New Zealand Education Excellence Awards 2026 | Nominate a School or Kura
- Feb 28
- 1 min read
A new national awards programme has been launched by the Ministry of Education to recognise outstanding schools and kura across Aotearoa.
The New Zealand Education Excellence Awards | Ngā Tohu Kairangi Mātauranga o Aotearoa celebrate schools and kura that are making a meaningful difference for learners, educators, and their communities.
The Awards aim to shine a light on practice that leads to excellent outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi, and to support the sharing of effective approaches across the system.
There are four award categories for 2026:
Excellence in raising student achievement
Excellence in student engagement and attendance
Excellence in quality teaching and instruction
Excellence in educational leadership
Awards are presented within different schooling settings, including primary (small and large), kaupapa Māori, and secondary. Winning schools and kura will receive a financial award as part of their recognition at a national awards ceremony in Wellington on 24 June 2026 .
How to take part
The New Zealand Education Excellence Awards 2026 provide a national platform to recognise excellence in achievement, engagement, teaching, and leadership across Aotearoa.
Anyone in the community — students, whānau, staff, or local supporters — can nominate a school or kura to apply. Nominations open on 16 March 2026 and close on 10 April 2026, with applications due by 1 May 2026 if the school accepts the nomination .
This is a great opportunity to celebrate the mahi of kaiako, leadership teams, and school communities whose work is making a positive difference for learners.
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