VASSP Professional Learning Awards 2025

Bank First, a longstanding and valued business partner of the Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals (VASSP), is proud to sponsor the 2025 VASSP Professional Learning Awards. 

These awards support Principal Class members who are committed to growing their impact as system leaders – those who lead strategically, influence beyond the school level, and contribute to the advancement of public education in Victoria. 

Applications close Monday 1 July 2025

Submit your application using the form at the bottom of this page. 

 

Two awards are available: 

  • 1 x Principal Award valued up to $3,000 
  • 1 x Campus Principal or Assistant Principal Award valued up to $2,000

Recipients will use the award to undertake a future-focused professional learning activity that builds their leadership capacity and benefits the broader system. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for either award, applicants must: 

  • Be a full member of VASSP 
  • Hold a current position as a Principal, Assistant Principal, or Campus Principal in a Victorian government secondary school 
  • Propose a future-focused professional learning activity that supports the development of system leadership 
  • Commit to sharing their learning with the VASSP community 

Application Process

Applicants must submit a written application (maximum two pages) that includes:

  • What you plan to do with the award funding 
  • Why this activity is relevant to your development as a system leader 
  • How it responds to real challenges or opportunities in your school or system context 
  • How the activity will support student learning, staff capacity, or broader school improvement 
  • How the activity will extend your impact beyond your current role or school 

How you will communicate or present your insights with VASSP members (e.g. at a regional meeting, report for VASSP newsletter, or via professional learning) 

A response to the four selection criteria below:

Demonstrated capacity to think and plan strategically for future impact. The proposed activity should align with long-term goals for school and system improvement. Examples may include: 

  • Planning a whole-school improvement initiative to address student or community needs 
  • Developing new ways to use data to drive improvement 
  • Designing future leadership or workforce models to build school capacity 

Demonstrated intention to collaborate beyond your own school. The proposed activity should extend your contribution to the broader education system. Examples may include: 

  • Planning a cross-school project or shared initiative 
  • Developing or facilitating learning across a network 
  • Building leadership pipelines through mentoring or collaboration 

Demonstrated ability to influence change. The proposed activity should show potential to strengthen inclusive, evidence-informed practice. Examples may include: 

  • Leading future instructional or wellbeing work that will improve student outcomes 
  • Addressing a challenge such as engagement, equity, or inclusion 
  • Scaling or adapting a strategy to benefit more students or settings 

Demonstrated commitment to sharing learning and building leadership in others. The proposed activity should include plans to contribute to the wider profession. Examples may include: 

  • Presenting your learning at professional events or VASSP forums 
  • Producing resources, tools, or reflections to share with colleagues 
  • Supporting shared leadership learning across schools or teams 

Further Information

All proposed activities must comply with Department of Education policies. Bank First, VASSP, and the Department will not be liable for any additional expenses incurred.