Woodcock Family Scholarship

The Public Education Foundation’s Woodcock Family Scholarship provides financial assistance and mentoring/career advice to high-potential students in need, attending schools in the Upper Hunter Valley of NSW (see Basic Eligibility for eligible schools).

The Woodcock Family Scholarship is designed to assist students who may otherwise not have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The scholarships are available to eligible students currently enrolled in Year 10 in one of the listed schools. Four scholarships are available in 2026.

The scholarship was established by Singleton High School alumnus, Justin Woodcock, to give back to his school region and to public education through scholarships, mentoring, and advocacy.

Each scholarship provides $1,000 per year for two years (total value: $2,000) to support the student’s education while at high school, plus mentoring and career information opportunities.

Eligible Expenses Include:

  • Laptop, iPad or similar device
  • Study-related software, printer, stationery and textbooks
  • Uniforms and equipment
  • Excursions and camps
  • Curricular and extracurricular learning opportunities
  • Furniture for study (e.g. desk, chair, lamp)
  • Home internet connection for study
  • Face-to-face or online tutoring

If a student leaves public school before the end of Year 12, the scholarship will lapse. Please note: if a student’s attendance rate falls below an acceptable level at any point during the scholarship period, the scholarship may be withdrawn. Any unspent funds must be returned to the Public Education Foundation.

Read the scholarship terms and conditions before applying.

Basic Eligibility

  • High potential student
  • Attending a public high school in the Upper Hunter Valley region:
    • Muswellbrook High School
    • Scone High School
    • Singleton High School
  • Currently in Year 10 (in 2025)
  • Australian citizen or permanent resident

Selection Criteria

  • Experiencing equity, social or physical hardship(s) impacting their ability to complete school
  • Demonstrated academic potential
  • Positive attitude to school and good attendance
  • Intention to complete the HSC and pursue university or TAFE
  • Active participation in school life
  • Community and/or extracurricular involvement

Selection Process

A panel including Public Education Foundation staff and independent experts will assess applications against the criteria. Recommendations will be approved by the Foundation’s Board. Successful applicants will be notified in December 2025. Principals will also be notified.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via our portal: PEF-Apply. Note: All sections, including the Principal’s Supporting Statement, must be completed before submission.

Information Required:

  • Applicant details (name, gender, DOB, contact, address, email)
  • Residency status (Visa/Citizenship certificate)
  • Parent/guardian contact and relationship details
  • School details and Principal contact
  • School contact person for correspondence
  • Background info:
    • Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander or Pacific heritage
    • Language group/cultural background
    • Languages spoken at home
    • Caregiver and household structure
    • Parental education level
    • Disability or out-of-home care status
    • Socio-economic background
    • How you heard about the scholarship
  • Personal statement (max 400 words)
  • Future goals after HSC (max 150 words)
  • Statement of financial need/disadvantage (max 150 words)
  • Statement on scholarship fund usage (max 150 words)
  • Recent school report (all pages)
  • Teacher/counsellor reference (PDF or Word, max 400 words)
  • Principal’s online supporting statement (initiated through the application form)

Note for Principals: The Principal’s statement is critical. Panels value detailed, original feedback. Generic or copy/pasted responses will disadvantage the applicant.

Submitting Your Application

Once all sections are complete, submit your application online.

Deadline: 5:00pm on Friday, 19 September 2025

Further Information

Contact the Public Education Foundation on (02) 7814 2806 or email scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au.