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 generic 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 and please do consider the category-specific published criteria carefully.

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 Commended 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 towards the beginning of July 2023.

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 2023–4 the Independent School Parent portfolio of titles plans to put the stories of the winning schools at the heart of its editorial content. 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