Abbot’s Hill School has been shortlisted in the prestigious Independent School of the Year Awards, in partnership with Independent School Parent Magazine. Our shortlisting is in the category celebrating Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ)
The Independent Schools of the Year awards are designed to give independent schools an opportunity to celebrate and showcase their extraordinary achievements, and 2025 has been no exception. The innovative and life-affirming student experience which independent schools provide to their students is awe-inspiring and the stories told in the entries are both moving and humbling.
A record number of nominations was received again this year and Chair of the judging panel, Dr Helen Wright said: “Reading through this year’s entries, the judges have been particularly struck by the resilience and determination shown by the UK independent schools’ sector in the face of unprecedented challenge to their existence. Meantime, globally, independent schools are facing up to political uncertainty with equal levels of fortitude. Independent schools across the world, it is clear, are working harder than ever to ensure that their students – and the whole community – will develop into well-rounded human global citizens who are able to make the most of their own skills in order to contribute positively to humanity.”
The DEIJ Award celebrates schools who can demonstrate a sustainable approach to creating and operating a robust DEIJ policy and a responsive and ongoing commitment to core DEIJ principles and good practice. Abbot’s Hill’s entry focussed on the establishment of a robust Inclusion Strategy, implementing annual student inclusion surveys, and creating a Student Inclusion Committee that puts young people at the centre of change. The Senior Student Inclusion Committee is a powerhouse of awareness, delivering assemblies on Black History Month, Pride, neurodivergence, and anti-bullying. June 2025’s Culture Day was a student-led celebration of our community’s rich diversity, and a huge success. Read more about our 2025 Culture Day here
Our work is not complete – we continue to update our Accessibility Plan, develop our PSHE curriculum to include lessons exploring discrimination and equality; work is ongoing in supporting staff knowledge around neuro-divergence/SEND, but every staff member understands their role in creating an inclusive environment.
Today, we are a school that doesn’t just respond to inclusion challenges—we proactively educate and empower students to be informed and prepared to shape a more equitable future. Our students have found their voice, and we’ve found our purpose.
Head, Sharon Schanschieff said of the accolade “Being shortlisted for the Independent School of the Year award for Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, and Justice reflects Abbot’s Hill’s continued commitment to fostering an environment where every individual is valued and celebrated. At our school, diversity is not just accepted; it’s embraced as a core strength that enriches our community and broadens our students’ perspectives.”
A list of Finalists will be published on 9 September and the winners, chosen by the Independent Schools of the Year judging panel made up of sector leaders, will be announced at an awards ceremony in October. We are keeping everything crossed between now and then!
This award comes hot on the heels of Abbot’s Hill recently being Highly Commended for it Learning Support Provision and making the Final for its Excellence in STEM education in the Muddy Stilettos’ Best Schools Awards – read more here – wrapping up a successful academic year for the School.
