categories & criteria
SCHOOL CATEGORIES
The winners are decided by our expert judging panel.
Primary School of the Year
A school that has made a difference to the learning and lives of its pupils, be that through outstanding teaching, great pastoral care or excellent whole school practice.
Secondary School of the Year
A school that has made a difference to the learning and lives of its pupils, be that through outstanding teaching, great pastoral care or excellent whole school practice.
Independent School of the Year
A school that has made a difference to the learning and lives of its pupils, be that through outstanding teaching, great pastoral care or excellent whole school practice.
Outstanding Multi Academy Trust
A MAT which has successfully led its schools and provided great opportunities for student and teacher learning and enrichment.
Best Use of Technology / ICT in School
A school that has used technology/ICT effectively to improve the learning outcomes of it’s pupils, and enabled teachers to teach more effectively.
Creative School of the Year
Sponsored by STAEDTLER
A school which thinks outside the box to achieve great teaching and learning through creative, innovative programmes.
Overall School of the Year
A school which practises great teaching, is well led and which cares for its pupils and staff.
PEOPLE CATEGORIES
The winners are decided by our expert judging panel
(NEW FOR 2025) STEM Teacher of the Year
Sponsored by White Rose Science
An individual who has shown outstanding teaching in STEM subjects.
New Teacher of the Year
We celebrate a NQT (max. 2 years in post) who has embraced the culture of the school and has made a real difference to the pupils he/she teaches.
Headteacher of the Year
Sponsored by Bett UK
A headteacher who has led his/her school by example and who inspires pupils and staff to achieve great things, be that results, pastoral, sporting or overall school improvement.
Business Manager / Bursar of the Year
The BM who has made the most of limited budgets to ensure that great learning can take place in the school.
Community Champion
We celebrate teachers who make a difference every day in their communities through
outreach programmes, inclusivity and diversity programmes, extra-curricular
activities and charity work.
Subject Lead of the Year
An individual who has shown outstanding leadership in their subject
SENCO of the Year
A SENCO or SEND team who have improved learning outcomes for their students
SUPPLIER CATEGORIES
The winners will be decided by the schools/teachers who work with the products day in day out, via our secure online voting system.
Brand entered in these categories must be available to UK and ROI markets and meet the industry standard for quality and safety.
Wellbeing Resource or Support of the Year
Helping schools address the mental health and wellbeing issues among pupils and staff.
HR/Finance/Payroll Supplier of the Year
Awarding excellence in this critically important but often overlooked backend function.
School Recruitment Support Company of the Year
Recognising excellence in the support offered to a school or schools with their recruitment needs.
Catering Supplier of the Year
Making sure healthy eating is top of the menu and delivering world class customer service on time and on budget.
Overall Supplier of the Year
The company which has gone above and beyond to ensure schools continue to provide a safe and effective learning environment for pupils.
SEND Resources Supplier of the Year
Helping schools improve the outcomes of children with education statements and special needs.
Best Supplier of ICT Equipment (Physical Products)
Spanning all elements of classroom technology, from whiteboards, tablets, screens and computers to backend technology for WiFi and network infrastructure
Best Supplier of ICT Software
Encompassing every aspect of software that ensures schools run efficiently. Including online safety, internet services, I.T support systems, MIS, remote learning software, digital resources for learning and so on.
Internal Furnishing Supplier of the Year
Including but not limited to flooring, carpet, furniture etc.
External Estate Supplier of the Year
Including but not limited to maintenance providers, modular buildings, playground equipment, fencing etc.
New Start Up Business of the Year
5 years or less.
Corporate Social Responsibility Award
This is the only supplier category which will go to our judging panel.
Outstanding Contribution
This is the only category awarded by the magazine.
