26 Jun 2014

Otumoetai Intermediate takes top prize

8:38 am on 26 June 2014

A Tauranga school has won the top prize in the inaugural Prime Minister's Education Excellence Awards.

Otumoetai Intermediate won the supreme award and was co-winner, with Kerikeri High School, of the excellence in teaching and learning award.

The awards are part of a government push to increase the status and professionalism of teachers and have a prize pool of $180,000.

Education Minister Hekia Parata said the awards were an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and share highly effective and innovative practices happening across the education system.

"These awards show the wonderful work being done every day by teachers, principals, trustees, education leaders and communities in classrooms and centres around the country."

The winners:

  • Supreme Prize - Otumoetai Intermediate School, Tauranga;
  • Excellence in Engaging - St Thomas of Canterbury College, Christchurch;
  • Excellence in Leading - Makoura College, Masterton;
  • Excellence in Teaching and Learning - Kerikeri High School and Otumoetai Intermediate School;
  • Excellence in Governing - Noku Te Ao early childhood centre, Christchurch;
  • Focus on Learner-led Pathways - Top of the South Trades Academy, Nelson.