St Dunstan’s College, Catford, south London, is delighted to announce it has been named Independent Senior School of the Year at the Tes Awards 2022.
The awards, which were announced at a ceremony on Friday at Grosvenor House Hotel, celebrate the work of teachers and schools across the United Kingdom. The event was held in person for the first time since the start of the pandemic, and for the first time in Tes’s history the awards brought together both state and independent schools for the ceremony.
Speaking about the award, St Dunstan’s Head, Mr Nicholas Hewlett said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised in this way. It is testament to the extraordinary drive and ambition of so many that we have been able to create the unique school culture we enjoy today.
‘To transform a school so that it challenges and trailblazes in the sector takes a colossal community effort. My gratitude goes to everyone who has contributed to our incredible journey as a school.’
Winners were chosen by a panel of experts – including school leaders, inspectors, and education researchers.
Judge David James has worked in independent schools for over 20 years and is an experienced inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate. He said: ‘There’s a very clear and coherent vision of what they want to do, both with the curriculum and the local community.
‘The head is asking interesting questions of the sector, including areas like privilege and responsibility, which go beyond the usual platitudes. It’s a really interesting school in a tough market, trying to not just survive but actually make something different for the children and families they’re working with.’
The award comes at an exciting time for St Dunstan’s. Last year, the College’s new £25million Junior School, STEM and Sixth Form buildings officially opened, which were the most significant developments since the school opened in 1888. The College’s forward-thinking approach is now matched by modern, bright, and inspirational facilities.
Last month, St Dunstan’s also celebrated the opening of a new theatre. Following the opening of the College’s new STEM Block in 2021, the old design technology workshops and science laboratories have been transformed into a new Performing Arts Centre, for drama, performing arts and music.
The 150-seat space will be used for productions, musicals, and conferences – and will not only benefit the St Dunstan’s community, but also members of the wider Lewisham borough. The venue will also host a variety of events at this year’s St Dunstan’s Festival, which returns for two weeks at the end of June.
