Decked out in bowties and ball gowns, the leading lights of the UK’s private schools have celebrated the sector at the 2019 Tes Independent School Awards. Held in the sumptuous surroundings of the Grosvenor House hotel in London and hosted by comedian and former teacher Rachel Parris, the evening highlighted the extraordinary innovation and dedication of educators.
The night opened on an emotional note as John Weitzel was recognised for his special services to education. He has dedicated four decades to Loughborough Grammar School, in roles including teacher, deputy head, master and archivist. Understated as ever, the “loyal, supportive [and] selfless” educator had only thanks and praise for his many colleagues as he accepted the award on stage to great applause.
A dizzying array of projects were recognised on the night, from music and drama therapy to school wellbeing festivals, an international opera production to an intergenerational sports day. In a fitting tribute to the exceptional work done by many specialist providers that often flies under the radar, autism specialist Holmewood School scooped two prizes for its senior leadership and its initiative the Occupational Therapy Café.
But the night’s overall winner was Bolton School, which was named both top senior school and independent school of the year for its broad array of achievements and what the judges described as its “impressive” outreach activities.
Accepting the awards, the headteachers of its divisions for boys and girls spoke about the importance of creating close ties with their local community. At a time when the education sector is under more pressure than ever, their dedication was a reminder of the role that independent schools can play in bringing people together.
Tes editor Ann Mroz congratulated the winners, saying: “All of them thoroughly deserved their successes this evening.”
Tes Independent School Awards 2019: The winners
- Independent school of the year: Bolton School, Greater Manchester
- Senior school of the year: Bolton School, Greater Manchester
- Pre-prep/prep school of the year: St Faith’s, Cambridgeshire
- Boarding school of the year: Cottesmore School, West Sussex
- Sports award: Surbiton High School, London
- Marketing campaign of the year: Woldingham School, Surrey
- Wellbeing initiative of the year: Reigate Grammar School, Surrey
- Independent-state school partnership: Lichfield Cathedral School, Staffordshire
- Special services to independent education award: John Weitzel, Loughborough Grammar School
- Best use of technology award: Aberdour School, Surrey
- Senior leadership team of the year: The Holmewood School, London
- International school of the year: Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
- Whole school community initiative of the year: Norwich School
- Strategic education initiative of the year: Sandroyd, Wiltshire
- Creativity award: Wilds Lodge, Rutland
- Special needs initiative of the year: The Holmewood School, London
Caroline Henshaw is a reporter for Tes
This article originally appeared in the 8 February 2019 issue under the headline “Community ties scoop top prize at sumptuous awards ceremony”
