Since 2007, Gawura School – a 100% First Nations school – has been honing its unique approach to First Nations education, offering a culturally enriched Kindergarten to Year 6 education, and access to outstanding opportunities and facilities. Our students access learning that is culturally relevant and safe, without the need to leave home or Community.
In a safe and inspiring learning environment, First Nations students embrace their God-given gifts and cultural assets. Their knowledge, histories, and languages are valued, ensuring equitable opportunities and fostering deep connections to Country for all learners, so that students can ‘walk confidently in different worlds.’
The heart of what makes Gawura School unique
Recognising the complexity and courage required to walk proudly in different worlds, we are an interconnected community of students, parents, carers, staff, Elders, alumni and community, dedicated to building strong relationships that strengthen learners.
We know the value of linking students to a purposeful pathway, and empowering them as confident, hope-filled champions of a just tomorrow.
Cultural spaces and purpose – built learning environments
Gawura School is a ‘school within a school’, sharing its location in the heart of the city with St Andrew’s Cathedral School, in a high-rise building next to Sydney Town Hall. Classrooms and spaces at Gawura School value and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identities, histories and cultures.
Students also enjoy all the facilities offered as Junior School students attending St Andrew’s Cathedral School, including a rooftop playground, indoor basketball court, purpose-built learning spaces, including access to specialist art, music, drama, sports facilities, and a dedicated outdoor education centre, Kirrikee, in the Southern Highlands. It’s the best of both worlds.
Small class sizes and individualised learning plans
Key to the success of Gawura School is the individual care and attention students receive from their teachers. The School has intentionally small class sizes, usually between 6–12 students to one teacher.
Our main entry point in Kindergarten usually enrols just five to six students, but when these students advance to Year 1 onwards they join a Stage class – composite Year 1/2, Year 3/4, and Year 5/6.
Student progress is assessed and monitored through Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs) and ongoing tracking processes. Assessment of a student’s progress is ongoing as they work towards achieving the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) requirements in skills and content, as well as developing values and attitudes.
Literacy and Numeracy
Gawura School’s curriculum has a strong focus on foundational skills in literacy and numeracy, utilising evidence-based programmes in a culturally supportive environment. Small class sizes, with no more than five to six students enrolled in Kindergarten in any one year, allow for individualised literacy and numeracy support and targeted instruction.
The teachers have extensive training in the best evidence-based practices, and implement high quality literacy and numeracy programmes with the support of Aboriginal Education Assistants.
In 2025, Gawura School students enjoyed their best ever NAPLAN results with students achieving above State averages in 6 out of 10 domains.
Outstanding results and attendance
Gawura School continues to defy trends in First Nations education. In 2025, Gawura School students had the best academic outcomes in NAPLAN in its history.
- 100% of Year 5 achieved in the top two bands in Spelling.
- 100% of Year 3 achieved in the top two bands in Writing
- 83% of Year 3 achieved in the top two bands in Numeracy.
In addition, Gawura School reported student attendance of 85%, above the national average of 81%.
Students also continue to thrive with an Overall Social-Emotional Wellbeing score of 123.4, above the national average of 118.7.
Source:
ACER Social-Emotional Wellbeing Survey 2025
ACARA National Report on Schooling in Australia: Student Attendance
Purposeful pathways
As students graduate from Gawura School to St Andrew’s Cathedral School’s Secondary School, we are intentional about creating pathways aligned with their gifts.
Mentorship programmes and career support not only create a strong sense of belonging, but connection and engagement with studies, and a hopeful vision of the future. Helping students embrace their God-given gifts and cultural assets, by finding their voice, and their individual strengths and passions, equips them with the necessary credentials to pursue lives of purpose and influence.
Parent and carer involvement
Gawura School seeks to be a culturally welcoming place for students, parents and carers, where education is not a transaction, but a transformative journey in partnership with families and Elders, shaped by the principle of ‘nothing about us, without us’.
Much of Gawura School’s success comes down to the involvement of parents and carers. First Nations education only succeeds with genuine involvement, partnership, and reciprocity, between the School and parents or caregivers. Gawura School families are an essential part of the school community, meeting regularly as the Gawura School Parent Advisory Group (GPAC), at yarning sessions, and supporting the cultural knowledge of students.
High expectations built on strong relationships
Driven by central beliefs around the infinite worth and unique giftings of each child, Gawura School teachers combine high expectations with strong, caring relationships.
By viewing high expectations through a relational lens, teachers at Gawura School motivate students in ways that enhance belief in themselves as learners, foster inclusive and supportive environments, strengthen connections with families and community, and ultimately achieve high student attendance, engagement and wellbeing, as students are nurtured by committed, respectful relationships.
Award winning
In 2020 Gawura School was named Australian School of the Year at the Australian Education Awards. Judges acknowledged the school for its approach and impact.
“Innovative approach to a First Nations-led education within a mainstream system.”
“A greater emphasis on ensuring that the broader school community has a high level of respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and perspectives.”
“Learning evidenced by supporting data.”
“Wonderful almost unheard-of outcomes.”