged as the state's most awarded public school, taking home five awards across multiple categories, including the Secretary's Award for Outstanding School Achievement.

The Riverina’s only partially selective high school was recognised for its CoS We Care program, which was lauded as “an outstanding example of innovative public education in action”.

“By connecting primary and secondary students through authentic design thinking challenges, the initiative has strengthened transition, developed student leadership and created meaningful opportunities for high-potential learners to thrive,” the citation read.

“Importantly, it has elevated community confidence in public education, contributing to increased enrolments and positioning Kooringal High School as a school of choice.”

The awards night came on the opening day of Public Education Week 2026, with public schools across the State already celebrating this year's theme ‘Inspiring Excellence’.

Secretary of the NSW Department of Education Murat Dizdar said the awards recognised the extraordinary stories of achievement unfolding in public schools every day.

“Inspiring excellence starts with the people who show up for our students every day," he said.

"Teaching is one of the few professions where success is measured by the success of others. I’m proud these Awards recognise that.”

The full list of award winners can be found on the Public Education Foundation website.