The winners of the Tes School Awards 2024 have been revealed over the course of the biggest awards night in the education calendar, during a glamorous event attended by educators from across the whole of the UK.
The prestigious awards, now in the 16th year and dubbed the ‘Oscars of education’, saw shortlisted teachers and schools from across the country come together for a glittering gala at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.
Featuring award-winning comedian Alex Horne and 6-piece band The Horne Section as hosts, the action-packed awards ceremony celebrated the triumph of teachers who have demonstrated outstanding achievements.
Judged by a panel of experts from long-serving head teachers to heads of educational organisations, the judges selected winners for 23 categories.
Judge of the awards and Emeritus Professor at Sheffield Hallam University, Sam Twiselton OBE said, “Through a wide variety of examples John Morris has evidenced the impact he has had in his substantive career. From leading an innovative curriculum, to mentoring colleagues who have gone on to have their own successful careers, establishing a family centre with community outreach, supporting a children’s charity in Uganda, forming strong links with teachers in Iceland who regularly visit the school, and being awarded an OBE for services in education. John has proven himself to be an inspiration to students and colleagues alike.”
Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, John Morris OBE said, “I’m so thrilled and honoured to receive this award and be recognised by Tes and the judges. In my career I’ve done what I can to lead by example and do my best to support all the staff and pupils I’ve had the pleasure to work with and teach. At Empower Learning Academy Trust, we believe that everyone grows, and the Tes Awards is a testament of that. I dedicate this trophy to parents, students, staff, and my family, who have supported me in the last 42 years.”
Tes Schools Awards judge and Deputy Head at Lady Eleanor Holles School in London, Dr David James said “The languages departments in the UK are under huge pressure and it’s encouraging to see how this middle leader, Neetu Sadhwani, is challenging national trends. The sense of purpose is further strengthened by the head of department’s commitment to the local community and the languages and culture of its diverse population.”
Neetu Sadhwani, Head of Faculty Modern Foreign Languages said, “It’s a great honour to be given this award by Tes. I have a great team that supports me and I’m lucky to have them. I want to thank my family for their continuous support.”
Judge Julie Robinson said, “Dr Joe Spence has demonstrated an amazing social mission in his time at Dulwich College. He has widened access, built meaningful and effective partnerships locally, and he’s been really active in inclusion, having achieved a huge amount in a long tenure.”
Dr Joe Spence, Master at Dulwich College said, “The irony of the Headteacher of the Year award (Independent) is that it is a tribute to everyone in the Dulwich School community, rather than a personal award. Thank you.”
Tes Schools Awards judge and CEO of REAch2, Sir Steve Lancashire said, “There’s something about London South East Academies Trust that makes them very distinctive, not least that they’ve taken on some challenging schools, and delivered. Today they are recognised for being a trust that changes lives and renews hope, but it wasn’t just the impact they’ve had on their schools, it’s the impact of their actions on their community and their response to the community’s needs. I truly felt that every single young person mattered to that Trust and that shines through.”
Dr Sam Parrett CBE, CEO at London South East Academies Trust said, “London South East Academies Trust works really hard to transform the lives of the children in our academies through the power of learning and we’re honoured to be the first to receive this award.”
Rod Williams, CEO of Tes said, “The Tes Schools Awards are a fantastic celebration of the education community, and it’s an honour and a privilege to be able to recognise the impact of the teachers and schools that lives on through the students and their futures that their work inspires. Congratulations to all the winning and shortlisted schools.”
Tes Schools Awards judge, Dame Alison Peacock said, “St Stephen’s CE Primary School have shown a great and successful ambition for how they work with families, with their community, through sport, and with art. They are brimming with all that you would hope for in a primary school.”
Michael Schumm, Headteacher at St Stephen’s CE Primary School said, “Winning Primary School of the Year at the Tes Schools Awards means so much to all of us and our pupils at St. Stephen’s. This is for our whole school community.”
