Two principals from the NSW South Coast have been recognised on the international stage, securing coveted places in the 2026 Harvard Principals Scholarships.
Ms Ruth Winfield of Vincentia High School and Ms Caroline David of Woonona High School are among four Australian recipients selected for the program, delivered through the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
The scholarships are awarded by the Public Education Foundation in partnership with Teachers Mutual Bank and the Harvard Club of Australia, and will see the principals travel to the United States later this year alongside recipients from Queensland and Tasmania, who have not yet been publicly named.
The scholarship recognises outstanding leadership in public education, with recipients chosen by an independent panel based on their demonstrated impact, commitment to the sector and ability to translate the Harvard experience into long-term improvements for their school communities.
Leadership grounded in community and opportunity
Since taking on the principalship at Vincentia High School in 2019, Ms Winfield has focused on expanding pathways for students into employment, TAFE and university. Her school serves seven local villages as well as the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community in Booderee National Park, with some students travelling up to an hour each day to attend.
Under her leadership, Vincentia High has gained national recognition for its Dhurga language program, which is taught to all students in their first year. Alongside her work at the school, Ms Winfield completed a doctorate while working full time and published her research nationally in 2025.
Ms Winfield said the opportunity to engage with global peers was a key driver in applying for the scholarship.
“I believe this program will assist me in deep reflection and thought generation with other accomplished learners,” she said.
“In turn, this will lead to new possibilities for our school that I would not have considered by myself.”
At Woonona High School, Ms David has led with a strong focus on equity and the role of public education in a democratic society. She is currently completing a PhD and applies research-driven approaches to school leadership, embedding evidence-based practices across the school.
“Every child who comes through our doors has access to a world-class education, for free. I believe that is what a democratic society owes its people,” Ms David said.
“This scholarship gives me the opportunity to connect with research and with principals around the world who are grappling with the same questions we are, and to bring that thinking back to our community.”
Recognition of public education excellence
NSW Education Secretary Mr Murat Dizdar said the success of the two principals reflects the strength of leadership across the state’s public school system.
“NSW public schools are home to some of the finest educators in the world and Ruth Winfield and Caroline David are proof of that,” he said.
“The fact that two of them are being recognised with a place at Harvard does not surprise me at all. I could not be prouder of them both.”
Public Education Foundation CEO Ms Manisha Amin also praised the recipients, highlighting their commitment to their school communities.
“Ruth and Caroline are leaders who have given everything to their schools and their communities,” she said.
“Ruth’s work at Vincentia is extraordinary in its scope and ambition. Caroline’s conviction about what public education should be is exactly what this scholarship was created to champion.”
The Harvard Principals Scholarships aim to develop globally connected school leaders who can bring new ideas and perspectives back to Australian classrooms. For Ms Winfield and Ms David, the experience represents an opportunity to further strengthen outcomes for students on the South Coast.
