The Categories
Go to the Results page to find out who’s top of class, plus the schools that have been HIGHLY COMMENDED by the judges.
Originality in teaching music and the arts
Provide us with examples of your original teaching programme that have really worked to develop and foster a love of / skills in the performing arts. Showcase evidence of individual or group creativity, flair, progressive ideas and innovative ways of enthusing the children to achieve great results.
Most creative learning through play (Early Years)
The best Early Years departments teach creatively through experiential learning and play. What techniques have brought out the best in your pupils? Have you been particularly innovative or given an established idea a new spin?
Most innovative technology-led teaching
With the ongoing advancement of technology across the curriculum, provide us with a great case study of how you’ve successfully harnessed technology to make a difference to pupils’ learning experiences.
Outstanding Pastoral Care
Creating a school environment where children feel safe and emotionally secure has never been more important. What significant steps does your school take to safeguard the mental health of your pupils and nurture their confidence and wellbeing?
Special Sixth Form
A healthy, vibrant Sixth Form experience is vital in helping pupils transition to more independent tertiary education, working life and ultimately adulthood. Explain how your Sixth form has created a meaningful and exciting learning experience for your pupils and why what you offer is so special.
Inventive sports programme
The repeated Covid lockdowns shone a new light on the importance of physical exercise for children in their daily lives. What has your school done to promote a love of sport and nurture team spirit in all pupils?
Best experiential learning
Have you created a programme, special location or a unique approach to learning outside the school classroom? Provide us with an inspiring case study to show how the children have responded to your efforts, including their achievements and any results you’re particularly proud of.
Giving something back
Show us how your students live the values and ethos of your school beyond the classroom and into every-day life. What value is created in the community and how does it benefit those in need?
Empowering young entrepreneurs
Getting children ready for the commercial world means igniting their creativity and developing their business acumen, communication skills and confidence to lead. Show us how you’ve achieved this.
Happiest Boarding School
How have you recently developed your boarding school philosophy, facilities, and activities? Can you prove outstanding pastoral care, house parents who go the extra mile, or inventive trips that brighten up the weekends? Showcase what makes your boarding school a true home-away-from-home.
Best Sense of School Spirit
‘School spirit’ is an ethos that comes from the top down, a set of shared values, a moral code and a strong community that reflect commitment, resilience and humour. How strong is your school spirit? Can you give examples of how the children and staff feel its full force?
Most Dynamic STEM Programme
How do you inspire the next generation of scientists? If you think your STEM programme is dynamic and impactful, explain what you do above and beyond the every-day curriculum here.
Best Eco Initiative
Understanding our responsibilities in protecting the planet have never been more important. What eco-initiatives have you undertaken as a school, and how do you empower students to be agents of change in creating a better, greener world?