- More than 1,000 Darwin students to receive specialist maths support.
- Teachers and school leaders to receive training in classroom maths instruction and culturally responsive learning.
- The program is being delivered as part of Westpac and its Foundation’s national education strategy, implemented in partnership with Australian Schools Plus and Catholic Education Northern Territory.
Westpac is supporting a new initiative that will help more than 1,000 Darwin students from Sacred Heart, Holy Family, St Francis of Assisi and Mother Teresa Catholic Primary Schools1 to strengthen mathematics education in Darwin.
Delivered through Australian Schools Plus and Catholic Education Northern Territory (CENT), the program focuses on lifting the way maths is taught in the classroom. Schools will work together to design practical improvement plans, align what is taught and when, and implement consistent lesson structures so students experience a more effective approach to learning maths.
Westpac CEO Anthony Miller says improving numeracy is fundamental to unlocking opportunity for young Australians.
“Strong foundations in maths open doors. They give young people the confidence to engage, progress and build better long-term outcomes,” Miller said.
“We know too many students are not meeting expected standards in numeracy, and that gap is more pronounced in regional communities and in areas with more complex challenges. That’s why targeted, practical support like this really matters.”
At the same time, the program will also support teachers and school leaders to strengthen maths instruction across classrooms, with a focus on consistent, evidence-based and culturally responsive teaching approaches.
The four schools serve a highly diverse population with a high number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and a range of cultures with English as a second language.
“Society’s responsibility is to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their potential,” Miller said.
“We know real impact comes when schools, communities and partners work together. This is about backing teachers, lifting capability and making sure classrooms are equipped with the tools and approaches that work.”
Importantly, the program will extend beyond the classroom, with family workshops and ongoing engagement to strengthen connections between schools and communities.
Alexandra Harper, Director of Education at Australian Schools Plus, said: “This work is designed around a specific, measurable problem – up to 49 per cent of students across these four schools have yet to meet national expectations in mathematics. Our role is to ensure Westpac’s investment translates into lasting change that benefits students and their schools.”
Annalea McCurry, Deputy Director of Teaching and Learning, CENT said: “The CENT Maths Collective project aims to elevate student core competencies in mathematics, specifically in place value, number facts, time and problem-solving skills in low socio-economic schools with Aboriginal and EAL/D students.
“The Westpac funding will allow a multi-faceted approach, building teacher confidence in teaching the content, skills and literacy of Mathematics and strengthening student outcomes through fostering transferrable knowledge by making contextual connections and improving mathematical proficiency, critical thinking and student confidence.”
The roll-out of the program to four Darwin schools means Westpac and its Foundations are now delivering numeracy and literacy programs to 49 primary schools across Australia, with plans to deliver program to 100 schools by end of 2026.
WESTPAC FOCUS ON IMPROVING NUMERACY & LITERACY
In early 2026, Westpac 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 are combining resources and direct investment towards maths and reading programs in Australian primary schools and eligible community organisations.
Through the new program, Westpac is investing $3 million to partner with three leading education charities working to deliver systemic change in schools. In addition, Westpac Foundation2 will award approximately $4 million annually through 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 new focus of the Foundation complements 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.
Learn more about Westpac Foundation and Westpac Scholars Trust.
WESTPAC INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION
| Westpac Foundation2 | New focus to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes for the 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 – Australian Schools Plus, Australian Business Community Network 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 Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School (Woodroffe), Holy Family Catholic Primary School (Karama), St.Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School (Humpty Doo) and Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School (Palmerston).
2 Incorporates Westpac, St.George, BankSA and Bank of Melbourne Foundations.
