For an independent school that has demonstrated excellence and innovation in the last 12 months. Attention will be paid to factors including academics, pastoral care, facilities and the implementation of technology.
School of the Year
The British School of Brussels
Category sponsored by Thuso
Established in 1969, the British School of Brussels welcomes 1,350 students across 70 nationalities. Expertly helmed by principal Melanie Warnes, the school has prided itself on taking a ‘unified, holistic approach’ to education where students are selected on the basis of their attitude to learning rather than academic attainment.
The school came under the spotlight in 2022 when it welcomed more than 50 Ukrainian students after they were forced
to flee the conflict in the country. In a highly competitive category, our judging panel felt that this ‘values-driven’ ethos
Sevenoaks School
Category sponsored by Thuso
At the beginning of every school term, Sevenoaks headmaster Jesse Elzinga gives his students a simple message: ‘Carpe diem, seize the day.’ And, by and large, they do.
‘We have wonderful students who bring their own sense of purpose and restlessness,’ he enthuses. ‘There are so many wonderful opportunities at Sevenoaks, and the students come in and make the most of those every day.’
Sevenoaks is the top co-ed all-IB boarding school in the UK and among the top five ‘large-cohort’ IB schools in the world. ‘At Sevenoaks it’s cool to be clever,’ says Elzinga. ‘It’s an inspiring environment to have the children and the staff committed in that way.’