They are among almost 600 public school students and educators from across Australia to receive scholarships as part of the Public Education Foundation national awards.

Since the launch of PEF's scholarships program more than a decade ago, more than 1,500 students have been supported with life-changing scholarships. During that decade the PEF has disbursed more than $4 million in scholarship funding.

Local award winners include:

Department of Education Secretary Georgina Harrisson thanked the Public Education Foundation for its ongoing support of public education in NSW.

She said the scholarships for students aimed to remove barriers to achievement created by social and economic disadvantage.

"These scholarships are about recognising student excellence and rewarding students so they can continue to maximise their potential," Ms Harrisson said.

"Behind many of these awards are extraordinary stories of resilience and a commitment to learning against the odds. It is a moment of great pride to see our students, teachers and leaders who have won scholarships get their moment in the spotlight.

"It is their efforts that combine to create the extraordinary public education system we have in NSW."

Public Education Foundation executive director David Hetherington said it was wonderful to be able to hold the awards after last year's event was cancelled due to the pandemic.

"The last year has tested these values like nothing in living memory, and public schools have passed with flying colours," Mr Hetherington said.

The Public Education Foundation is a charity dedicated to enhancing the value and reputation of public education by providing life-changing scholarships to its students, teachers and principals.

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