OneSchool Global New Zealand is celebrating the achievements of Palmerston North-based educator Laura Bennett, who has been recognised at the Independent Schools of New Zealand (ISNZ) Honours Awards for her outstanding contribution to education.
Laura recently received national recognition for her services to Curriculum Quality and Teaching Excellence, acknowledging the significant impact she has made on teaching and learning throughout her career.
Laura joined OneSchool Global 14 years ago as a science teacher at our Palmerston North campus. Since then, she has taken on a variety of leadership roles, including Head of Science, Acting Campus Principal, Assistant Regional Director of Teaching and Learning, and now Regional Director of Teaching and Learning for Secondary.
Over that time, Laura has played a key role in strengthening teaching and learning practices across the school network. Her commitment to innovation, strategic thinking and continuous improvement has helped enhance educational outcomes for students and support professional growth among staff.
Regional Head of Studies, Melissa Irving said Laura’s dedication and influence have been felt across the organisation.
“The ISNZ Honours Awards recognise outstanding contribution and excellence in education in independent schools across New Zealand, and Laura is incredibly deserving of this recognition,” Melissa said.
“She is unfailingly committed to students and student outcomes. Everything she does is focused on improving the teaching and learning experience for both staff and students. She is constantly looking for ways to improve systems, structures and educational practice, and the impact of that work is felt right across OneSchool Global.”
Melissa also highlighted Laura’s willingness to embrace new ideas and drive innovation.
“The ideas she brings forward are always about finding better ways to support teaching and learning. She’s a very strategic thinker who is continually asking how we can improve and create the best possible outcomes for our learners.”
Laura said she felt honoured to receive the award.
“I felt quite privileged to receive the award. I appreciated the recognition for the hard work I have done and the fact that it was recognised,” she said.
“I am also very grateful to the many people who have invested their time, expertise, and encouragement along the way. This achievement is certainly not mine alone.”
Laura credits much of her passion for education to OneSchool Global’s Learning to Learn framework.
“I joined OneSchool Global because of the Learning to Learn framework. I believe it develops the key skills learners need to move forward and grow in the real world.”
As a leader, Laura says her greatest satisfaction comes from helping others succeed.
“What brings me joy is seeing people understand the framework, get on board to support our learners, and all move in the same direction.”
Beyond her professional achievements, Laura is also a dedicated contributor to her local community. In 2025 alone, she contributed more than 700 hours of volunteer service, including serving as Board Chair of a local secondary school and Secretary of a regional athletics club.
Laura’s recognition reflects not only her commitment to excellence in education, but also her passion for supporting students, staff and communities to thrive.
About OneSchool Global
OneSchool Global is an independent school network that has more than 8,000 primary and secondary students and 2,000 staff across the globe, in regions including United Kingdom, North America, Europe, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand and the Caribbean. Our students come from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church community; however, OneSchool Global is not a religious school and only teaches religion as required in the curriculum.
