Forty-one of the top-performing students of the Coffs Coast region have been awarded scholarships to attend Bishop Druitt College in 2025 and beyond.

Recipients reflect our diverse community and in 2024 they were awarded to students from Scotts Head to Woolgoolga, from the Northern Territory and west to Glenreagh. We celebrate each individual in our diverse student body and today we also recognised these high achievers and individuals who demonstrate results and potential in culture, dedication and expertise, character traits including grit, tenacity and proficiency in focus areas that include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarships, Academia, All Rounder, Branson-Ackland Scholarship, Performing Arts, Sporting Performance, STEM, Textiles & Design, and Visual Arts. We hope these recipients continue to aspire towards the Excelsior Pathway in Years 10, 11 and 12.

Across the many applications, we were impressed by their dedication at school, service and connection to community, a future-minded and pursuit of excellence in at least one area of expertise. We also acknowledge and thank all applicants including those who were unsuccessful this year.

The recipients for 2025, range from new families, current students and from Year 2 to Year 12. Acting Principal, Simon Doyle asked our scholarship holders to consider the family that supports them, the vision of the Anglican Diocese and first Principal Victor Branson and every student that has walked through the gates has left a legacy that they are a part of and can see today.

Mr Doyle says: "I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to these scholarship recipients and commend them for their tireless efforts. Positive character traits including grit, tenacity, an inquiring mind, unwavering dedication and pursuit of excellence truly warrant acknowledgement."

“It was also fantastic to have our student leaders help host the scholarship award ceremony. BDC Leadership Captain Liam Daymond, Sports Captain Madison Parkes and Arts Captain Sureyya Brennan all did an excellent job.”

"As we embark on another year, our scholarship initiative continues to honour the achievements of these gifted young individuals while igniting inspiration in others. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering their talents and empowering them with opportunities for continued growth."

To gain a scholarship at BDC, students need to excel in several different areas, such as positive character traits, dedication to learning, sport, music, drama, dance, visual arts, textiles and design, academics, ATSI, language arts and STEM. The selection includes a rigorous application process, including endorsements from public referees, auditions or portfolios. This year, there were 157 outstanding applicants, some who applied for up to four scholarships.

Congratulations to the following Bishop Druitt College 2025 Scholarship recipients.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander: Arlo Carey, Layla Draper-Kunoth, Joey Gardner, David Jones, Isaac Ryan (combined ATSI & Sporting Performance).

Academic: Daniel Clark, Harrison Clark, Lior Daley, Emma Featherstone, Lara Hannaford, Hayden Oakley, James Quodling, Tyler Walsh.

All Rounder: Keeley Adamson, Jackson Cheney, Zac Cumming, Oliver Day, Jack Easter, Kweller Happ, Bayley Johnson, Aria Matthews, Thomas Ricketts, Angela Tobin (combined All Rounder & Performing Arts).

Branson-Ackland Scholarship: Samantha Acedo Andrades, Siri Popuri.

Performing Arts: Lillian Cruwys (specialising in Drama), Amelia Hastie (specialising in Music), Katie Hodgson (specialising in Dance), Adelaide Robinson (specialising in Dance and Drama), Angela Tobin (combined All Rounder & Performing Arts, specialising in Drama), Stanley Watson (specialising in Dance), Ted Wright (specialising in Dance).

Sporting Performance: Quinn Evans, Elijah Franke, Moale Grant, Amber Hundle, Lily Mackay, Luca Martin, Isaac Ryan (combined ATSI & Sporting Performance).

STEM: Manat Singh.

Textiles & Design: Isabella Pitman.

Visual Arts: Ella Watts.

Bishop Druitt College is the leading co-educational K-12 school in the greater Coffs Coast region, proudly independent and inclusive. Bishop Druitt College boasts the top ATAR benchmarks for the region and is known for our academic focus and innovative practices.

Bishop Druitt College also offers the High Performance Program (HPP), for outstanding achievers in sport and the performing arts, supporting students to meet their true potential through flexible and responsive classes and learning programs, designed to enable our students to continue to strive at the highest levels.

If you are interested in applying for 2026 scholarships all information is available on the college website - www.bdc.nsw.edu.au