FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY ARE YOU LAUNCHING THE 2021 AWARDS WHEN THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL COMMUNITY IS EMERGING FROM A PERIOD WHEN SCHOOL LIFE HAS BEEN FAR FROM NORMAL?
Independent schools – like the rest of the country – have faced a challenge like no other in most people’s living memory as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools throughout the UK have had to adjust to lockdowns, remote learning and all the other restrictions introduced to keep us safe. But as – we hope – the virus starts to ‘disappear in the rear view mirror’ we must start to look ahead and move forward. Independent education is one of this country’s proudest traditions and has continued to deliver an unrivalled education to its students, supporting them through their dark days towards a more promising future. We want the 2021 awards to celebrate all that has been achieved against the odds and showcase what is yet to come.
So, in autumn, we want to use the announcement of the Winners of the Independent Schools of the Year 2021 awards to support this recovery and amplify the message that our independent schools are back on the front foot and delivering student excellence in all its forms.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR AN AWARD?
All independent schools which are school members of one of the membership associations of the Independent Schools Council* are eligible to apply for the awards.
CAN MY SCHOOL APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE AWARD?
Yes. Schools are invited to apply for any award for which they are eligible and where they believe they have a compelling story to tell. We particularly encourage schools – including pre-prep and prep schools – to consider submitting entries for the specialist awards as well as for their own school category.
ARE THE AWARD CRITERIA OPEN TO INTERPRETATION?
Yes. We are keen for you to tell us why us why your story is relevant and means you should win a particular award. Please refrain from submitting only lightly re-versioned entries for several categories.
HOW WILL THE AWARDS BE JUDGED?
The Chair and Vice Chair of the judging panel will study every entry received against the published awards criteria and create a shortlist of schools from which, in turn, the Finalists will be selected. The full entry from each of the Finalists will be supplied to the judging panel which will meet to choose the winners.
WILL SCHOOLS BE TOLD THEY HAVE BEEN COMMENDED?
Yes. We plan to tell schools they have been commended on 30 June 2021.
WHAT SORT OF EVIDENCE DO I NEED TO PROVIDE TO SUPPORT AN APPLICATION AND HOW SHOULD I SUBMIT IT?
Supporting evidence could take the form of photos, video content, evaluations, testimonials, newspaper cuttings and inspection reports, etc. Schools are asked to submit their written submissions, photographs and videos using the online forms provided. Any additional supplementary information may be sent by email to isoty@chelseamagazines.com or post to: Independent Schools of the Year, c/o The Chelsea Magazine Company, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London, SW3 3TQ.
WILL THERE BE PUBLICITY ABOUT THE WINNERS?
Yes. During the autumn and winter of 2021-22 Independent School Parent plans to put the stories of the winning schools at the heart of a positive media story run across their portfolio of magazines. Schools need to tell us if they do not seek publicity of this nature and do not want us to use their stories when they submit their applications.
CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ON THE AWARDS AND ADVICE ON HOW TO APPLY?
Yes. If you have any queries or concerns please email us at isoty@chelseamagazines.com
