The Tes Schools Awards 2025 has launched today, with new categories and judges announced.
The annual awards for all UK state and independent schools and school groups are free to enter and are comprised of 23 categories, including a new addition for this year: Inclusive Trust of the Year.
The awards have also added four new judges to the panel of 23 experts:
Leora Cruddas, founding CEO of the Confederation of School Trusts
Pepe Di’lasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders
Mei Lim, executive director of The Reach Foundation
Annamarie Hassall, chief executive of Nasen
Tes Schools Awards 2025
Dr Sam Parrett accepted the award for Trust Team of the Year - Nine Schools or Fewer last year on behalf of the London and South East Education Group. The CEO and group principal says she would urge schools to put themselves forward for 2025.
“The awards are massively important,” she says. “The pride, not just in our organisation, but in our sector, is enormous. Collectively, our impact, the way we transform lives together and set up everybody for their futures...[the awards] are about reminding us all about that.”
Neetu Sadhwani, who won in the Subject Lead of the Year category last year, adds that “the application process itself is a valuable reflection on your achievements and goals”.
“The impact on your school community [of winning] can be transformative, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations,” she continues. “It’s a celebration of excellence that you will cherish forever, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the positive difference you are making in education.”
Awards criteria
The awards are open to all state and independent schools, multi-academy trusts and school groups in the UK. Applications must be submitted between 3 February and 7 March via the Tes Schools Awards website. Winners will be announced at an event in London later in the year.
Tes magazine editor Jon Severs says the awards are not just a celebration of the sector, but a chance to share best practice and showcase just how powerful and vital the work of schools is to those outside of education.
“The shortlisted entries provide a benchmark of what is possible in the sector and, through the awards, that work is shared so all schools in the UK can benefit and learn from each other,” he says. “The awards also send a really clear signal to the wider public - and to politicians - that this is a sector that changes lives and that is constantly innovating to ensure the best outcomes for children and young people.”