Hosted by the Public Education Foundation, the awards showcase NSW public school students, staff and parents who have made major contributions to their education communities and serve as role models to their peers.

The awards recognised 120 individuals and schools from across the state in categories including student achievement, excellence in teaching, excellent service, outstanding school initiative, school achievement award and public school parent of the year.

Of the 10 awards handed out in the Secretary's School Achievement Award, Kurri High received two - for its Staged Learning and Peer Critique programs.

Deputy principal Alan Hope the award for the Staged Learning program was a "wonderful acknowledgement" of the school's whole teaching staff.

The student-centric approach places responsibility back to the learner as an active participant in the journey.

"Staged Learning is the culmination of three to four years planning, over which time it has evolved and become embedded into a practice that we are genuinely proud of," Mr Hope said.

QUEST teachers Sam Golding and Kylie Edwards, who drove the Peer Critique project, said they were proud to receive the award.

"It validates our efforts in designing this process and managing its implementation across the whole school," they said.

"We truly believe in the Peer Critique Process and have seen great gains in student results, as such, we appreciate the recognition our staff has been given.

"We are looking forward to evolving the steps of Peer Critique and making a lasting impact on our students and how they perceive themselves as learners."

The Gateway Learning Community - which comprises Tarro, Woodberry, Beresfield, Thornton, Black Hill and Millers Forest public schools - was one of 15 recipients in the Secretary's Award for Outstanding School Initiative category.

The learning community was recognised for its Early Years Intervention: Strong Start, Successful Learners program, which assists early childhood centres to better understand the transition to school process.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, Sarah Mitchell, said the awards affirmed the high standards, dedication and community connections in the public education system.

These awards highlight the tremendous contribution that students, teachers, support staff, principals and the school community make to public education in NSW as we strive for learning and teaching excellence," Ms Mitchell said.

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said it was timely to celebrate the range of achievements in a difficult year for schools, staff and students.

"This year's recipients showed the remarkable flexibility and resourcefulness in our school communities when faced with the learning challenges of COVID-19," he said.

"Many of these schools and teachers have used their significant knowledge of education in their communities to lift their school standards and recognise all students as their own learners."

Public Education Foundation executive director David Hetherington said the foundation was proud to host the awards on behalf of the minister and secretary.

"The awards are always a highlight of the education calendar, showcasing the extraordinary talent across NSW public education, which has been on display more than ever in this unusual year," Mr Hetherington said.