The Boarding Schools’ Association, part of BSA Group, is delighted to reveal the shortlist of finalists in this year’s BSA Supporting Excellence Awards.
Now in its seventh year, the awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements, hard work, and dedication of schools and individuals within the boarding sector.
This year saw the introduction of three new categories. These are the Emma Pattison Award for Compassionate Leadership, Sustainability in Boarding Award and Supporting International Boarders Agent and Guardian Award.
It has been fantastic to see such a variety of impressive entries from across the entire boarding community and we thank all those who have taken the time to enter this year.
Winners of the awards will be announced at the BSA Annual Conference for Heads, sponsored by Schoolblazer, on May 7-8 at the Hilton Hotel, London Heathrow, Terminal 5.
David Walker, Director, BSA said: “Our annual awards are a staple in the boarding school calendar affording the opportunity to celebrate the tireless work of boarding leaders and practitioners which leads to wonderful outcomes for so many young people. We also love to see those outcomes directly, particularly in the art and photography awards.
“Selecting winners has, again, been almost impossible with the strongest of fields in every area. We wish all the finalists shortlisted the very best of luck. And special thanks to this year’s award sponsors for their support.”
Congratulations to the following schools and individuals who have made the final shortlist:
*NEW* Emma Pattison Award for Compassionate Leadership
Sponsored by Schoolblazer
- Portia Putatunda, Planet Spiti Boarding School, Himalayas
- Charlotte Avery, St Mary’s School, Cambridge
- Dr Caroline Pascoe, The International School, Bangalore (TISB)
This award, newly introduced for 2024 in memory of former Epsom College Head, Emma Pattison, recognises an individual who consistently embodies compassion and kindness within their leadership role. The award exemplifies a person who fosters trust, contributes to team morale and makes a meaningful and positive impact on those around them.
*NEW* Sustainability in Boarding Award
Sponsored by Schoolblazer
- Clifton College
- Strathallan School
- Sherborne Girls
How environmentally aware is your school? New for 2024, this award recognises the efforts made by boarding schools to make a meaningful and positive environmental impact both in school and within the local community.
Best Community Work via BSA ‘On Board’ Initiative Award
Sponsored by Schoolblazer
- New Hall School
- St Leonards
- Wellington School
In 2019, BSA launched its ‘On Board’ Community Action Programme to highlight the work undertaken in the community by boarding schools. This award will look at those schools who have participated in community projects.
Boarding House Extension or Refurbishment Award
Sponsored by Witley Jones
- Jerudong International School
- Mount Kelly
- Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate
This award acknowledges the work that schools have put in to providing pupils with an exceptional place to live, study and play. Focus is given to design, sustainability, and innovation of boarding houses and boarding facilities.
Boarding Innovation Award
Sponsored by Schoolblazer
- Port Regis
- St Mary’s School, Cambridge
- St Swithun’s School
This award celebrates an outstanding example of innovation to deliver better boarding provision.
Belonging and Inclusion Initiative Award (formerly the INDEX Initiative Award)
Sponsored by Schoolblazer
- Millfield School
- Perrott Hill
- Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate
This award recognises the best initiative aimed at increasing equity, diversity and inclusion within our member schools. Belonging and Inclusion are fundamental in creating thriving and safe school communities. The initiative needs to contribute to an environment where diversity is celebrated, not merely acknowledged.
International School of the Year Award
Sponsored by i-DAT
- Amadeus International School, Vienna
- The International School, Bangalore (TISB)
This award recognises a boarding school outside the UK which delivers excellence in boarding.
Stephen Winkley Award
Sponsored by Schoolblazer
- Sarah Gomm, Oakham School
- Justin Usher, Collège du Léman Sàrl
- Carolyn Dunn, Abbey College, Cambridge
This award commends the achievements of an individual who has made a significant contribution to the cause of boarding. This is the longest running BSA Award and is dedicated to the memory of Stephen Winkley who was BSA Chair (2003), and Headmaster of Uppingham (1991-2006) and Rossall Schools (2008-2013).
Supporting International Boarders – School Award
Sponsored by Password
- Abbey College, Cambridge
- Wycombe Abbey School, Changzhou
This award will commend a school or member of staff who has contributed significantly to supporting international boarders, including helping them integrate into their new environment.
*NEW* Supporting International Boarders – Educational Agent/Guardian Award
Sponsored by Password
- PJL Guardians (Eastbourne College)
- One School
- The Guardian Family Network LTD
Newly introduced for 2024, this award recognises an agent or guardian who has gone above and beyond to support international boarders.
Supporting Junior Boarders Award
Sponsored by Schoolblazer
- Godstowe Prep School
- Lockers Park Prep School
- The International School Bangalore (TISB)
This award commends a school or member of staff who has worked above and beyond to develop initiatives aimed at supporting junior boarders.
Wellbeing and Mental Health Initiative Award
Sponsored by Schoolblazer
- Queen Anne’s
- Slindon College
- Trent College
This award celebrates schools that have embedded robust mental health initiatives which provide supportive environments and programmes that enhance self-esteem, strengthen the school community, and promote healthy choices.
Khadija Saye Photography Award
Sponsored by Schoolblazer
- Wellington School
- Malvern College
This very special award recognises the best photography portfolio by a boarding pupil. The Khadija Saye Photography Award is named in honour of the former Rugby School boarding pupil and respected international photographer, who tragically died in the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017.
Best Artwork Project Award
Sponsored by Shelleys the Printers
- Ruby, Gordonstoun
- Niece and Ovie, Royal Hospital School
- Ella, Heathfield School
This award will recognise the best artwork project carried out by a boarding pupil as part of their studies.
BSA Annual Conference for Heads
*Still time to book!* Final places are still available for our Annual Conference for Heads – if you have not yet booked your place and would like to do so, please click here.
Categories: BSA News
