Clayfield College recognised for Excellence in Australian Education Awards

15 May 2023

As a College community, we are thrilled to announce that we have received two Excellence Awards as part of the 2023 Australian Education Awards. These annual accolades are recognised as the leading independent awards for the K-12 education sector and celebrate the outstanding achievements and transformative work of the country’s top performing schools, leaders and teachers. 

Congratulations to:

  • Audrey Fellowes, Deputy Principal and Head of Primary - Excellence Awardee – Primary School Principal of the Year (Non-Government)
  • Clayfield College Boarding House - Excellence Awardee - Boarding School of the Year 


It is a significant achievement to be shortlisted as finalists. Our Excellence Awardees have already been acknowledged in The Educator, with the overall winners to be announced at an awards gala in August in Sydney.

It is the second Excellence Award for the Boarding House which received the same accolade in 2021. The Award is recognition for the caring and supportive “family style” environment in our Boarding House which creates a place of belonging for our students. In addition to the academic and pastoral care programs in the Boarding House, the past 12 months have seen a significant revitalisation of the Boarding House’s physical infrastructure, with a new kitchen and dining area, new catering provider (Chartwells) and new security door and reception area. All these developments have been overseen by Mrs Kathryn Searle, our Head of Boarding.

It is the first time that Audrey Fellowes has been recognised at the Australian Education Awards. As Deputy Principal and Head of Primary, Audrey has overseen growth in the numbers of students in the Primary School as well as introducing innovative programs such as Bush School and the MacqLit and MiniLit literacy programs which continue to support and uplift our students’ performance.

Clayfield College Dr Andrew Cousins says the College is justifiably proud of our Award winners.

“Audrey and Kathryn have worked tirelessly in recent years as we have sought to uplift the College and transition to our future as a fully co-educational school. These Excellence Awards are deserved reward for their dedication, innovation and capability,” said Dr Cousins.

“The sense of growth and freshness at the College is truly palpable, and these Awards provide great encouragement for the whole College to continue to strive for excellence. We look forward to the announcement of the overall winners in August.”