St Andrew’s Anglican College has once again demonstrated why it is one of the most sought-after schools in Queensland, being recognised on the national stage as a finalist in two categories of the prestigious 2025 Australian Educator Awards: Best School STEM Program and Regional School of the Year .

The Australian Education Awards, now in their eighth year, recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the country’s top performing schools, principals, department heads and teachers.

College Principal Ms Karen Gorrie said these nominations are testament to the College’s unwavering commitment to innovation and academic excellence as a leading independent co-educational school from Prep to Year 12 on the Sunshine Coast.

As a finalist for Best School STEM Program , St Andrew’s is being recognised for its groundbreaking approach to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) learning. With over 1400 students, the College has embedded a dynamic, hands-on STEAM curriculum across Primary and Secondary, prioritising real-world application and creative problem-solving and the implementation of a College-wide approach to design-centred learning.

A standout initiative for St Andrew’s, has been creating an immersive and consistent STEAM education culture. This includes weekly timetabled STEAM lessons, STEAM Sprints, termly student-led STEAM-based inquiry projects, Robotics Immersion Days, exposure to cutting-edge technologies and future career pathways, an extensive array of specialised subjects as well as access to industry professionals who regularly visit the College. These STEAM experts, including Cyber Experts, Engineers, App Developers, and Design Thinking specialists, provide invaluable real-world insights, help build ideas and see future career pathways.

“Our program empowers students to lead their learning, tackle global challenges and grow into confident, curious innovators,” said Ms Gorrie.

“We aim to develop young people with the skills and attributes needed to thrive and positively impact the future. Our focus on STEAM skills recognise the importance they will play for the future workforce and the crucial part they will play in solving global challenges – empowering our students with the mindset and skills to succeed.”

St Andrew’s nomination for Regional School of the Year reflects its commitment to a well-rounded, future-ready education. Beyond academic excellence, the College offers rich opportunities in sport, music, the arts and service learning, developing students’ confidence, resilience and capacity for meaningful self-reflection.

Central to this approach is the College’s ‘Personal Capacity’ framework, which goes beyond academic success to focus on the skills and character needed to thrive in a fast-paced and interconnected world. A standout initiative is CQuest, a cultural intelligence micro-credential developed by the St Andrew’s Institute of Learning (SAIL) in partnership with global experts, preparing students to work effectively in diverse environments.

“Our regional location is not a barrier, it’s a strength,” Ms Gorrie said.

“It allows us to offer personalised, relationship-rich education while delivering world-class opportunities.”

The driving force behind St Andrew’s achievements is a passionate team of educators who bring learning to life through innovative programs both in and beyond the classroom while building strong, supportive relationships with students. By fostering trust and belonging, staff create an environment where every child is known, valued and empowered to thrive.

At the core of the College’s success is its future-focused culture built through teacher leadership and strong partnerships with universities, industry experts, and global networks. These connections keep both staff and students at the cutting edge of educational innovation.

“Being shortlisted for these awards is a proud affirmation of our team's dedication and continued work,” Ms Gorrie said.

“Our staff are not only educators, they're researchers, mentors, and leaders in their fields.

“Through national conferences, professional learning, and collaboration across disciplines, we continue to raise the bar for what’s possible in regional education.”

In 2024 St Andrew’s was awarded Secondary School of the Year (non-government) at the same awards, as well as earning the title of a 5-Star Innovative School by The Educator magazine.

Winners of the 2025 Australian Educator Awards will be announced at a gala ceremony in Sydney later this year.