The UK’s most inspiring schools, teachers, and trusts took centre stage at the 2025 Tes Schools Awards last night.
The awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars of education’ and now in its 17th year, recognises the very best teachers, schools and trusts from UK state and independent schools, across early years settings, primary and secondary.
Winners were selected by a distinguished panel of judges, including school leaders and sector experts. Across 23 award categories, the chosen schools and educators represent the very best of UK education, highlighting distinction in every corner of the sector.
Commenting on the Awards, Rod Williams, CEO of Tes, said: “A special congratulations to all the winners and finalists at this year’s Tes Schools Awards. The remarkable achievements of state and independent schools, teachers, and trusts that were celebrated this evening are a powerful demonstration of the excellence and dedication driving UK education.”
Tes is also proud to partner with strategic sponsors for the awards, which this year included: Disney on Stage, PGL Beyond, and Penguin.
Secondary School of the Year winner:
Anna Richardson, Principal of Oasis Academy South Bank, said: “We’re thrilled to be recognised for our commitment to our incredible community. This award is testament to the hard work of every member of our staff team.”
Inclusive Trust of the Year winner:
Tim James, Director of Inclusion at The White Horse Federation (TWHF), said: "On behalf of The White Horse Federation, I’m honoured to accept the Tes Inclusive Trust of the Year Award. Inclusion is our foundation - it shapes how we think, teach, lead, and care. We don’t ask pupils to fit the system; we shape the system to fit every pupil. True inclusion is a journey, and while there’s more to do, tonight we celebrate how far we’ve come - together."
Michelle Evans, Head of Education at PGL Beyond, said:
“Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding work in inspiring the next generation. We understand the importance of creating breakthroughs for young people, and know that these are happening every day through the work of these educators.”
Nancy Shakerley, Education & Audience Engagement Manager at Disney on Stage:
“Congratulations to all the incredible winners. It’s both inspirational and exciting to see such passion and hard work recognised in education this evening. We’re delighted to sponsor Tes to showcase the importance of the work that the sector does as well as its standout achievements.”
The winners were announced on Friday, 20th June at a gala awards night at the Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane, London.
More information about the winners will be available 9am Monday morning: https://www.tes.com/en-gb/schools-awards
Award |
Winner |
Region |
Trust of the year - 9 schools or Fewer |
Canonium Learning Trust |
East |
Best Use of Technology |
Abingdon House School |
Greater London |
Subject Lead of the Year (Secondary) |
William McWhirter – Kingsdale Foundation School |
Greater London |
Trust of the year - 10 schools or More |
The Harris Federation |
Greater London |
Independent Prep School of the Year |
Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery |
Greater London |
Secondary School of the Year |
Oasis Academy South Bank |
Greater London |
Excellence in Creative Arts |
Cragside Primary School |
North East |
Independent Senior School of the Year |
Royal Grammar School, Newcastle |
North East |
Community Engagement Initiative of the Year |
Pioneer House School |
North West |
Pupil Mental Health Initiative of the Year |
Carr Mill Primary School |
North West |
Specialist Provision School Leader of the Year |
Louise Curran – Rowan Tree Primary School |
North West |
Specialist Provision School of the Year |
Three Towers Alternative Provision |
North West |
Headteacher of the Year (State) |
Louise Edgerton – Hyndland Secondary School |
Scotland |
Lifetime Achievement Award |
Professor Barnaby Lenon CBE |
South East |
Teaching Assistant of the Year |
Jackie Lunt – King’s Academy Lord Wilson |
South East |
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Setting of the Year |
Edgeborough School |
South East |
Inclusive Trust of the Year |
The White Horse Federation |
South West |
Primary School of the Year |
East Wichel Primary School & Nursery |
South West |
Staff Wellbeing School of the Year |
Selly Park Girls School |
West Midlands |
Primary Curriculum Leader of the Year |
Mia Bano – Arden Primary School |
West Midlands |
Inclusive School of the Year |
Ninestiles, an Academy |
West Midlands |
Boarding School of the Year |
Bredon School |
West Midlands |
Headteacher of the Year (Independent) |
Sue Woodroofe – The Grammar School at Leeds |
Yorkshire and the Humber |