Two primary schools in the Illawarra region have earned national recognition for achieving student results that significantly exceeded expectations in the latest round of NAPLAN testing.
Schools Recognised for Outstanding Progress
The Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) named Dapto Public School and Gwynneville Public School among the country's 'Schools Making a Difference' for their 2025 NAPLAN outcomes. The prestigious list, released on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, highlights institutions where a high proportion of students have made above-average progress in literacy and numeracy when compared to schools with similar socio-educational backgrounds.
For Dapto Public School, the region's largest primary school, the accolade is the culmination of years of consistent effort. Principal Tony Friedrich described the recognition as a "pat on the back" for his dedicated teaching team. "The teaching job's become harder and harder as life's gone on, I guess, and they respond beautifully every day... they really care about what they do for their kids," Mr Friedrich said.
The Power of Explicit Teaching and Stability
Both school leaders pointed to explicit teaching as a cornerstone of their success. This evidence-based practice involves teachers providing students with clear, direct instructions on what to learn, how to do it, and why it matters.
Mr Friedrich credited his school's stable teaching cohort for allowing programs to be developed and refined over time. "That focus on the explicit teaching is probably what makes a difference," he explained. "Having a thorough understanding of the syllabus, enacting that in classrooms every single day, there's a consistency and a discipline to it all."
At Gwynneville Public School, principal Tenae Carroll expressed excitement at seeing her school "showcased as a leader in education." She echoed the importance of targeted, individualised learning. "We set high expectations for our students, we get to know each and every child individually," Ms Carroll said. "We're able to really look at the data, navigate what the areas are that we need to focus on and we put in targeted support and interventions for each and every child."
More Than Just Test Scores
While proud of the strong NAPLAN performance, both principals emphasised that test results are only one measure of a school's success. Mr Friedrich highlighted the importance of nurturing creativity, pointing to the vibrant student artworks displayed throughout Dapto's library. "This added to the character of the school," he said, noting it helps keep children engaged in their learning.
Ms Carroll praised Gwynneville's diverse community and the vital role of parents, a sentiment Mr Friedrich shared. "Parents supporting their children, and making sure that they read with their kids at night, all those simple things add up and they collectively get to where you need to go," Mr Friedrich stated.
The recognition from ACARA validates the intensive, daily work undertaken by educators at these Illawarra institutions. It demonstrates that with consistent, high-quality teaching practices and strong community partnerships, schools can help all students achieve significant academic growth.
