Independent School Parent magazine is delighted to announce the shortlisted schools for Independent Schools of the Year 2025. Now in its eighth year, the awards campaign continues to thrive with hundreds of schools from across the country submitting entries in all 25 categories.

Once again, the judges of the Independent Schools of the Year awards have been overwhelmed with entries from schools across the UK of all shapes and sizes. With a record number of entries received, it has been harder than ever to reach a decision on which schools to shortlist and put forward to the next stage of the campaign.

Dr Helen Wright, chair of the judging panel, said: “Reading through this year’s entries, the judges have been particularly struck by the resilience and determination shown by the UK independent schools’ sector in the face of unprecedented challenge to their existence. Meantime, globally, independent schools are facing up to political uncertainty with equal levels of fortitude. Independent schools across the world, it is clear, are working harder than ever to ensure that their students – and the whole community – will develop into well-rounded human global citizens who are able to make the most of their own skills, in order to contribute positively to humanity.”

With many new names appearing in the list of schools which have entered the awards this year, it is going to be extremely tough to settle on the eventual winners. We wish all of you the best of luck going forward and, in the meantime, are delighted to commend the rich collection of entries being announced today.

Finalists will be announced on Tuesday 9 September and the winners, chosen by our independent panel of expert judges, will be revealed at an awards ceremony in October.

Many congratulations to all schools that have been shortlisted.