WAPPA is committed to the successful development of quality teaching and learning for primary school students through the identification and cultivation of exemplary leadership.

The WAPPA Grants provide funding to enable members to build their capacity to provide high level educational leadership resulting in a positive impact in the school. The Awards recognise the outstanding leadership and dedication amongst our members.

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
Applications Close: EXTENDED TO Friday, 18 July

Awards will be presented at the 2025 Paywise WAPPA Conference. Nominees and winners along with special guests will be invited to celebrate. 

Awards & Grant Sundowner: Wednesday, 27 August 2025

Aspirant Leadership Award

The award recognises a WAPPA Aspirant member who has shown innovation and leadership within their school, building their own capacity, along with the capacity of others. 

Eligibility 

Nominee must be: 

  • A current financial WAPPA Aspirant Member (as per item 9 (5) of the Constitution) for a minimum period of 12 months at the time of nominating. 
  • Working in primary education in a school setting at the time of the nomination closing date. 
  • Remaining a financial WAPPA Member for the duration of the award. 

Application Guidelines 

Nominees are required to submit the following documents:  

  1. written statement, addressing each of the Assessment Criteria (Total of two (2) A4 pages maximum in 11pt Arial with a 20mm margin on all sides. Word and page limits are strictly enforced. 
  2. Supporting information of up to two additional A4 pages for photo, data, graphics or testimonials can be included. 
  3. All documents to be submitted as a PDF document. 

Note: Should the selection panel require further information, the nominee will be contacted. 

Assessment Criteria 

Nominations should address these criteria with specific examples: 

  1. Demonstrated innovation and leadership within the school 
  2. Developed self-leadership and/or leadership of others 
  3. Led impactful improvements, innovations, or changes that benefit student learning or school growth 
  4. Reflected critically on personal growth and key attributes for school leadership

Leading School Awards

The WAPPA Leading Schools Awards celebrate schools that implement initiatives to enhance student and community outcomes. Success is achieved through strong leadership, a growth-oriented school community, and commitment to improvement. Awards recognize schools excelling in innovation, planning, and achieving targeted improvements in three categories: 

  • Leadership in Teaching and Learning 
  • Leadership in Wellbeing, Culture, and Community 
  • Leadership in Cultural Responsiveness

Applicants must demonstrate the initiative’s purpose, change management, and positive impact on schools, students, or the community.

Eligibility 

Nominee must be: 

  • A current financial WAPPA Ordinary Member (as per item 9 (1) of the Constitution). 
  • Applicants must have retained Financial Ordinary Membership status continuously for a minimum of three years. 
  • Applicants must remain a Financial WAPPA member for the duration of and execution of the award. 

Application Guidelines 

Application must include: 

  1. Written Statement: Addressing all Assessment Criteria (max 2 A4 pages, 11pt Arial, 20mm margins). If there are multiple members of the team, please clearly identify the lead and list additional members. Mandatory. 
  2. Supporting Information: Up to 2 additional pages for photos, data, graphics, or testimonials, and/or a video (max 3 minutes). Optional 
  3. Format: Submit as a PDF, with video attached or linked if applicable.

Assessment Criteria 

Application must address: 

  1. Purpose: Describe the initiative and why it was needed in your school. 
  2. Objectives and Goals: Outline main objectives and necessary changes to implement the initiative. 
  3. Leadership Team: Identify team members and their roles in implementation. 
  4. Effective Impact: Explain the outcomes of the initiative and how it enhances student outcomes. 

Leading from the Front Action Research Grant

Proudly sponsored by: 

 Concept AV Logo

In schools, action research uses various methods to identify and address organisational, academic, or instructional challenges. This approach enables educators to develop practical solutions or enhance educational practices through ongoing evaluation and investigation. 

The WAPPA Leading from the Front Action Research Grant supports projects that follow the action research cycle—planning, acting, observing, reflecting, and replanning—to achieve evidence-based improvements for schools, teachers, or programs. Grants up to $10,000 are available for new or ongoing projects. Applicants should demonstrate educational leadership, emphasising their role and the team’s accomplishments. While Professional Learning may be included, this is a research-focused grant.

Eligibility 

Nominee must be: 

  • A current financial WAPPA Ordinary Member (as per item 9 (1) of the Constitution). 
  • Applicants must have retained Financial Ordinary Membership status continuously for a minimum of three years at the time of nominating. 
  • Applicants must remain a Financial WAPPA member for the duration of and execution of the awarded grant. 

Application Guidelines 

Application must include: 

  1. Written Statement: Addressing Assessment Criteria items 1–5 (max 3 A4 pages, 11pt Arial, 20mm margins). If there are multiple applicants clearly identify the lead and list additional applicants. 
  2. Budget, Resources, and Timeline: A separate 1-page A4 document outlining a detailed budget and timeline, including resources. 
  3. Format: Submit as a PDF. 

Assessment Criteria 

  1. Project Overview: Project summary and target group details. 
  2. Objectives and Goals: Intended achievements, what are the expected changes the project will lead to and how does this address a school or system need. 
  3. Applicant Role(s): Identify lead applicant and roles in joint applications. 
  4. Effective Impact: Contribution to school leadership development and student outcomes. 
  5. Success Criteria: Metrics for evaluating the projects success. 
  6. Budget, Resources, and Timeline: Estimated costs, non-financial resources, and project dates.