The winners of the Independent Schools of the Year 2026 awards were revealed during a prestigious ceremony held in central London. Hosted by The Chelsea Magazine Company, publishers of Independent School Parent magazine, the event brought together distinguished guests and key figures from across the sector. An independent panel of judges selected the winners from over 1000 nominations, highlighting the remarkable achievements within the independent education community. Now in its ninth year, the awards continue to celebrate excellence and innovation in the sector.
The winning schools of the Independent Schools of the Year 2026 Awards are as follows:
Independent School of the Year
King’s College School, Wimbledon
Judges’ Special Award
St Paul’s School
Publisher's Award
Queen Ethelburga's
Independent Pre-Prep School of the Year
Dulwich Cranbrook
Independent Prep School of the Year
Hazelwood
Co-educational Independent School of the Year
Wellington College
Highly Commended
Co-educational Independent School of the Year
RGS Worcester
Independent Girls’ School of the Year
St Swithun’s School
Highly Commended
Independent Girls’ School of the Year
James Allen’s Girls’ School
Independent Boys’ School of the Year
St Paul’s School
Regional Independent School of the Year: Central
Christ College, Brecon
Regional Independent School of the Year: North
Gordonstoun
Regional Independent School of the Year: South
Ballard School
Highly Commended
Regional Independent School of the Year: South
Lord Wandsworth College
London Independent School of the Year
City of London School for Girls
Independent Boarding School of the Year
Port Regis School
Joint
British International School of the Year
The British School of Bahrain
Joint
British International School of the Year
Rugby School Thailand
Small Independent School of the Year
Old Vicarage School
The Development Award for Outstanding Fundraising Achievement
Shrewsbury School
Independent School of the Year for Best Use of Education Technology
Berkhamsted School
Highly Commended
Independent School of the Year for Best Use of Education Technology
Edgbaston High School for Girls
Independent School of the Year for Student Careers Programme
City of London School
Highly Commended
Independent School of the Year for Student Careers Programme
St Teresa’s School/Effingham Sixth Form
Independent School of the Year for Outstanding Educational Partnerships
King’s College School, Wimbledon
Independent School of the Year for Diversity, Equality, Inclusion & Justice
Jersey College for Girls
Independent School of the Year for Sporting Achievement
Uppingham School
Independent School of the Year for the Performing Arts
Tring Park School for the Performing Arts
Independent School of the Year for Contribution to Social Mobility
Merchant Taylor’s School, Northwood
Independent School of the Year for Student Wellbeing
Mayfield School
Independent School of the Year for International Student Experience
Dean Close School
The Marketing Award for Brand Communication
The National Mathematics & Science College
Independent School of the Year for SEND Provision
Sir William Perkin’s School
Rising Star of the Year
Johnny Moesel, Sherborne Boys
