ACEL Awards
Recognition of the profession by the profession

Proudly peer nominated.

Each year ACEL invites all members of the education profession to nominate an individual or team who has made a significant educational contribution and who has influenced education at a national or state and territory level in Australia. ACEL awards are proudly peer nominated.

The ACEL awards continue to grow in stature with educators being recognised for their contributions across a range of categories.

We encourage all educators to consider nominating worthy candidates for recognition of their leadership and service to education.

The Call for Nominations for both ACEL National and Branch awards and New Voice Scholarships will open concurrently on Wednesday 18 February 2026.

NOMINATE FOR NATIONAL AWARDS
NOMINATE FOR BRANCH AWARDS
NOMINATE FOR NEW VOICE SCHOLARSHIP

Nominations close
Wednesday 8 April at 11.59pm (AEDT)

Frequently Asked Questions

What if a person has an effective national role, but is not connected to a school/school network- are they still eligible for an ACEL award?

Most definitely – all educators are eligible for ACEL awards regardless of their workplace or role.

Do you have to be an ACEL member to receive an ACEL award?

No, ACEL awards are open to all members of the education profession.

What’s the difference between New Voice Scholars and the NextGen?

Both New Voice Scholars and NextGen are part of ACEL’s significant commitment to recognising the emerging voices in educational leadership. New Voice Scholarships include a particular focus on aspiring leaders, educational research, indigenous voice and early childhood, whilst NextGen is designed to give participants the opportunity to connect with and give voice to early career educators from across sectors and systems in Australia.

How are ACEL awards different to other educational awards in Australia?

ACEL awards are proudly peer nominated, with no self-nomination, other than New Voice Scholars, who may self-nominate given the early stage of their career. ACEL awards are held in high esteem by the profession, reflecting ACEL’s position as the premier not-for-profit educational leadership association in Australia.

What is the process to determine who receives ACEL awards?

All ACEL awards are determined by an awards committee made up of ACEL members with significant leadership experience. A rigorous process is undertaken to shortlist and select award winners.

What’s the difference between ACEL National and state/territory awards?

ACEL National Awards recognise the awardees' contribution to education beyond their own state/territory, whilst Branch Awards focus on the awardee’s contribution at the state/territory level.

Can an individual nominate themselves?

No, all ACEL awards other than New Voice Scholarships must be peer-nominated.

Can I nominate someone for an award in more than one category?

Yes, please feel free to do this if the person meets the criteria. The awards committee will then consider the most appropriate award if selected.

Can somebody be renominated the following year?

Yes, definitely. Awards committees may also reconsider unsuccessful candidates in the year following their nomination if they are considered deserving of an award.

Can ACEL National or Branch executive members receive awards?

No, currently sitting executive members are ineligible for awards.