Mr CLAYTON BARR (Cessnock): Congratulations to Cessnock High School for being named a recipient of the 2026 Secretary’s Award for Outstanding School Achievement during the 2026 Public Education Awards. The awards presentation took place on 3 August 2026 at Sydney Town Hall and was attended by members of the Cessnock High Executive Team. The organisers of the Awards advised: Cessnock High School has demonstrated outstanding whole-school improvement through a consistent explicit teaching framework with a strong literacy and numeracy focus. Through evidence-informed practice, instructional leadership and collaborative professional learning, the school has embedded high-quality teaching across classrooms to improve engagement, achievement and equity outcomes. The initiative has resulted in exceptional literacy and numeracy growth, improved HSC outcomes, increased attendance and stronger student wellbeing and engagement. Recognised as seventh in NSW for NAPLAN Years 7 to 9 value-added growth and acknowledged by ACARA as a ‘School Making a Difference’, Cessnock High School exemplifies the transformative impact of education through excellence in teaching and leadership. Congratulations go to the entire school community who have made these incredible results a reality – from Principal Belinda Cooper and her dedicated teaching staff, every student, support staff, administration staff, parents, carers and guardians.
