BSA Supporting Excellence Awards

Formerly the INDEX Initiative Award, this category recognises the best initiative 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. 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. The winning school will be one where all pupils, regardless of background, disability or neurodivergence are seen, heard and valued.

Entry requirements: please submit up to 500 words. Examples and evidence can be given via supporting attachments if required. 

The junior award is for pupils in Years 6 – 9.

The award recognises the best artwork project carried out by a boarding pupil as part of their studies. The judges will be looking for artwork across any medium (including textiles) which displays outstanding levels of artistic flair and imagination.

Please note, shortlisted artwork will be displayed on screen to delegates at the Annual Conference for Heads in May as part of the awards ceremony.

Entry requirements: Please submit an electronic copy of the artwork to bsa@boarding.org.uk via WeTransfer. Alongside the submission, please include:

• name of the school
• artist name
• year group
• description and detail of the original brief the piece was required to meet.

The artist must be a current boarding pupil on roll at your school. Sorry, we cannot accept artwork from recent leavers.

The senior award is for pupils in Years 10 – 13.

The award recognises the best artwork project carried out by a boarding pupil as part of their studies. The judges will be looking for artwork across any medium (including textiles) which displays outstanding levels of artistic flair and imagination.

Please note, shortlisted artwork will be displayed on screen to delegates at the Annual Conference for Heads in May as part of the awards ceremony.

Entry requirements: Please submit an electronic copy of the artwork to bsa@boarding.org.uk via WeTransfer. Alongside the submission, please include:

• name of the school
• artist name
• year group
• description and detail of the original brief the piece was required to meet.

The artist must be a current boarding pupil on roll at your school. Sorry, we cannot accept artwork from recent leavers.

BSA’s On Board Community Action Programme shines a light on the outstanding contributions boarding schools make within their local communities. This award recognises schools that have actively engaged in meaningful community projects. Judges will be looking for impactful volunteering and fundraising initiatives which demonstrate genuine social responsibility and community partnership.

Entry requirements: please submit up to 500 words. Please include examples and give evidence where needed using supporting attachments.

This award recognises schools that have created outstanding environments for pupils, providing an exceptional place live, study and play. Focus will be given to design, sustainability, innovation and overall impact of new or refurbished boarding houses and facilities.

Entry requirements: please submit up to 500 words. Please include examples and give evidence where needed using supporting attachments.

This award recognises exceptional innovation that enhances the boarding experience. Judges will be looking for a clear and compelling description of a distinctive initiative, approach, or project your school has implemented to improve boarding provision, demonstrating creativity, impact, and measurable benefits for students and the wider school community.

Entry requirements: please submit up to 500 words. Examples and evidence can be given via supporting attachments if required.

This award was introduced in 2024 in memory of former Epsom College Head, Emma Pattison, and 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 within their school community.

Entry requirements: Nominees for this award must hold or have held positions within 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. Please submit up to 500 words. Examples and evidence can be given via supporting attachments if required.

This award celebrates a boarding school – either overseas or an international school in the UK -that exemplifies excellence in boarding. Judges will be looking for a clear and detailed account of how the school’s boarding environment promotes boarders’ welfare, wellbeing, and personal development, with specific examples to illustrate positive impact.

Entry requirements: please submit up to 500 words. Examples and evidence can be given via supporting attachments if required.

This 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.

For this award, a portfolio of no less than three and no more than six original and unedited photographs can be submitted for entry.

Entry requirements: Please submit image files to bsa@boarding.org.uk via WeTransfer. Alongside the submission, please include:

• name of the school
• photographer’s name
• year group
• short description/caption for each image within the portfolio outlining where, when and why the photograph was taken
• technical information

The photographer must be a current boarding pupil on roll at your school. Sorry, we cannot accept photography from recent leavers.

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.

Entry requirements: 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. Please submit up to 500 words (max). Examples and evidence can be given via supporting attachments if required.

This award commends a school or member of staff who has contributed significantly 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.

Entry requirements: Please submit up to 500 words. Examples and evidence can be given via supporting attachments if required.

