Kool Skools is a long-running Australian youth music project operated by Studio 52/Empire Music Studios in Melbourne. Aimed at secondary school students, it gives young musicians the opportunity to write, record and produce their own original songs in a fully professional studio environment. Students work with experienced engineers, use real studio gear and learn first-hand how the recording process works. The program also extends into areas such as artwork, photography and video, allowing each participating school or group to create a complete, professionally presented project. At the end of each year, a major awards night brings participants together to celebrate their work with performances and recognition across various categories.
Launched officially in 1997 after a 1996 pilot, Kool Skools has grown to involve schools and youth organisations from across the country, and has played a formative role in the early careers of artists like Missy Higgins, Delta Goodrem, Anthony Callea and members of The Cat Empire. Although the project paused briefly during COVID-19, it continues today as one of Australia’s most significant developmental music initiatives. Importantly, it isn’t a competition, the emphasis is on creativity, experience and giving young people access to the same facilities used by professional musicians, helping them develop skills that can lead into further music study, VET pathways or future industry involvement.
On Saturday November 15, the 2025 Kool Skool Awards were held among friends and families of the participants at Empire Studios in Heidelberg.
Below is the full list of Award winners for Kool Skools 2025. Register Now for Kool Skools’ 28th year in 2026!
Kool Skools 2025 Award Winners:
CATEGORY 01: Best Artwork
Fragments
By: Claire Chen
From: Korowa Anglican Girls School
CATEGORY 02: Best Instrumental Track
Surfin’ On Keys & Six Strings
By: Foot To The Pedal
From: Mill Park Secondary College
CATEGORY 03: Best Cover Track
Impossible
By: Jesse Ram Lawt
From: Mount Lilydale Mercy College
CATEGORY 04: Best Pop Rock Track
All Behind
By: Soldiers Road
From: Crest Education
CATEGORY 05: Best Metal Track
Reflection (Take Five)
By: Injustice
From: Viewbank College
CATEGORY 06: R&B Funk or Roots Track
Like No Other
By: Yin & Yang
From: Wangaratta High School
CATEGORY 07: Best Mainstream Ballad
Lauryn’s Song
By: Ella Arnolda
From: Crest Education
CATEGORY 08: Best Indy Pop Track
Monster
By: Emma Gleeson
From: Victory Christian College
CATEGORY 09: Best Pop Track
Burn It Down
By: The Impulse
From: Mill Park Secondary College
CATEGORY 10: Best Country / Folk Ballad Track
Cut These Ties
By: Laylah Baines
From: Albury City
CATEGORY 11: Best Acoustic Track
Bayside
By: Jeremiah Johnston
From: Strathbogie Shire
CATEGORY 12: Best Rock Track
Work things out
By: The Viceroys
From: Strathbogie Shire
CATEGORY 13: Special Judges Award
Out Of Time
By: Senior School Band
From: St. Mary’s Coptic Othodox College
CATEGORY14: Special Judges Award
She’s Leaving Tonight
By: Anthony Chisholm
From: Wangaratta High School
CATEGORY 15: Best Programming
Can’t Be Us
By: Jynks
From: Mill Park Secondary College
CATEGORY 16: Best Indy Rock Track
Kiss The Sunlight
By: The Unashamed
From: Wangaratta High School
CATEGORY 17: Special Judges Award
Straight Line
By: Mikayla King
From: Albury City
CATEGORY 18: Best Indy Jazzy Track
Trying Here
By: AMA
From: Viewbank College
CATEGORY19: Best Indy Ballad
In My Head
By: Romany Rae
From: Coburg High School
CATEGORY 20: Best Mainstream track
Long Weekend
By: R!SK
From: Coburg High School
CATEGORY 21: KOOLEST SKOOL
Mill Park Secondary College
KOOL SKOOLS ONLINE
https://www.facebook.com/KoolSkools
instagram.com/empiremusicstudios
youtube.com/@empiremusicstudios
studio52.com.au
