Three public schools from across Western Australia have been named as the best in their field at the state’s education awards on Monday.

Morowa District High School was handed the main award of the morning for excellence in school leadership.

The schools’ strong focus on literacy, combined with a student leadership program aimed at giving students the chance to grow their skills, were highlighted as some of the main reasons they won.

Gwynne Park Primary received the award for excellence in teaching and learning for primary schools and Applecross Senior High School won in the same category for secondary schools.

This year a new category was announced for excellence in wellbeing and learning, and was awarded to Lockridge Primary.

The new category joined two others introduced last year – excellence in cultural responsiveness which went to Bannister Creek Primary, and excellence in disability and inclusion which went to Beachlands Primary.

Morowa District High School principal Tonia Carslake said she was honoured to accept the award.

“I’d like to congratulate and thank my amazing leadership team and staff for your outstanding work, care and commitment to our students, our master plan and our school vision of growing good people,” she said during her acceptance speech.

“I’m so proud to be your principal.”