All independent schools which are members of an association which is a member of the Independent Schools Council or a British International School which is a member of COBIS are invited to nominate themselves in any of the award categories that are relevant to them.
There is a one-off £50 entry fee. This allows schools to enter as many categories as they wish. Nominations are easy to submit using the online forms accessible below. Entries will close on Thursday, 4 June 2026.
Our judges want to hear real stories of success – the kind that show how schools are not just doing well on paper, but genuinely delivering excellence and creating positive, memorable experiences for their pupils in whatever area the award covers.
In 2026, we’re keen to celebrate everything that’s great about independent education and to shine a light on the sector’s many achievements, both inside the classroom and well beyond the school gates. We would also like to understand how your school is building resilience in these difficult times in order to secure a positive student experience.
The judges are open-minded about what “success” looks like. They’re interested in how schools tell their stories, what makes them stand out from the crowd, and how they show they’re pushing boundaries rather than simply operating within them.
Please avoid making unsupported assertions. If you believe your school is better than its peers tell us why rather than just leaving it as a bald statement with no follow up explanation.
That said, it really helps if claims are backed up with evidence. More importantly, schools must explain the difference their work has made to pupils’ lives. Photos and short videos are very welcome alongside your written entry.
Entries should be a maximum of 500 words long; schools may be penalised if their submission extends beyond this number and/or the judges may not read the whole text.
Finally, do read the criteria for each award carefully before you start, and try to stick to the suggested word counts when answering the questions – it will make life much easier for both you and the judges.
