We are updating the Corporate Sponsorship Policy that applies to ACT public schools and the ACT Education Directorate more broadly. An updated policy will provide increased clarity and guidance around corporate sponsorship arrangements and promote greater consistency and strengthen values-aligned decisions by schools and across the Education Directorate.

We recognise the value of partnerships and the importance of aligning with ethical sponsors who reflect the values, purpose and goals of our schools. Sponsorship arrangements in schools can strengthen community connections and enrich academic outcomes but they should not pose harm to students or their educational experience. Sponsorships can provide a partnership that may involve financial funding or services provided in exchange for acknowledgement, advertising or other benefits.

ACT public schools are fully funded and do not rely on sponsorships for core teaching and learning activities. However, it is acknowledged that sponsorship arrangements may provide mutual benefits to schools and businesses.

We recommend you read the discussion paper to learn about the policy and the changes being considered.

Your feedback will be used to:

• support decision-making that is aligned with the values of the ACT Government, the Education Directorate and school communities
• identify arrangements that benefit students and do not cause harm, and
• improve guidance for corporate sponsorship arrangements to make the process and responsibilities clearer.

We expect the updated policy will be in place from term 1, 2026.

The current Corporate Sponsorship Policy allows sponsorship with local clubs, supermarkets and other businesses where the activity is consistent with the values, corporate purpose and goals of the individual schools, the Directorate and the ACT Government.

The current policy prohibits sponsorship arrangements in the following categories:

• Adult industry/pornography
• Alcohol products
• Anything illegal
• Armaments/weapons manufacturing or sale
• Banking programs
• Tobacco products (including vapes)
• Where conflicts of interest exist (for example, organisations regulated by the agency/staff personally benefiting).