2025 winners

Overall winner

Leah Crockford, Leanyer Primary School, Darwin

Leah is an accomplished Northern Territory principal whose career exemplifies excellence, innovation, and deep commitment to student achievement. Since 2011, she has led Berry Springs Primary School and Leanyer School, transforming their school cultures through evidence-based pedagogy and collaborative co-teaching models. Her strategic vision has driven sustained student achievement, with Leanyer Primary School’s 2025 NAPLAN results exceeding national standards in Reading, Writing, and Numeracy. The school’s excellence was recognised in their 2024 School Review.

Leah’s influence extends beyond the school gates through her involvement in the NTPA Executive, the Independent Public Schools network and as a member of Education and Training Executive Board. She mentors and supports leaders in other schools, in urban, rural, and remote settings, fostering systemic improvement.

Leah’s innovative approaches include embedding innovation embedding whole-school curriculum and assessment approaches including the Science of Reading, strengthening student voice, and expanding cultural competence across Leanyer's diverse school community. Her contributions have earned national recognition, including the Global Teacher Awards, the Chief Minister’s Public Sector Excellence Award, and a CBA Teaching Fellowship, and with her school featured on the front page of the Australian as the Territory’s top school for NAPLAN growth. Leah continues to inspire excellence and equity in education across the Territory.

Regional winners

Overall winner

Anica Beckett, Kintore Street School, Big Rivers

Regional winners

Overall winner

Josh Lander, Larapinta Primary School, Central

Regional winners

Overall winner

Sue Rae, Top End Corporate Office, Top End

Regional winners

Overall winner

Sarah George, Ross Park Primary School, Central

Regional winners

Overall winner

Josh Keating, Henbury School, Darwin

Regional winners

Overall winner

Roxine Smith, Gapuwiyak School, East Arnhem

Regional winners

Overall winner

Mary Noonan, Rockhampton Downs School, Barkly

Mary started as an Assistant Teacher and Cleaner in 2004 at Rockhampton Downs (Wogyala) School. She has been a passionate and dedicated Assistant Teacher at Rockhampton Downs School for over 20 years, supporting students’ learning and engagement. She is a firm believer that education is the key to success – opening doors to personal growth, achievement, and future opportunities. A highlight of Mary’s career was supporting students on a trip to Sydney. This experience offered students a chance to explore new horizons and reinforced the value of education as a pathway to exciting possibilities.

Mary was a strong parent advocate in the community for the establishment of the school and has worked passionately to maintain education provisions in the community and in Tennant Creek when there have been periods in access issues in the community due to weather and staffing

Mary cares deeply about ensuring education “boosts the confidence” of young people and “sets them on a path of growth for their future”

Regional winners

Overall winner

Sophie Grambeau, Gunbalanya School, Top End

Sophie has been teaching across the East and West Arnhem lands for the past decade. She has had the privilege of learning from and working alongside the rich Indigenous knowledges, languages, and cultures of the Northern Territory. These experiences have shaped her teaching and who she is as a person.

Sophie’s passion lies in making learning meaningful for young people in remote contexts - creating practical and contextualised programs that build confidence, capability, and curiosity. With a background in NTCET and supporting Senior students, she now focusses on the Middle Years, helping students strengthen their English literacy and develop the skills and independence they’ll need for not only success at school but to transition into strong and authentic post-school pathways as they grow older.

Sophie says that remote teaching has been more than a career; it’s been a life I’m deeply grateful for. The connections with students, families, and colleagues, the privilege of living on and exploring Yolŋu and Bininj Country, and the chance to see young people grow into proud, capable young leaders for their community continues to motivate and drive the work I aim to do. I’ve learnt the power and impact of two-way learning, collaboration, and listening deeply to community voices.

Regional winners