FAQs

What’s the full awards process?

• Submissions open in May.
• If you have any queries about your submission, please email our monitored nominations inbox: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
• Submissions close 16 October 2026.
• The independent expert judging panel reviews submissions and selects the shortlist.
• The shortlist is announced in November.
• Shortlisted schools will receive an email and shortlisting assets.
• Judges will meet virtually as a panel to discuss and vote for the winners.
• The gala dinner takes place on Thursday 29 April in London, where the winners will be announced.

Does it cost money to nominate your school?

No. All submissions to the awards are free for schools. Shortlisted schools will be invited to the gala dinner and given full information on purchasing tickets for the event.

Who decides who wins?

There is an objective panel of independent industry experts, who all have a deep understanding of the field and sector. The award judges take part on a purely voluntary basis. Judges are recused from any category where there could be perceived conflict of interest.

Can we enter more than one category?

Yes, enter any category you believe your school stands out in.

Will there be any judging visits as part of the application process?

No.

How is the shortlist decided?

Judges are assigned to an area of expertise, and then work through all submissions in that category, scoring each one against the criteria. The judges are asked to base their decisions and scoring solely on the submission contents. Their scores will then decide the shortlist.

Will individual feedback be given?

Due to the volume of applicants, we cannot supply feedback to individual schools.