ISA Awards 2024 showcase strength of diversity in independent education

This month, the ISA celebrated the impact and individuality of its Members’ schools with the ISA Awards ceremony. 

The ISA Awards  are a celebration of the exceptional ways in which the 674 schools across the Association provide something truly special to the children in their care. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees of our awards, and good luck to everyone entering next year. 

On a special night for many, David Semark took comfortably to the stage as host of the ceremony. Regaling guests with stories from his roles as a father, seasoned actor and his biggest part so far: replacing Sir Ian McKellen as Falstaff in Player Kings. 

The Holmewood School were named the ISA SEND School of the Year. The judges held that the school gave excellent provision for its neurodiverse population, which has achieved remarkable academic standards. As well as this, Holmewood’s methodology covers whole-life needs, so that social and emotional requirements are explored and provided for as well as academic ones. They continually adapt and refine their curriculum, the judges maintained, as well as their teaching methods to support students’ changing needs.  

ISA Senior School of the Year was awarded to The Faculty of Queen Ethelburga's. The judges observed their offer of the flexibility of a twin A-level and BTEC qualification offer, the provision of structured opportunities for developing excellence in sport and dramatic arts, and the innovatory Esports BTEC. These offerings provide excellent opportunities for students with diverse backgrounds and prior educational challenges to excel.  

The ISA Award for Excellence in Sustainability went to Liberty Woodland School. The judges argued that Liberty Woodland places environmentalism at the centre of its curriculum and that sustainability is also woven into the fabric of school operations, with the school campus serving as a living model of sustainable practices. Through innovative hands-on projects, community engagement and imaginative collaborations, the judges said, Liberty Woodland is inspiring its students to become future custodians of our planet. 

Chief Executive Officer of the ISA, Rudolf Eliott Lockhart, added: “This is a fabulous set of winners. In all cases, the schools have shown themselves to be outstanding in their category. These winners show the different ways that independence can be used to meet the different and specific needs of pupils. 

“The ingenuity of respective staff members that entered The Awards, some of them relatively new to their position, shows the enterprise of independent education. 

“Once again, this year proves that there is the potential for every type of school to excel within the ISA Awards. They showcase the cultivation of ability at all levels of the school community.”