Ballina Coast High School has been recognised as one of the state’s leading public schools after taking out the 2026 Secretary’s Award for Outstanding School Achievement, while two of its students also received some of NSW public education’s highest individual honours.

The awards were presented at the NSW Public Education Awards in Sydney last night, with the school recognised for its approach to placing students at the centre of decision-making and school improvement.

Year 12 School Captain Clem de Vos and Year 11 Big Picture student Shakira Hargrave were also presented with Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Student Achievement.

The Secretary’s Award recognises the school’s transformation over the past three years, during which students have become active partners in shaping school culture, learning and community connections.

Among the initiatives, students have helped redesign learning spaces alongside architects, produced professional films with industry mentors, led artificial intelligence learning with staff and local businesses, and co-designed the school’s Orientation Week to help new students settle into high school.

Principal Peter Howes said the awards reflected what could be achieved when schools genuinely trusted students to help shape their education.

“These awards are a wonderful recognition of what is possible when schools genuinely partner with young people,” he 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 receiving the school’s award alongside the two student honours made the recognition even more meaningful.

“It reflects exactly what public education should do: create opportunities, build confidence and help every student discover that they can make a meaningful contribution to their community.”

Clem’s award recognises his leadership and advocacy, including his work promoting respectful relationships and preventing gender-based violence.

He said public education had helped shape the person he had become.

“To me, public education is about belonging,” he said.

“It’s about walking into a school where you’re accepted for who you are, where teachers see potential in you before you see it in yourself, and where you’re given every opportunity to grow, succeed and make a difference.”

Shakira’s award acknowledges her journey through the school’s Big Picture program, where she has combined internships with wildlife organisations, vocational training and university study while pursuing a career in wildlife conservation and veterinary science.

“Big Picture has given me opportunities I never imagined possible and helped me discover my passion for wildlife conservation,” she said.

Mr Howes said the students demonstrated there was no single pathway to success.

“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.”

Ballina Coast High School’s success could continue later this year, with the school also a finalist in the Australian Education Awards for Innovation in Learning Environments.