This award recognises an agent or guardian who has gone above and beyond to support international boarders. The judges will be looking for evidence and examples which demonstrate excellent standards in supporting international students during or after student placement.

This award is open to all educational agents and guardians worldwide who are members of the BSA Certified Agent and/or Guardian Scheme.

Entry requirements: please submit up to 500 words. Examples and evidence can be given via supporting attachments if required.

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.

Entry requirements: please submit up to 500 words. Examples and evidence can be given via supporting attachments if required.

How environmentally aware is your school? 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. Judges will be looking for evidence of sustainable initiatives undertaken collectively by boarders and staff and examples of how environmental matters are brought into the curriculum.

Entry requirements: Please submit up to 500 words. Please include examples and give evidence where needed using supporting attachments.

This award recognises schools that have implemented impactful mental health initiatives to boost self-esteem, foster a strong sense of community, and promote healthy choices. Judges will be looking for new or innovative programmes that create supportive environments, strengthen school communities, enhance pupils’ confidence, reduce harmful behaviours, and encourage positive physical activity and dietary habits.

Entry requirements: please submit up to 500 words. Examples and evidence can be given via supporting attachments if required.

Best Community Work via BSA ‘On Board’ Initiative Award sponsored by Schoolblazer
WINNER: Wellington School
FINALISTS: Abbey College, Cambridge and Tonbridge School

Boarding House Extension or Refurbishment Award sponsored by Witley Jones
WINNER: Rochester Independent College
FINALISTS: Bredon School, Handcross Park School and Sevenoaks School

Boarding Innovation Award sponsored by Schoolblazer
WINNER: Thomas Adams School
FINALISTS: Earlscliffe and TASIS The American School in England

Sustainability in Boarding Award sponsored by Schoolblazer
WINNER: Tonbridge School
FINALISTS: Kingsley School, Devon and Wellington School

Wellbeing and Mental Health Initiative Award sponsored by Yes We Can Youth Clinics
WINNER: Culford School
FINALISTS: ACS International School, Cobham and Queen Anne’s School

Supporting Junior Boarders Award sponsored by Schoolblazer
WINNER: Dauntsey’s School
FINALISTS: Milton Abbey School, Queenswood School and Summer Fields School

Supporting International Boarders Award sponsored by Schoolblazer
WINNER: Earlscliffe
FINALISTS: Abbey College, Cambridge and Scott Webster, DLD College, London

Supporting International Boarders Award – Guardians and Agents sponsored by Schoolblazer
WINNER: Elite Anglo-Chinese Services
FINALISTS: ApplyEasyPro and International Student Guardianship, Ireland Ltd

International School of the Year Award sponsored by Schoolblazer
WINNER: Marlborough College, Malaysia
FINALISTS: Jerudong International School and Swiss International School, Dubai

Belonging and Inclusion Initiative Award sponsored by Schoolblazer
WINNER: Charterhouse
FINALISTS: Cheltenham College, Villiers School and Wellington College

Best Artwork Project Award sponsored by Schoolblazer
WINNER: Tamara E, Heathfield School
FINALISTS: Nicole Tan, Bootham School and Andy Wu, St Joseph’s College

Khadija Saye Photography Award sponsored by Schoolblazer
WINNER: Lorenzo Yang, Rochester Independent College
FINALISTS: Kinan Solh, Charterhouse, Wang Jyun Siang (Jeff), Concord College and Anna Kristofa, DLD College

A massive congratulations to our 2024 BSA Supporting Excellence Award winners:

Best Community Work via BSA ‘On Board’ Initiative Award (sponsored by Schoolblazer)

WINNER: St Leonards

HIGHLY COMMENDED: New Hall School and Wellington School

Boarding House Extension or Refurbishment Award (sponsored by Witley Jones)

WINNER: Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Jerudong International School and Mount Kelly

Boarding Innovation Award (sponsored by Schoolblazer)

WINNER: Port Regis

HIGHLY COMMENDED: St Mary’s Cambridge and St Swithun’s School

*NEW* Sustainability in Boarding Award (sponsored by Schoolblazer)

WINNER: Sherborne Girls

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Clifton College and Strathallan School

