History

Bradshaw Primary School opened in 1974 with students in Preschool through to Year 7. In 2014 the school celebrated its 40th Birthday. To mark the occasion the school logo was updated to reflect and recognise the diversity of our school community today. In 2024 the school will be celebrating 50 years of education. 

Main entrance 1974

Incorporated in the Bradshaw logo is a building image symbolising the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. The morse code around the perimeter is a translation of our school motto – “Learning is Life”.

Former students may have a piece of work stored in the time capsule set in 1977 at the front of the school. This is due to be opened in 2027.

Bradshaw Primary School is named in honour of Thomas Bradshaw who was the Station and Post master at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station from 1899 – 1908. He was a keen writer and photographer who recorded life in the Alice. He lived with his wife and children at the Station. His daughter Doris later wrote the book Alice on the Line describing her life at the Telegraph Station.


Ursula Balfour School Harmony Award

Ursula Balfour was the Principal at Bradshaw Primary School from September 2005 to September 2008.

Ursula dedicated her work as Principal to developing Bradshaw as a school of excellence. She firmly believed that “the greatest natural resource a country can have is its children.”

Following her untimely death in 2009 her family presents an award each year. 

This award is presented to a student who:

  • Demonstrates outstanding citizenship within our school community
  • Strives to understand others cultures and perspectives
  • Is polite and respectful to both students and adults
  • Treats others with care and kindness
  • Happily assists others


The recipients of the Award to date are:

2009 Victoria Mafambane

2010 Caitlin Pareroultja

2011 Briar Roach & Katrina Drover

2012 Abbey Schmidt

2013 Casey Lally

2014 Kyanne Cardona

2015 Bryce Auld

2016 Sarah Moore

2017 Letahni Ford

2018 Harmani Tirei- Claydon

2019  Harlem Turei

2020 Jessica Foley

2021 Niven Workman

2022 Rowan Cole

The ones who have gone before, have made us so much more.”


Angela Ella Colbey Compassion and Integrity Award

Angela Colbey attended Bradshaw Primary from PreSchool to Year 6 (1988 to 1995)

Angela was an extremely special person to all that knew her.

Everything about Angela was golden, her hair, her smile, her heart.

Angela possessed a strength of character and integrity that endeared her to not only her family and friends but all students and teachers alike at Bradshaw Primary. Angela radiated genuine caring, friendship and compassion. The legacy of her unique and beautiful soul lives on in the kindness and deeds of others.

The student receiving this award will honour Angela’s legacy by showing compassion, integrity and caring regardless of race, creed or culture.

The recipients of the Award to date are:

2014 Caitlin Schmidt

2015 Alessandra Panopio

2016 Shantelle Sandy

2017 Patrick Ngatai

2018 Jawyon Taylor- Hiscox

2019 Josie Adams

2020 Natasha Tebeck

2021 Kandise Ebborn

2022 Amy Jojo


Beatrice Miller Aboriginal Spirit Award

The student receiving this award ....

  • has a strong spirit  and is a carrier and sharer of cultural knowledge
  • is genuine sincere and compassionate
  • nurtures and cares for others
  • acts with integrity

2020 Joya Taylor-Hiscox

2021 Bonnie-Mae Coombes

2022 Shaylese Briscoe and Brandon Taylor


Student of the Year Award

1998 William Carroll

1999 Beth Sharp

2000 Gareth Remfrey

2001 Emmalyne Schmidt

2002 Emma Fraser

2003 Jessica Smith

2004 Sam Acres

2005 Atelyne Diwenla

2006 Aleesha O’Hanlon

2007 Alfred Lowe

2008 Lara Miller

2009 Wendell Woods

2010 Peniche Reu

2011 Aaron Baseley

2012 Lauren Baseley

2013 Ruby Eldridge

2014 Cleo Orr

2015 Meaghan Wilson

2016 Matthew Redman

2017 Sophie Drewe

2018 Regan McDonald

2019 Kai-Ella Ford

2020 Sele Radila

2021 Jack Barnett-Stanyer

2022 Evelyn McCracke