We’re proud to announce the winners and finalists of the 2025 Victorian School Design Awards.
The awards recognise how architects are making Victoria a world leader in school and kindergarten design.
Our judges select finalists for the innovation, creativity and practicality their designs bring to the government schools and kindergartens we build and modernise.
These projects inspire students to learn and make it easier for educators to teach. Some were designed to honour the history of the existing building. Others to incorporate the natural environment around them. Some of the designs reflect the principles of the subjects students will study in the spaces. Many demonstrate innovative environmental sustainability.
These awards help drive design excellence. They’re also a showcase to inspire other kindergartens and schools planning similar projects.
Best new kindergarten or early learning centre
The winner was JFKDESiGN for the expansion and redevelopment of St Kilda & Balaclava Kindergarten, Australia’s oldest kinder.
AOA Christopher Peck was a finalist for their expansion and renewal of Ashwood Memorial Kindergarten and Content Studio for the new indoor and outdoor learning spaces at J J McMahon Memorial Kindergarten.
Best school project – below $5 million
The winner was WHDA for the significant upgrade of sport, staff and library areas at Swan Hill Specialist School.
Kart Projects was selected as a finalist for converting an old gym into a modern STEAM centre at Banyan Fields Primary School, and McIldowie Partners for the new learning centre at Mordialloc Beach Primary School.
Best school project – between $5 million and $15 million
The winner was BSPN Architecture for upgrades to the heritage building, library and playground at Moonee Ponds West Primary School.
Atelier Wagner Architects was selected as a finalist for the multipurpose gym at Bell Primary School, and Studio Bright for the new gym and learning centre at Kerrimuir Primary School.
Best school project – above $15 million
The winner was Kerstin Thompson Architects for the 3-storey STEM and library building at Northcote High School.
Brand Architects was selected as a finalist for the new 3-storey STEAM building with outdoor learning spaces at Alamanda K-9 College.
K2LD Architects and ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects were finalists for Kuyim Primary School, a new school in Pakenham.
Best project – First Nations design
The winner was ARM Architecture for Shepparton’s (Yorta Yorta) First Nations education, sport and community hub, Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence.
Brand Architects and DesignInc were selected as finalists for Barayip Primary School, a new school in Tarneit.
Kosloff Architecture was a finalist for the new competition-grade gym and playground at Pascoe Vale Primary School.
Minister’s Award
The winner was Perkins Architects for the new learning communities at Footscray City Primary School.
For more information on the above projects, visit the Victorian School Design Awards winners and finalists webpage.
2025 award winners
St Kilda & Balaclava Kindergarten
Best new kindergarten or early learning centre
Swan Hill Specialist School
Best school project – below $5 million
Moonee Ponds West Primary School
Best school project – between $5 million and $15 million
Northcote High School
Best school project – above $15 million
Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence
Best project – First Nations design
Footscray City Primary School
Minister’s Award
Explore more about school building design
Supported inclusion schools
Supported inclusion schools are mainstream primary or secondary schools designed to support a higher number of students with a disability.
Modular kindergarten buildings
As funded kindergarten for 3 and 4-year-olds becomes more available across Victoria, we are making sure there are enough kindergarten places to meet increased demand.
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