Wellbeing & Mental Health Initiative Award (sponsored by Schoolblazer)

WINNER: Trent College

HIGHLY COMMENDED:  Queen Anne’s and Slindon College

Supporting Junior Boarders Award (sponsored by Schoolblazer)

WINNER: Godstowe Prep School

HIGHLY COMMENDED:  Lockers Park Prep School and The International School Bangalore (TISB)

Supporting International Boarders Award (sponsored by Password)

WINNER: Wycombe Abbey School, Changzhou

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Abbey College, Cambridge

*NEW* Supporting International Boarders Award – Guardians and Agents (sponsored by Password)

WINNER: The Guardian Family Network LTD

HIGHLY COMMENDED:  PJL Guardians and One School

International School of the Year Award (sponsored by i-DAT)

WINNER: The International School, Bangalore (TISB)

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Amadeus International School, Vienna

Belonging and Inclusion Initiative Award (sponsored by Schoolblazer)

WINNER:  Perrott Hill

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Millfield School and Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate

Best New Artwork Project (sponsored by Shelleys the Printers)

WINNER: Gordonstoun (Ruby Mitcham, Year 11)

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Royal Hospital School (Niece Year 12 and Ovie Year 11) and Heathfield School (Ella)

Khadija Saye Photography Award (sponsored by Schoolblazer)

WINNER: Malvern College

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Wellington School

*NEW* Emma Pattison Award for Compassionate Leadership (sponsored by Schoolblazer)

WINNER: Portia Putatunda, Planet Spiti Boarding School, Himalayas

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Charlotte Avery, St Mary’s School, Cambridge and Dr Caroline Pascoe, The International School, Bangalore (TISB)

Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 BSA Supporting Excellence Awards:

Best Community Work via BSA ‘On Board’ Initiative Award (sponsored by Chartwells)

• WINNER: Wellington College
• Highly commended: ACS International School, Cobham and Sedbergh School

Boarding House Extension or Refurbishment Award (sponsored by Schoolblazer)

• WINNER: Aiglon College, Switzerland
• Highly commended: Bromsgrove International School, Thailand and Shebbear College

Boarding Innovation Award (sponsored by Schoolblazer)

• WINNER: Strathallan School
• St George’s International School, Switzerland and St Mary’s Cambridge

Stephen Winkley Award (sponsored by Chartwells)

• WINNER: Tom Murray, Port Regis
• Highly commended: Kate Scott, Chetham’s School of Music

Supporting International Boarders Award (sponsored by Schoolblazer)

• WINNER: Sedbergh School
• Highly commended: Academic Families and St Peter’s International School, Portugal

Supporting Junior Boarders Award (sponsored by Chartwells)

• WINNER: Repton Prep School
• Highly commended: Cottesmore School and Junior King’s School, Canterbury

Wellbeing & Mental Health Initiative Award (sponsored by Chartwells)

• WINNER: Canford School
• Highly commended: DLD College, London, Haileybury and Woodstock School, India

Best Artwork Project Award (sponsored by Shelleys)

• WINNER: Mwangi Mungai, Malvern College
• Highly commended: Sofi Fateh, Aiglon College, Switzerland, Anastasiia Tian, Badminton School, Henry Yang, Dulwich College and Ayse Naz, Repton School

Khadija Saye Photography Award (named in honour of the former Rugby School boarding pupil and respected international photographer, who tragically died in the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017):

• WINNER: Sophie Watson, Gordonstoun School
• Highly commended: Jennifer Mobbs, Gordonstoun School and Ella Martin, King’s Ely

Boarding Research Award (sponsored by Chartwells and presented by the BSA Foundation)

• WINNER: St Leonards, St Andrews, Fife

INDEX (Inclusion and Diversity Excellence) Initiative Award (sponsored by Chartwells)

• WINNER: Gordonstoun School

International School of the Year Award (sponsored by iDAT)

• WINNER: Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar, Malaysia

Most Original Activity During National Boarding Week Award (sponsored by Schoolblazer)

• WINNER: Denstone College

Working with Vulnerable Children Award (sponsored by Schoolblazer)

• WINNER: Bede’s School