Canterbury College has been recognised as one of just 20 inaugural Microsoft Elevate Beacon Schools and Systems worldwide, and the only Australian school to receive the prestigious distinction.

Announced as part of Microsoft’s global celebration of educational excellence and innovation, the recognition places Canterbury among a select group of schools and education systems demonstrating leadership in the strategic use of technology to transform teaching and learning.

The newly introduced Microsoft Elevate Beacon designation represents the highest level of recognition within Microsoft’s school recognition pathway, acknowledging institutions that extend innovation beyond individual classrooms through whole-school approaches to technology, professional learning, and educational leadership.

Having been recognised as a Microsoft Showcase School since 2021, Canterbury’s progression to Beacon status reflects its continued commitment to advancing teaching and learning through purposeful innovation.

Leading the Way in Educational Innovation

Microsoft Elevate Beacon Schools and Systems are recognised for bringing together technology, people, and educational practices to drive meaningful innovation at scale.

At Canterbury, this approach is underpinned by a commitment to empowering educators with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to explore emerging technologies, collaborate with colleagues, and continually strengthen classroom practice.

Principal Mr Dan Walker said the College’s investment in professional learning has helped foster a culture where teachers feel confident to embrace new approaches.

“The biggest change that we see is that there is confidence in doing something new. And in a school, that’s everything.”

This commitment aligns with Canterbury’s World Ready philosophy, ensuring students benefit from an education that evolves alongside the changing world and prepares them with the knowledge, capabilities, and critical thinking skills needed for their futures.

Recognition on the Global Stage

As one of the inaugural Beacon Schools and Systems, Canterbury joins an international community recognised for demonstrating how thoughtful technology integration and educational leadership can create new opportunities for students and educators.

The achievement has been highlighted in Microsoft’s global education announcement, Meet the Educators Shaping the Future of Learning, which celebrates leading educators and schools helping shape the future of education.

Canterbury has also been featured in a dedicated Microsoft Australia case study exploring the College’s approach to artificial intelligence, teacher development, and student learning.

The international recognition marks a significant milestone for Canterbury and reinforces the College’s commitment to educational excellence, innovation, and preparing students to be World Ready.

Read Microsoft’s global announcement: Meet the Educators Shaping the Future of Learning