Rachel Byrne
Hunter Sports High School, NSW
Awabakal
Teaching Fellow
Rachel Byrne is a bold visionary school leader transforming learning at Hunter Sports High School, located in one of NSW’s most disadvantaged communities. With 22% of students identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and a student body that includes elite athletes, students with complex needs, and those at risk of disengagement, Rachel has reimagined what inclusive, future-focused education can look like.
Under her leadership, Hunter Sports High has implemented a suite of personalised academies that offer diverse pathways — combining Big Picture Learning, VET, school-based apprenticeships, academic streams and elite sports programs. These tailored approaches ensure every student is deeply engaged in meaningful, real-world learning and supported to succeed beyond school.
The results speak volumes; the school has doubled its Band 5 and 6 HSC results in two years, achieved significant NAPLAN growth, improved attendance, and dramatically reduced suspensions. Winning The Educator’s Australian School of the Year in 2024, Hunter Sports High has become a national model of innovation and equity under Rachel’s leadership.
Rachel is also influencing the broader system through her work with the University of Melbourne’s New Metrics project, NSW Department of Education AI initiatives, and partnerships with the NRL and Australian Olympic Committee. Humble yet trailblazing, she is committed to sharing her learnings with schools across Australia to help more students thrive.