Haileybury has been named Australian School of the Year at the 2026 Australian Education Awards, with this national recognition reflecting the collective efforts of staff and students across the School.
The Australian School of the Year title followed Haileybury being named Primary School of the Year – Non-government for a record seventh time, while Deputy Head of Mathematics Duncan Berg received the Secondary Teacher of the Year – Non-government award.
Each year, the Australian Education Awards recognise top-performing government and non-government schools across the country in a range of categories.
Derek Scott, Haileybury CEO|Principal, says the latest awards reflect the hard work, commitment and professionalism of the educators and staff across Haileybury’s campuses.
“Students at Haileybury flourish because of our strong teaching and developmental framework,” says Derek.
“Our evidence-based teaching methods, strong community ethos and clear focus on delivering education excellence in a safe and supportive learning environment have created a school where students and staff have a genuine sense of connection and place. This enables everyone within Haileybury’s community to thrive.”
Primary School of the Year – Non-government
Being named Primary School of the Year – Non-government is another significant achievement for the School and reflects the importance Haileybury places on the early years of education.
Haileybury’s Primary School program delivers leading teaching and learning programs while fostering strong relationships between teachers, students and families.
Key to student success is our purposeful Explicit Teaching Model where students move from the teacher modelling the skill (I Do), to guided practice alongside their teacher (We Do), and then to independent learning (You Do). Haileybury continues to share this effective model with schools and educators across Australia and globally. The evidence-based teaching mode ensures that students have strong foundational skills in Literacy and Numeracy.
Our Primary School also supports each student’s holistic development through a broad, engaging curriculum and a culture of learning that meets individual needs, nurtures self-esteem, and provides just the right amount of challenge to help students grow and remain curious.
“During the early years of school, a child’s education really takes flight. This is when schools can shape a child’s love of learning, spark curiosity and help them build the confidence they need to ask questions and discover the things that excite them,” says Derek.
Secondary School Teacher of the Year – Non-government – Duncan Berg
Haileybury’s teachers are the most important factor in the School’s achievements and Duncan Berg exemplifies the qualities and commitment of Haileybury educators.
The 2026 Secondary School Teacher of the Year – Non-government is committed to excellence and innovation, and his student-centred and flexible teaching approach has helped many Haileybury students on the path to success.
Last year, for example, five of Duncan’s VCE Specialist Mathematics and General Mathematics students achieved perfect scores of 50.
Duncan leads the Year 12 Specialist Mathematics subject across four campuses, including the Haileybury Pangea online campus, but his influence extends far beyond the classroom.
He plays a key role in student wellbeing and has managed and coached Haileybury’s First Basketball team to an unprecedented five consecutive APS Premierships and the national Division 1 championship.
“Duncan is an exceptional teacher. His students consistently achieve outstanding academic results and benefit from his support and encouragement outside the classroom,” says Derek Scott.
“Duncan wants each student to achieve their best in all areas of school life and he helps them do this with confidence and genuine care. We congratulate Duncan on an accolade that is well deserved.”
Haileybury’s partner school in Darwin, Haileybury Rendall School, was also recognised, receiving the Regional School of the Year award.
“At Haileybury, every student matters every day, and every staff member matters every day,” says Derek.
“That belief is an integral part of every action and decision we make and has helped Haileybury become the school we are so proud of today.”
