Nyngan High School and Coonabarabran High School have been named among the top 10 regional public high schools in NSW recognised for having the greatest impact on improving students’ academic performance.

The recognition comes as part of newly released NSW Government research highlighting schools that have achieved strong learning growth between Year 9 NAPLAN results and the Higher School

Certificate in Year 12.

The announcement also included the top 20 metropolitan public high schools across the state, marking what the NSW Government has described as an Australian-first public release of value-added

school performance data.

At Nyngan High School, principal Debra Slack-Smith said the result reflects a sustained and deliberate focus on teaching and learning strategies proven to deliver results in the classroom.

“Our teachers are deeply committed to continually improving their practice,” Ms Slack-Smith said.

“Through targeted professional learning, collaboration and close attention to the evidence of what works best in the classroom, all our lessons are clear, structured and responsive to what the students need.”

The complete list of 'value add' schools was printed in the Daily Telegraph on December 17.

The achievement for the school also highlights the hard work of students, teachers and the strong support provided by families and the wider school community.

At Coonabarabran High School, relieving principal Duncan Graham said the passion of staff teaching within their specialist areas has been a key driver of the school’s success.

“The relationship between the staff, students and community fosters a culture where everything is achievable,” Mr Graham said.

“That expectation flows through to staff’s dedication to professional learning and the vigorous engagement of the students.

“Distance is no barrier at our school, whether it’s literal distance in getting students to experiences that will enhance their learning, or staff going that extra mile to support students’ work outside school hours.”

NSW Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said the data reinforces the critical role public schools play in lifting student outcomes.

“The Australian-first release of the value-added data highlights the role our schools play in lifting student academic performance,” Ms Houssos said.

“It shows the difference our schools make every day to the lives of students – moving them forward academically and opening up new opportunities for their post-school lives.”

The recognition places Nyngan and Coonabarabran alongside leading public high schools across NSW and highlights the strength of regional education in driving meaningful student growth.