We’re proud to announce the winners and finalists of the 2026 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.
For more information visit the Victorian School Design Awards webpage.
2026 VSDA winners
Congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2026 awards. For more information on the architectural highlights and the judges' thoughts on the winners and finalists, visit the Victorian School Design Awards winners and finalists webpage.
First Nations design award
The winner of the First Nations design category award was Y2 Architecture for the new primary and supported inclusion school and a kindergarten in Leneva, Kerribana Primary School and Kerribana Kindergarten.
Finalists in this category were Brand Architects for the Early Learning Victoria centres Wirmal, Thookay Yarkeen and Barribina, and Tectura for a new tech school at Chisholm Institute Dandenong, Dandenong Tech School.
New kindergarten or early learning centre
The winner of the new kindergarten or early learning centre category award was BSPN Architecture for the new kindergarten and children’s hub at Carlo Acutis Catholic Primary School, Carlo Acutis Children's Hub, Wollert – Kindergarten.
Kneeler Design Architects was a finalist for their upgrade to the kinder and outdoor play space at Melbourne Montessori School, and Brand Architects for the new Early Learning Victoria centre at Murrum Primary School in Weir Views, Early Learning Victoria Murrum.
Small school project – value below $5 million
The winner of the small school project – value below $5 million category award was Peter Elliott Architecture + Urban Design for the significant upgrades of 2 learning centres and outdoor spaces at Kingston Heath Primary School.
Atelier Wagner Architects was selected as a finalist for a new administration and staff facility at Heathmont East Primary School, and MSM & Associates were also finalists for the new junior years learning and administration building at Moe Primary School.
Medium school project – value between $5 million and $15 million
Joint winners of the medium school project – value between $5 million and $15 million category award were Kennedy Nolan Architects for the upgraded gymnasium, food technology and music spaces at Footscray West Primary School, and Kart Projects for the new outdoor and community space (COLA), multipurpose space and senior hub at Officer Specialist School.
Finalists in this category were Project 12 Architecture for the new senior learning hub at Peninsula Specialist College, MUSK Studio for the new STEAM and administration building at Badger Creek Primary School, and CO.OP Studio for the refurbished middle school building at Hume Valley School.
Large school project – value above $15 million
The winner of the large school project – value above $15 million category award was DesignInc for the new STEAM and single-storey building at Benalla P–12 College.
K2LD Architects and ClarkeHopkinsClarke were selected as a finalist for the new primary school in Clyde North, Balambalam Primary School. Kerstin Thompson Architects were finalists for the new 3-storey building with landscaped rooftop at Glen Eira College.
Minister’s Award
The winner of the Minister’s Award was Playce and WHDA for the new outdoor playspace at Aurora School.
2026 judges
- Sarah Kahn, Senior Adviser, Architecture and Urban Design, Office of the Victorian Government Architect
- Ben Cleveland, Associate Professor – Learning Environments, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, University of Melbourne
- Evan Grizos, Manager, First Nations – System Inclusion and Workforce Development Unit, Department of Education
- Jo Wandel, Chief Executive Officer, Victorian School Building Authority
- Avril Smith, Executive Director, Major Projects and Property Division, Victorian School Building Authority
- Amanda Smith, Executive Director, Project Delivery, Victorian School Building Authority
- Jessica Spiers, Director, Early Childhood State Projects, Victorian School Building Authority
Explore more about 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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