On 11th February 2026 the Fogarty Foundation hosted EDUCATED 2026, its annual breakfast event that brought together 140 educators, policymakers, school leaders, community advocates, and sector partners to explore the future of education in Western Australia. This year the theme was Aspirations in Education, focusing on how young people’s dreams are nurtured and how the system can create opportunities for students, teachers, and school leaders to reach their full potential. The event falls under the Foundation’s Excellence in Education pillar, which aims to elevate the standard and status of education across the state. EDUCATED 2026 was designed to spark meaningful conversation about leadership, collaboration, and innovation in shaping the state’s educational future.

While Australia performs above OECD averages in some areas, the 2018 PISA results showed the nation had slipped to 16th in reading, 29th in maths, and 17th in science. These results were a reminder that there is room for improvement. Our keynote speaker, Peter Klinken AC, Former Chief Scientist of WA and 2025 Science Hall of Fame inductee, did not shy away from raising the important topics which need to be discussed. He challenged the audience to aim higher, saying that Australia should aspire to be among the best education systems in the world. He also noted that with the unprecedented technological revolution happening right now, there is no better time for a reset in education.

The importance of strong foundations was another key theme of the morning. Mandy Nayton OAM, CEO of Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation Literacy and Clinical Services and President of AUSPELD, stressed that language is power and that literacy and foundational skills are critical for students to build on. Without these basics, aspirations cannot take root, and students miss the chance to reach their full potential.

Voices from youth and school leadership added further perspective. Joshua Patrick, a young carer and founder of SWAN Australia, delivered a powerful perspective, reminding the audience that it is vital to involve young people in conversations about their own future. His insights highlighted that education should not be something done to students, but with them. Liz Smith, Principal of Joseph Banks Secondary College and the WA Space Science Education Centre, shared examples of how schools can innovate and provide students with opportunities to explore, experiment, and imagine new futures by prioritising curiosity.

The event closed with an uplifting address from Nathan Curnow, 2025 Premier's Science Awards STEM Educator of the Year, who reminded everyone that aspirations are not just for students. By talking about our own dreams and putting them on display, we can directly influence and inspire those around us. He encouraged the audience to consider the impact of showing their own aspirations and how this simple act can help students raise theirs.

EDUCATED 2026 highlighted that aspirations, leadership, and collaboration are all connected. The discussions reinforced that every educator, leader, and advocate has a role to play in shaping the future. Peter Klinken reminded us that education is the umbilical cord that gives society life and keeps it together. The concluding message from Nathan challenged everyone to reflect on their own aspirations and how making them visible can empower the next generation.