Hello Wentyl,

As we look forward to the year coming to an end, we’ve compiled lists of the movers and shakers who have had the biggest impact on Australia's schools and universities in 2025. 

For the national sphere, as well as most states, we’ve put together the ultimate education power lists, paying tribute to the sector's big personalities and behind-the-scenes operators. 

It’s a reflection of how power works – sometimes those in the background providing advice at a time of crisis can have just as much impact as principals or vice-chancellors or elected officials. Power and influence is not always hierarchical – it can bend and flow within organisations depending on the individuals or issues of the day. 

The 2025 education power lists

National top 20 | New South Wales top 20 | Victorian top 20 | Queensland top 20 | South Australia top 20 | Geelong top 20 | Northern Territory top 10

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare tops the national list – a worthy frontrunner, we believe, because he’s confronted some major issues such as bullying, administrative waste, curriculum reform, international student numbers and childcare standards. Also ranked highly (and pictured below) are maths teacher turned YouTube star Eddie Woo, and Vicki Thomson, who heads the most powerful universities group you've never heard of.

Compiling the lists took many hours and much intense discussion within newsrooms. The minister's state counterparts were all deemed worthy of the top spot in each state list, as they strive to improve educational standards, retain teachers and negotiate affordable outcomes in pay disputes. It illustrates how much political focus there is on the schools system these days ...

Also this week we covered a major speech from federal shadow education minister Julian Leeser, who’s identified boys’ education and Australian values as two areas of focus. Perhaps his rank will lift in 2026 as he makes his mark. 

As schoolies celebrations rage this weekend in many states, experts are raising the alarm on high-potency drugs and fake IDs (take it from us, they’re not worth the money), while we examine the most dreaded thing shadowing any 18-year-old's party ... over-protective mothers, known as Moolies.