2,200 students to unite today for first “Remarkable” Schools Spectacular rehearsal

Some 2,200 students from hundreds of schools across NSW will come together at Sydney Olympic Park’s Qudos Bank Arena on Wednesday, 4 November to perfect their vocal numbers, dance, drama and circus routines at the 2025 Schools Spectacular first combined rehearsal.

Just one month away from the performances on 28 and 29 November 2025, the students will rehearse 19 mass dance routines that vary from ballet to tap, and hip hop to musical theatre – and includes the showstopper finale involving the entire cast.

Students will travel from as far as Moree, Maclean, Inverell, Armidale and Wagga Wagga to attend the big rehearsal event.

One such student is Gomeroi singer-songwriter and 2025 Triple J Unearthed High Indigenous Initiative winner Kyla-Belle Roberts (Moree Secondary College, Albert Street Campus) who will mark her debut with a performance of her original hit “Scars” in front of the 25,000 in-person audience.

Regional students from across the state will also join in over zoom for the finale rehearsal to perfect their choreography for the show’s largest number.

In addition to the energetic finale rehearsal, this is the first time the featured artists and performers will run their routines on the Qudos Bank Arena floor, with some items showcasing up to 270 students per act.

Marking an impressive six years with Schools Spectacular, featured vocalists Isabella Laga’aia (Newtown High School of the Performing Arts) and Jazmin Castle (Wagga Wagga High School), together with featured dancer Abigail Flaherty (Elizabeth Macarthur High School), will join the rehearsal.

Also attending is student co-host Maya Harriman-Khan (Newtown High School of the Performing Arts), whose family has been part of Schools Spectacular since its inception 42 years ago; a remarkable legacy spanning three generations of siblings, cousins, parents, aunties, uncles and even grandparents.

The 2025 show theme ‘Remarkable’ will explore what it means to stand out, speak up, and shine – a fitting motif for the trailblazing students who are leading this show.

Creative Director Sonja Sjolander:

This year’s show is focused on the student voice more than ever before with three original student songs included across the arena show and SpecFest.

This is a show about making your mark, about daring to live out loud and standing up for one another and our students are excited and ready to inspire others.

Whether it’s a heartfelt solo, a dazzling instrumental, or a choreographed group number, these students will blow you away.

Executive Producer Richard Spiewak echoed this sentiment, describing the event as

“truly remarkable”, both in scale and spirit.

Remarkable things get your attention and this show certainly will.

This is the 42nd year of the Schools Spectacular, which is a Guinness World Record holder and a pioneer of youth arts events in Australia.

With a cast of 5,500 performers from around 400 NSW public schools, and an additional 500 students involved in our outdoor SpecFest, it’s simply exceptional.

Tickets are available through Ticketek and the audience is encouraged to book tickets early to ensure they don’t miss out on this unforgettable showcase of talent and creativity.

The 2025 Schools Spectacular is proudly supported by Sponsors:

Telstra, NSW Teachers Federation, School Bytes, Smart, Teachers Health, Supporters: Woolworths, Hertz and Steinway Australia and Event Partners: Qudos Bank Arena, Seven Network, Gravity Media and Ticketek.