School House Awards 2025

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Dynamic teachers, free-thinking pedagogy, engagement with the future – and a deep-seated belief in the power of social mobility: this is what the UK’s independent schools contribute to our nation. Nowhere in the world is there an education system like ours where excellence is celebrated and every pupil matters. We are very lucky. 

And so it’s only right that at School House, we want to celebrate these centres of learning not just for what they offer but also for what they contribute to society. We want to cheer on those schools which are getting it right in terms of pastoral care, mental health support, environmental awareness, and who are animal friendly, those with local partnerships, and those who have really gone beyond the standard charitable work.

Last year winning schools ranged from country preps to city senior schools – and all were pleased to be recognised as Champions at what they do. When James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) was announced as the winner of the Social Mobility Champion category, Head Alex Hutchison said she was grateful to receive the award, explaining: ‘Since 1741, JAGS has been guided by a philanthropic approach to education. At the heart of this vision is a generous bursary scheme which allows the school to offer life-changing educational opportunities to bright, talented girls. 

‘We are proud of our offering and working harder than ever to ensure a JAGS education remains accessible to everyone. In addition, the work being done at Christ’s Hospital has long been a source of inspiration to us and the rest of the sector, making this award from them all the more meaningful.’

The Charity Champion Award went to Notting Hill and Ealing High School (NHEHS) delighting staff and pupils alike. Rebecca Irwin, Acting Head, says: ‘We are thrilled our culture of giving and philanthropy, and commitment to charity and volunteering work, has been recognised by winning the Charity Champion award. Last year alone NHEHS supported over 40 charities, from bake sales, coffee mornings and food bank collections to collecting items and packing hampers for numerous charities.’ And St Cat’s Bramley collected the award for Alumni Relationships, with Head Alice Phillips saying: ‘Winning this award is a wonderful recognition of the team of our dedicated Foundation Office staff who have nurtured our alumnae relations over the past 20 years, and of the alumnae themselves whose motivation is always to give back and support current students. The St. Cat’s spirit of collaboration and mutual support is at the heart of it all.’

But our awards aren’t just about the winners. They give us the chance to learn about and celebrate the amazing work carried out by all our independent schools – information we love to share with the readership of the magazine. Hopefully, heads across the country are even now getting ready to submit their entries for this year’s awards; as ever, results will be announced in the Scholarships, Bursaries & Champions edition of the magazine, in October. We are expecting the highest standard of entry and cannot wait to be impressed. Let battle commence!

The Categories:

1 Pastoral Care Champion

Raising confident young people ready to live up to their potential requires attention to more than their education. We’re looking for recommendations for pastoral care that exceeds expectations – whether it’s a one-to-one tutoring system that can spot problems like bullying before they develop, or a network of support which wraps around students to make sure they are thoroughly supported in mind, body and spirit. 

2 Mind Champion

Many parents’ number one concern is whether their child is feeling OK. The pressures of the modern world and social media in particular are leading to worrying increases in the amount of children reporting anxiety and depression. We’d like to hear what steps schools are taking to ensure that those students who are struggling get the best possible support.

3 Sustainability Champion

Our Green Champion will be a school where environmental awareness is a verb, not a noun. With the astonishing range of eco-endeavours underway, schools will have to impress the judges with a really innovative plan, which puts sustainability and green concerts at the heart of the operation.

4 Animal Support Champion (Sponsored by Farms for City Children)

School House believes animals of all shapes and sizes belong in our schools; whether that’s guinea pigs brought from home to keep boarders cheery, or ponies to be used in competition. From the headmaster’s dog who’s always available for cuddles, exotica like llamas and wallabies popping up unexpectedly, or farm animals which are there to be reared and sent to market, animals have many roles to play at school. We’re looking for some special, unexpected stories of how animals are used in the most interesting educational way.

5 Local Partnerships & Community Champion

Independent schools are rightly collaborating more often with local academies and primaries, sharing resources and even lessons to justify their place in the community. This trend is a powerful signifier of change in the sector and we know that many independents are justly proud of how much they have achieved already and their plans to widen their charitable purpose. We can’t wait to hear them. 

6 Charitable Work Champion

Students at many schools enjoy working in and supporting settings that take them from their comfort zone. That might be an orphanage in Cape Town or an elderly persons’ home in London. We’re interested in exploring the concept of what it means to do good for others and seeing the results it has on students. 

7 Social Mobility Champion (Sponsored by Christ’s Hospital School)

How well do independent schools  improve the life chances of their least privileged students. This award goes to the school which seeks out those children who will benefit by a place – for academic or social reasons. This isn’t just about A grades, but the life-changing power of a rounded and supportive education.

8 Alumni Relationships Champion 

The power of the school network is celebrated in this award; we’re looking for schools which have built a devoted base of former pupils. This has led to a valued working relationship, where they can support current students into the world of work, as well as enjoying the community spirit of their school association. It says much about a school when it engenders lifelong loyalty.

How To Enter

Schools can enter as many categories as they like, submitting details of what they are achieving in the relevant area by email, with pictures as appropriate. Entries are now open and will close on June 14.
The winners will be announced in the Scholarships, Bursaries and Champions 2025 issue in October.

Click here to go to the entry form.