Independent Schools of the Year 2026 is the flagship awards scheme from Independent School Parent magazine, celebrating the very best of the independent sector and the standout experiences these schools offer their pupils.

This year, schools can enter one of 24 categories, covering everything from academic excellence to pastoral care, sport and the arts. There are four regional awards celebrating the diverse nature of the sector and, new for 2026, the Independent School of the Year for SEND Provision. The aim is simple: to reflect the rich variety of school life and to highlight the many different ways success can be achieved.

Eligibility

The awards are open to all independent schools that belong to an association within the Independent Schools Council or COBIS. Judges will be looking for strong, evidence-backed stories of achievement – and they’re keen to see success in all its forms.

Nominations open on 24 March 2026 and close on 4 June 2026, with straightforward online entry via this website.

Commended Schools will be announced in early July, Finalists in early September, and the Winners revealed at a glittering awards ceremony in October.

Winners, Finalists and Commended Schools will all receive specially designed rosettes and marketing materials to shout about their success – while the top schools will also take home one of the coveted ISOTY trophies.

Once again, the judging will be chaired by Dr Helen Wright, international education adviser and former Vice Chair of the ISC, supported by a panel of leading headteachers and professional experts.

Dr Wright says:

“I am delighted to be chairing Independent Schools of the Year for the ninth time. The awards are now firmly established as one of the most important celebrations of the excellence of what we do in our sector.

I’m especially pleased that in 2026 we are launching the Independent School of the Year for SEND Provision award, celebrating the importance of this area of educational delivery in supporting student achievement.

These awards give us a powerful opportunity to showcase just how exceptional the student experience in an independent school can be, and to demonstrate clearly why independent education continues to matter.

The autumn announcements will provide schools with a fantastic platform to tell their stories and underline the value of what they offer at a time when the sector is navigating real challenges.”