Blue Haven Public School named best public primary school in Australia

It’s official — the Central Coast has the best public primary school in Australia. The school, which shot from the bottom of the NAPLAN ladder to the top, also boasts ‘primary school principal of the year’.

Principal Paul McDermott with students (l-r) Bella Bradshaw, Jaxson Ireland, Phoenix Gomes, Aari Harris and Hunter Zustovich at Australia’s best public primary school. Picture: John Feder

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The 590 student from Blue Haven Public School couldn’t be happier.

They can officially say they attend Australia’s best public primary school.

The school was given the coveted title at the Australian Education Awards last Friday night, with many proud students rolling up to school on Monday wearing badges saying ‘I go to the best school in Australia’.

To top it off, their principal Paul McDermott was announced Government Primary School Principal of the Year.

“It was really exciting, and a big shock,” Mr McDermott said.

“We’ve got a great school and we knew we would be competitive but to win was just amazing. It was just a fantastic night for the school.”

Blue Haven Public School Principal Paul McDermott with Kindergarten students when news broke out they were finalists for Australian School of the Year. Picture: Sue Graham

He said the students were just beside themselves when they heard the news.

“I’m always at the front of the school in the mornings and on Monday there were parents beeping, waving and kids were wearing badges. We had a Book Week parade today where we walked the trophy around to show everyone.

“The buzz has been tremendous, especially for the kids who are so proud of the school.”

The public school has recorded mind-blowing success over the past two years shooting from the bottom of the table for NAPLAN results to the top.

In 2016, the school was in the bottom five per cent of NSW in relation to academic growth in Years 3-5. Last year, they were in the top six per cent.

The team from Blue Haven Public School at the Australian Education Awards

Since then, the school has welcomed more than 300 visitors.

“People are really keen to see what we are doing, and we are more than happy to have them,” Mr McDermott said.

He didn’t put the success of the school down to any particular program.

“We don’t use any specific programs,” he said.

“Everything is tailored towards the needs of the kids. We have strong wellbeing practices which makes sure the kids feel safe and valued.

“Educationally, we implemented evidence-based practices and the results have gone through the roof. The students are also behaving better and feeling safer, and we have also worked hard on community involvement and engagement.

“Getting parents through the door and into classrooms to see what the kids are doing has been pivotal. All of these ingredients have contributed to our success.”

Mr McDermott, who started at the school in August 2016, said he was also thrilled with his “unexpected” award.

“I accepted on the award on behalf of the staff, students and our families,” he said.

“It was amazing, we have such a great team here.”

One of the more quirky practices at the school includes teachers in silly suits providing valet services once or twice a term.

“We like to make school fun for our students,” Mr McDermott said.