Bishop Druitt College Named Excellence Awardee in Australian Education Awards 2026 for Regional School of the Year
Bishop Druitt College (BDC) has been recognised as an Excellence Awardee in the Australian Education Awards 2026, in the highly regarded category of Regional School of the Year. This national recognition positions the college among Australia’s leading regional schools and highlights its ongoing commitment to academic excellence, innovation, wellbeing, and opportunity for students in regional Australia.
National recognition for regional excellence
The Australian Education Awards celebrate outstanding achievement across the education sector, recognising schools that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and impact.
Being named an Excellence Awardee acknowledges Bishop Druitt College’s sustained performance across multiple areas of school life, including:
- Strong academic outcomes
- Innovative teaching and learning programs
- Student wellbeing and support
- Expanded learning pathways and opportunities
- Commitment to regional education excellence
This recognition reflects the college’s continued mission that location should never limit opportunity.
Strong academic results and future pathways
In 2025, Bishop Druitt College recorded its strongest academic results to date, supported by its largest graduating cohort. A standout achievement included 80% of university applicants receiving Early Entry offers, with students gaining access to highly competitive courses such as Medicine and Engineering.
These results reflect the strength of the college’s academic programs and its focus on preparing students for post-school success.
Innovation in learning: expanding what’s possible
BDC continues to invest in innovative educational models designed to meet the needs of modern learners, including:
- The Kaizen Initiative, focused on continuous improvement in teaching and learning
- The World Options elective model, supporting personalised student choice
- BDC Horizon Online, a fully registered distance education school delivering flexible learning pathways
These initiatives support students in regional, remote, and diverse learning contexts, ensuring access to high-quality education regardless of circumstance.
Flexible learning through BDC Horizon Online
Head of BDC Horizon Online, Craig Verbruggen, highlighted the transformative impact of the program.
“BDC Horizon Online is helping students and teachers think differently about learning and what is possible in a regional setting,” he said.
“It is opening doors for students who may be learning from remote areas, balancing elite sport commitments, or looking for more flexible pathways through Years 11 and 12. It has created opportunities for students to accelerate their learning while also supporting personalised pathways for our High Performance Program students.”
A whole-school achievement
Deputy Principal, Sue O’Connor, said the recognition reflects the shared effort of the entire school community.
“This recognition belongs to our staff, students, and families who contribute so much to the life of the college every day. At BDC, we believe where a student lives should never limit their opportunities, and we are proud to continue creating learning experiences that support every student to thrive.”
Excellence across wellbeing, sport, and the arts
In addition to academic achievement, Bishop Druitt College continues to be recognised for excellence in:
- Student wellbeing and pastoral care
- Sport and high-performance pathways
- Creative arts programs
- Community engagement and partnerships
- Staff development and workplace culture
The college was also recently recognised as a 5-Star Best School and 5-Star Employer of Choice, reinforcing its commitment to both student-centred learning and professional excellence.
Australian Education Awards 2026 ceremony
Winners of the Australian Education Awards 2026 will be announced at the national ceremony held at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney on Friday, 7 August 2026.
View the official list of Excellence Awardees here.
Recognition of the BDC community
This achievement reflects the dedication and contribution of the entire Bishop Druitt College community—staff, students, and families—working together to deliver outstanding education in a regional setting.
Back row from left: Christa Pitman, Ziggy Carpenter, Danai Tsipitsidis, Connor Aherne, Caroline Mostert, Andrea Wiffen.
Front row from left: Margot Lawlor, Emily Jarman, Indi Burton, Sarah Stokes, Archer Jordan, Emerson Uzzell.
As we all gather and stand upon Country, may we acknowledge and respect Gumbaynggirr Land and the thousands of years’ worth of both physical and spiritual connection to Country, culture and teachings embedded forever within these Lands.