Schools of Leadership Excellence
National Endorsement Program with Unleashing Personal Potential
Program Overview- For schools COMMITTED TO GROWING STUDENT LEADERS, NOT JUST ANNOUNCING THEM
Every school has leaders. But not every school has leadership. Too often, student leadership becomes a badge, a title, or a blazer pocket with no real impact.
The Schools of Leadership Excellence initiative recognises and supports schools who are committed to developing exceptional young leaders through intentional structures, sharing of best practice, and collaboration with UPP.
This is Australia’s first national endorsement program dedicated to student leadership excellence.
Who This program Is For…
This endorsement is designed for schools that take student leadership seriously and want to build a culture where young people genuinely lead, contribute, and grow.
It’s for schools that:
Value student leadership as a key part of their learning culture — not just a title or badge.
Want consistent, best-practice systems for leadership development that align across year levels.
Seek to empower students to take meaningful action, serve their community, and make a positive impact.
Believe leadership, teamwork, empathy, and communication are essential future-ready skills, just as important as literacy and numeracy.
Are proud of their leadership program but want to refine, strengthen, and elevate it to best-practice standard.
Want to connect with and share best practice with other high-performing schools across Australia.
Are guided by principals and deputy principals who walk the talk and are passionate about student leadership — these key people lead from the front, set high standards, and are responsible for embedding genuine leadership across their school.
These schools see leadership not as an extra, but as the heartbeat of their school’s culture.
IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE YOU, WE INVITE YOU TO APPLY FOR THE 2026 COHORT. PLACES ARE LIMITED IN EACH STATE.
Imagine developing student leaders who…
See problems and step in to fix them without being asked — instead of needing constant prompting.
Run whole-school events with real ownership — not waiting around for adults to steer every step.
Describe their leadership through real impact — not just titles or badges.
Lead their own meetings with purpose and momentum — so you’re not carrying the agenda for them.
Start meaningful projects because they care — not because a teacher handed them something to do.
Earn the trust of younger students through their behaviour — not the badge on their shirt.
Create change the whole school can see and feel — not just surface-level activity.
What Registered Schools Receive
1. Official School of Leadership Excellence ENDORSEMENT & Digital Rating Emblem
This endorsement isn’t a badge — it’s a signal to your community that:
Your school values authentic leadership.
Your program meets national best-practice.
Your students are part of something real.
Schools receive:
Official Endorsement Certificate
Digital rating emblem (Gold, Silver, Highly Commended, or Merit)
Recognition as a School of Leadership Excellence for that year
This is the credibility your leadership program deserves.
2. Two Free EDUCATOR Tickets to the Annual Schools of Leadership Excellence Conference
A national gathering of educators from schools committed to leadership excellence. Real people. Real practice. Real stories.
You may even be invited to present.
3. Annual Audit Report + Personalised Consultation
We don’t just endorse you — we help you grow.
You’ll receive: An independent audit; A detailed recommendations report; A 1:1 consultation with an UPP Leadership Specialist.
No guesswork. No overwhelm. Just clear direction and expert support.
4. Four Free Tickets to the Authentic Student Leadership Masterclass
One free ticket per term. Because leadership shouldn’t sit with one motivated teacher — it should spread.
5. Four Complimentary Copies of Making the Shift
These ebooks are provided to your staff who attend the Masterclass each term.
6. Access to the Schools of Leadership Excellence Private Facebook Group
Templates. Ideas. Wins. Challenges.
A national professional learning community for student leadership excellence.
7. Once-Per-Term Group Q&A with aN UPP Leadership Specialist
A space to get advice, troubleshoot challenges, share wins, and refine your approach with expert guidance.
Your Commitment- What Makes this Endorsement Genuine
Becoming a School of Leadership Excellence means you don’t just believe in leadership…you build it.
To maintain endorsement, schools must complete:
1. Minimum of Two In-Person UPP Leadership Workshops Per Year
Primary Schools
Aspire Higher – Primary Students Leadership Day (for a whole cohort)
Leading From the Front (mandatory for formal leaders)
Secondary Schools
Equip Leadership - Secondary Students Leadership Day (for a whole cohort)
Leading From the Front (mandatory for formal leaders)
*Workshop fees are not included in accreditation.
2. FORTNIGHTLY Student Leadership MeetingS
Schools must maintain a consistent meeting rhythm with their student leaders at least every two weeks. These meetings should:
Educate and upskill leaders;
Support reflection and accountability;
Guide action planning and contribution;
Provide opportunities for feedback and growth.
This is where leadership becomes real.
3. Use of Positive Impact Modules (With Evidence of Implementation)
Schools must use UPP’s Positive Impact Modules throughout the year to embed leadership learning. Evidence may include: Student reflections, Photos, artefacts, meeting notes, slide decks, video footage, Leadership project outcomes, Samples of completed activities, Celebration of Learning submission.
4. Mid-Year Leadership Check-In Session (Delivered by UPP)
A structured mid-year follow-up session, delivered by UPP to your student leaders, either in person or online, to ensure: Accountability, Reflection, Re-calibration, Continued momentum in leadership development.
Keeps momentum high and programs aligned.
5. Leadership Books for All Student Leaders
Schools must purchase one bundle of the following:
Lead the Way – Primary Edition or
Lead the Way – Secondary Edition
This applies to all student leaders or an entire year level. *Book costs are not included in the registration.
6. Staff Professional Learning Requirement
Schools must engage at least two staff members each year through the Authentic Student Leadership Masterclass. Registered schools will receive their tickets for free. This ensures expertise and momentum doesn’t sit with one person.
7. FINALISE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
After you apply, UPP will contact you to confirm whether your school is a good fit. If approved, you move to the registration stage. To complete registration, schools must meet all commitments and pay the annual registration fee ($1,000+GST). Existing UPP partner schools that register before December 12, 2025 receive a 50% discount ($500+GST). Places are limited in each state.
Once registration is finalised, UPP will complete the independent audit, provide the report and consultation, and confirm your School of Leadership Excellence Endorsement & Rating.
Why Schools Apply…
They want a credible, structured leadership pathway — not just titles.
They want student leaders who take real action and make meaningful contributions.
They already have good things in place for student leadership development, but they want to enhance this area and learn from others.
They want a consistent leadership development program that stays strong even with staff changes.
They want a shared language and clear expectations across the whole school.
They value expert guidance to strengthen their approach.
They want national recognition for doing leadership well.
They know leadership changes students’ lives — and they want to get it right.
They know that leadership becomes something your students do, not something they wear.
IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE YOU, WE INVITE YOU TO APPLY FOR THE 2026 COHORT. PLACES ARE LIMITED IN EACH STATE.
