In a landmark achievement for public education in New South Wales, Woollahra Public School has been declared the overall champion at the 2025 Da Vinci Decathlon, held on Thursday 22 May at Knox Grammar School in Wahroonga.

Participating in the prestigious academic competition for the first time, Woollahra’s Year 6 team of eight students outperformed 78 other teams—primarily from independent schools—to secure first place overall in the highly competitive division.

The Da Vinci Decathlon, named after the iconic Renaissance figure Leonardo da Vinci, is an internationally renowned academic challenge that tests gifted students across ten diverse disciplines: Engineering, Mathematics, Code Breaking, Art and Poetry, Science, English, Ideation, Creative Producers, Cartography, and Legacy.

Woollahra Public School delivered a stellar performance, taking first place in the Art and Poetry division, second in Engineering, and ultimately earning the title of 2025 NSW State Champions. This historic win marks the first time a public school has ever claimed the overall state title since the competition’s inception in 2002.

In addition to Woollahra’s state win, Tighes Hill Public School in Newcastle took out the Hunter region title.

The team’s results included first placings in Maths, Cartography, Code Breaking and Engineering, a second in Ideation and third in Creative Producers.

The Da Vinci Decathlon has traditionally been dominated by elite private schools, including Sydney Grammar, Knox Grammar, Trinity, Ascham, Cranbrook, PLC, and Scots. Woollahra's victory stands as powerful testimony to the academic strength and potential within the public education system.

Woollahra’s initiative was led by teacher Daniel Pozarik, who introduced the competition to the school and oversaw the team’s preparation. He was supported by Anna Hayward, Assistant Principal of the Opportunity Class (OC), who brought valuable experience from leading Tournament of Minds (TOMs) teams to national-level success.

“This is not just a win for Woollahra, but a significant milestone for NSW public education,” said Mr Pozarik. “Our students demonstrated exceptional creativity, intellect, and teamwork—qualities that define the spirit of this competition.”

Ms Hayward echoed the sentiment, noting the importance of opportunity and support in nurturing gifted learners.

“This achievement shows what’s possible when students are challenged and empowered to think critically and creatively,” she said.

Assistant Principal Kerrie Armstrong, who worked with the Tighes Hill team, said the competition was an exciting way for students to demonstrate their abilities.

“We have a strong record in providing challenges to stretch our students academically,” Ms Armstrong said.

“Taking that to another level in an external competition gives the students even more incentive and confidence when they succeed on a broader playing field.”

Woollahra Public School’s triumph in the 2025 Da Vinci Decathlon and Tighes Hill Public School’s success set a new precedent for excellence and provides an inspiring example of what public schools can accomplish on a state and national stage.