Media releases

Westpac Foundations unite to boost literacy and numeracy in Australian primary schools 

19 February 2026
 

  • Westpac to invest $3 million over three years in leading education charities
  • A new Westpac Foundation grants program focused on education with $4 million awarded annually
  • Westpac Scholars Trust to continue providing $4 million annually in scholarships

 

Westpac has today announced a new strategic direction for its community and philanthropic investment, aligning all efforts to address the critical issue of education.

Under this new approach, the Westpac, St.George, BankSA and Bank of Melbourne Foundations will combine resources and direct investment towards maths and reading programs in Australian primary schools.

Westpac CEO Anthony Miller says improving literacy and numeracy is one of the nation’s most pressing challenges and will unlock opportunities for a better future.

“When we invest in education, we’re investing in Australia’s future,” Miller said.

“Today, one in three Australian kids is not meeting the benchmarks we’ve set in numeracy and literacy1. This gap almost doubles in some of Australia’s most disadvantaged communities.

“Every child deserves the chance to unlock their potential, no matter where they live or what challenges they face, and that starts with the basics – being able to read and do maths.

“We’re refining the focus of Westpac Foundation and uniting all our philanthropic and community investment programs to drive a greater impact and scale.”

INVESTING IN LEADING EDUCATION CHARITIES

Through the new program, Westpac will invest $3 million to partner with three leading education charities working to deliver systemic change in schools:

  1. Australian Schools Plus. A not-for-profit organisation founded following a recommendation in the first Gonski review, driving equity in education so all young Australians have the opportunity to thrive. Westpac will work with Schools Plus to deliver a new coaching model proven to support school leaders to improve students’ maths and reading outcomes. 
  2. The Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN). A not-for-profit organisation dedicated to connecting students from under-resourced communities with mentors to enhance their educational and career opportunities. Westpac will work with ABCN to develop a new mentoring program, connecting school principals and business mentors to build leadership capacity in schools.
  3. Springboard Trust. An organisation that delivers mentoring and leadership programs for school principals in New Zealand’s education sector. Similar mentoring opportunities will be provided to Westpac NZ employees.

 

NEW EDUCATION GRANTS

In addition, the Westpac Foundation will launch a new, single grants program to support education charities working with local schools and organisations helping to keep children engaged and able to learn. The grants will launch in 2026 and are expected to award approximately $4 million annually through:

  • School Grants:  $1 million per year for three years via a principal partner to schools in need. 
  • Innovation Grants: Eight multi-year grants for local organisations, totalling $400,000 per year.  
  • Collaboration Grants: Two multi-year grants to drive long-term impact, totalling $200,000 per year across two partner organisations.


The new focus of the Foundation will complement the existing work supporting education that’s underway through the Westpac Scholars Trust, which has a $100 million commitment to award 100 scholarships each year to university students, researchers and social innovators.

Sherrill Nixon, CEO, Australian Schools Plus said: “This investment is an exciting step forward in addressing one of Australia’s most pressing education challenges. By focusing on literacy and numeracy, this partnership will support schools to deliver meaningful and lasting improvements for students.”

Phil Gardner, CEO, Australian Business and Community Network said: “Strong school leadership is an effective way to strengthen literacy and numeracy outcomes for students. When principals are supported by experienced business mentors, they can create the conditions for students to thrive and build the foundational skills that support learning now and into the future.”

Westpac Foundation will appoint former NSW Education Minister Adrian Piccoli to its Board to help ensure the new strategy makes a credible contribution to the sector.

Mr Piccoli said: “Significant and persistent disparities remain in education outcomes for Australian children facing social, geographic and educational disadvantage. Narrowing and ultimately closing this gap is key to increased future productivity and prosperity for this country.”

WESTPAC INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION

Westpac Foundation

New focus to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes for primary school children in disadvantaged communities – The Foundation will award around $4 million annually through its Grants program focused on improving children’s education.

Westpac

$3 million investment from the bank to partner with three leading education charities to deliver systemic change in schools: Schools Plus, ABCN and Springboard Trust.

Westpac Scholars Trust

Transforming the future of Australia by investing in a new generation of leaders with the passion and drive to bring big ideas to life, with a $100 million commitment to award 100 scholarships each year for university students, researchers and social entrepreneurs.

 

1 NAPLAN Results, July 2025 

 

Media Contact:

media@westpac.com.au