BSA Supporting Excellence Awards

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. The judges will be looking at community-based initiatives undertaken by schools which could include: volunteering, litter picking, fund-raising, visiting the elderly, supporting the disabled, environmental planning.

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. The judges will be looking closely at design, sustainability and innovation.

Celebrates an outstanding example of innovation to deliver better boarding. The judges will be looking for a clear description of an outstanding innovation that you have implemented in your school.

This award recognises research undertaken by a school or individual into how to continue to improve the boarding sector and better meet students’ needs. The judges will be looking for a specific research project that has driven innovation, inspired change, and delivered results.

This award will look back at those schools that participated during the BSA 2021 National Boarding Week. The judges will be looking at how schools participated during the week and will consider those who participated in BSA events from the week, or those that organised their own unique events.

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). All nominees must hold or have held positions with specific boarding responsibilities, which could include a Head, Deputy Head (pastoral), Housemaster, Housemistress, Houseparent, Matron etc. Nominees can be drawn from any level in an organisation, including Heads.

This award will commend a school, educational agent, educational guardian or member of staff who has contributed to supporting international boarders, including helping them integrate into their new environment. The judges will be looking at initiatives that have been specifically designed to support international boarders (This award is open to all members worldwide).

This award commends a school or member of staff who has worked above and beyond to develop initiatives aimed at supporting junior boarders. The judges will be looking at those initiatives that have been introduced specifically to help junior boarders adjust to their new environment.

The Wellbeing Mental Health Initiative Award celebrates schools that have embedded initiatives that provide supportive environments and programmes that enhance self-esteem, strengthen the school community, and activities that promote healthy choices. The judges will be looking for a new initiative implemented in schools which could include: creating supportive environments, strengthening the community within schools, programmes of work that enhance self-esteem and reduce harming behaviours, activities that promote healthy choices for physical activity and diet.

This award recognises that protecting and working with vulnerable children who board requires an in-depth understanding and an ability to approach each child’s situation in a unique way to best assist them. The judges will be looking to recognise schools that have made a significant contribution to the welfare and support of vulnerable children

This award recognises a boarding school outside the UK which delivers excellence in boarding. The judges will be looking for a clear description detailing how the boarding environment supports boarders’ welfare, giving a specific example(s) where possible (This award is also open to international schools based in the UK).

This award recognises the best new initiative, launched from January 2021 onwards, which is aimed at increasing equity, diversity and inclusion within our member schools. The judges will be looking for evidence of the initiative’s impact through information and data you can supply which demonstrate its success.

This award will recognise the best artwork project carried out by a boarding pupil as part of their studies. The judges will be looking for any types of artwork which display outstanding levels of artistic flair and imagination. Please send through an electronic version of the artwork, along with a description and details of the original brief the piece was required to meet. Please ensure that any large files are sent by WeTransfer.

We will also once again be handing out one very special award for 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.

For this award, a portfolio of no less than three and no more than six original and unedited photographs can be submitted for entry, with full details of each picture, where when and why they were taken, and technical information. Again, please ensure that any large files are sent by WeTransfer.