Following the success of the School Awards since the launch in 2023, Buckinghamshire Council are pleased to launch the fourth annual Buckinghamshire School Awards celebrating the wonderful work our teachers, school staff, governors and volunteers deliver across the county.

To help celebrate, we are asking all staff and governors across Buckinghamshire to nominate their heroes in one of eleven award categories. Whether you want to celebrate a fantastic teaching colleague, an inspirational headteacher or an unsung hero in your school, please nominate and tell us all about the difference that they make to the children and young people across Buckinghamshire.

We have two new categories for 2026, based on feedback from schools; an Innovation in Education Award to celebrate forward thinking individuals or teams who have introduced a creative, forward-thinking initiative that has significantly enhanced teaching, learning, wellbeing, or school operations and a Volunteer of the Year Award to celebrate those wonderful individuals or teams who give us their time, energy and passion to support our schools.

The Student Voice Award is also back for 2026! This award category is exclusively for pupils and students in Buckinghamshire schools to vote for their Teacher of the Year. Please click here for more information and how your Student Council can enter.

We are pleased to announce that this year’s awards will be sponsored by Wycombe Swan, Leap, Supply Desk, Sounds-Write and The Rothschild Foundation and Waddesdon Manor.

Nominations will be open until 5pm on 13 March 2026.

It is quick, easy and free to nominate. Nominations will be open from week commencing 19 January to 13 March 2026. Please read our helpful guide for tips on writing a winning nomination.

The awards are open to all maintained, academy and free school staff and governors throughout Buckinghamshire. Nominations must be made for colleagues within your own school and be endorsed by the headteacher.

We are looking for nominations in 11 different categories:

• New Teacher of the Year Awards

• Teacher of the Year Award

• Teaching Assistant of the Year Award

• Headteacher of the Year

• Inclusion Award

• Great Governance Award

• Innovation in Education Award

• Health and Wellbeing Award - Sponsored by Leap

• School with Excellence in Early Years Award

• Unsung Heroes Award

• Volunteer of the Year Award

Shortlisted nominees will be invited to attend the awards ceremony at the Wycombe Swan on 9 July 2026.

Award timeline:

- Nominations open week commencing 19 January 2026

- Nominations close: 13 March 2026

- Judging and shortlisting panels: April 2026

- Shortlisted nominees invited to the Award Ceremony: May 2026

- Award ceremony for shortlisted nominees – 9 July 2026