Guildford Grammar School’s transformational approach to digital infrastructure has earned national recognition, taking out the Best Education Project category at the 2025 iTnews Benchmark Awards.

Recognised on a National Stage

The award was announced at a gala dinner in Sydney on 27 March, celebrating Australia’s most impactful IT initiatives across business, government and education. Guildford Grammar was honoured alongside a shortlist of high-profile finalists, including the University of Newcastle, RMIT University, Brisbane Grammar School and UNSW.

As the only independent school in the category, Guildford Grammar was recognised for delivering one of the most ambitious and effective education technology projects in the country during the 2023–24 financial year.

A Complete Digital Overhaul in Just Nine Weeks

Led by Director of Technology Brad Tyrrell, the Guildford Grammar Digital Transformation Project involved a complete rebuild of the School’s ICT environment. The transformation was delivered over the 2023–24 summer break, a nine-week window that required strategic planning, intensive collaboration and technical precision.

With support from project partner Catalytic IT, the team replaced outdated systems with a modern, scalable infrastructure that spans networking, devices, telephony, cybersecurity and identity management.

Learning Without Limits

The new platform is designed to support students and staff to teach, learn and connect – anywhere, anytime. Major upgrades included a full network restructure, the transition to Apple devices for students and staff, new identity and access management systems, and a stronger security posture across the School.

Importantly, the project wasn’t just about new tools, it was about removing barriers. Outdated systems that once interrupted teaching and learning were replaced with technology that works reliably in the background, enabling students and staff to focus on what matters most.

Mr Tyrrell credited the project’s success to strong support from school leadership –

A Strategic Investment in the Future

The project reflects the priorities set out in the School’s Go Forward 2030 Strategic Plan, which positions technology as a key enabler across four pillars: Learning, Wellbeing, Community and Sustainability.

Post-project survey results confirmed the success of the work. ICT-related concerns, which had previously been among the top areas for improvement, disappeared from the School’s whole-of-school feedback. Departments now engage the ICT team early when planning new initiatives, highlighting a shift to a true partnership model.

At the same time, the School improved service levels without increasing operational costs, shifting from a fully outsourced model to a blended in-house team supported by expert consultants.

Recognition That Reflects Who We Are

Established in 2012, the iTnews Benchmark Awards honour excellence in IT leadership and project delivery. The 2025 awards were held at Doltone House, Hyde Park in Sydney, with a strong focus on both the initiatives and the people behind them.

Guildford Grammar’s award win is a reflection of what can be achieved when vision, planning and community values come together. It is also a recognition of the integrity, dedication and innovation of the team who worked tirelessly to build a better platform for teaching and learning – now and into the future.