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Tes Schools Awards UK 2026
Our annual celebration showcasing the achievements of staff and schools. The Tes Schools Awards, with 23 categories, are free to enter for all state and independent schools in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Since 2009, our awards have highlighted the outstanding efforts and achievements in state and independent schools. With the Tes Schools Awards, we're bringing independent and state schools together to celebrate excellence across the whole education sector in one inclusive national event in London.
Entries for the Tes Schools Awards 2026 are now closed, good luck to everyone that entered!
Step into the magic of the Tes Schools Awards 2025!
Last year’s ceremony brought together the best across state and independent education, honouring the passion, innovation, and dedication that shape our schools every day.
Watch the highlights and relive the celebration of those who go above and beyond for their pupils, communities, and futures.
Celebrating the education community
The Tes Schools Awards are a fantastic way to celebrate individuals' and schools' achievements with colleagues and the wider education community; gaining national recognition for your hard work and successes.
See the glitz and the glam of the evening with our 2025 gallery.
Timeline for the awards
Stage 1
The Tes Schools Awards 2026 are open for entries. You can enter these awards for free if you’re in a state or independent school based in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Stage 2
The deadline is creeping up. It’s time to triple-check that you’ve addressed the key criteria for the category you’re applying for and make sure you’ve pressed submit before entries close.
Stage 3
The shortlist is announced! Our website will be updated, emails will be sent out and updates will be shared across our social channels. We want to see all the celebrations, so make sure to tag us on socials @tesforteachers
Stage 4
Did you make the shortlist? Make sure you’ve got your ticket; you don’t want to miss the spectacular gala dinner and awards ceremony. Be quick, our earlybird offer is only available for a short time.
Stage 5
It’s your last chance to get discounted tickets! After 15 May tickets will be available at full price until 22 May. Keep your eyes peeled for updates about our celebrity host and special performances!
Stage 6
Who will the 2026 winners be? After enjoying a champagne reception and a 3-course meal, our esteemed panel of judges will announce the winners of the Tes Schools Awards 2026 on Friday 19 June at the prestigious Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane, London. Look out for live updates on our social channels @tesforteachers
The impact of our awards
At Tes, celebrating the achievements of individuals and schools has always been a priority for us, and we take immense pride in recognising the incredible work done by those in state and independent schools across the UK.
See the heartfelt reactions of the winners, as they express the significance of winning one of our awards.
To hear more about the impact of winning a Tes Schools Award, check out our written and video testimonials.
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I feel so incredibly proud to accept this award on behalf of the phenomenal work that the students and staff do every single day. It means so much to the community of Totteridge Academy.
Secondary School of the Year 2023The Totteridge Academy, London -
This award is for everybody in our school family: all the staff, governors, the trust, the parents, but most particularly the children. The children are what bring us joy every day.
Pupil Mental Health Initiative of the Year 2023Thornbury Primary School, Devon -
Our boarding programme is exceptional and we’re so excited to receive this prestigious award. We’re so lucky to have such a great team working together which makes this so much more rewarding.
Boarding School of the Year 2024Simon Heard, Deputy Master, Haileybury
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Terms and conditions
Read more about ' Terms and conditions 'View our full terms and conditions here.
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Guidelines and FAQs
Read more about ' Guidelines and FAQs 'Get the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Tes Schools Awards.
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Gallery
Read more about ' Gallery 'Checkout our 2025 gallery and archives from previous years.
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Become a sponsor
Read more about ' Become a sponsor 'By sponsoring the Tes Schools Awards you can associate your brand with one of the biggest and most respected events in the education calendar.
Any questions?
If you have any questions, please contact:
Events team
megan.liman@tes.com