Swindon picks up two top awards at education’s version of the Oscars

East Wichel Primary and Nursery won the coveted title in this year’s Tes School Awards.

The awards recognise the very best teachers and schools from UK state and independent schools, across early years settings, primary and secondary.

An expert panel of judges comprised of leaders in education, selected a shortlist for 22 categories where both East Wichel and Rodbourne Cheney Primary Schools were up against six other primary schools from across the country.

East Wichel Primary School took home the award at a glittering gala earlier this month at the Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane, London.

Meanwhile, Swindon-based Multi-Academy Trust, The White Horse Federation, also won ‘Inclusive Trust of the year’.

Councillor Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: It’s fantastic to see Swindon mixing it with the best education providers in the country and coming out on top – what an achievement.

“I’m really proud East Wichel Primary School scooped such an incredible award and I’d also like to say a big well done to Rodbourne Cheney for being shortlisted. The competition from across the country was really strong and for two schools to be nominated and one to take home the award, it really is a testament to the educators we have across the borough.

“It's also fantastic to see the White Horse Federation celebrated for the work it does to promote inclusivity.

“I look forward to seeing these schools and others across Swindon flourish over the coming years, as we work hard towards our mission to build a fairer Swindon, where young residents are given the tools and opportunities to thrive.”

Paula Phillips, Headteacher at East Wichel Primary School and Nursery, said; “Widely regarded as the ‘Oscars of Education’, we were so proud and incredibly grateful to attend the prestigious Tes Awards and be named as Primary School of the Year.

“This national recognition is a tremendous moment for our entire school community. We are immensely proud of our dedicated team, whose passion and commitment have made this achievement possible.

“Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of our families for their unwavering support. This award belongs to our whole community.

“We were also shortlisted for Early Years setting of the year and whilst we were unsuccessful on this occasion, we were still proud to be one of 8 settings selected from across the UK. It is a testament to the strong start that children get at East Wichel”.

“This is also a proud moment for Swindon—our schools are working together, innovating, and truly making a difference to the lives of children across the town. I’m proud to be part of that collective effort.”

Dr Dan Nicholls, CEO of The White Horse Federation, said; “I am hugely proud that The White Horse Federation is the Tes Inclusive Trust of the Year and Rodbourne Cheney was nominated for Primary School of the year. The award reflects the brilliant work that colleagues do across the Trust every day, inspiring lives. A Trust that creates a platform for amazing colleagues to meet the needs of all children.

“I am constantly humbled by the strength of inclusion, the provision offered across our primary, secondary and special settings and the platform created for our schools by central colleagues and teams that clear the way for colleagues to apply equity and give what individual children actually need.

“This award belongs to all colleagues across White Horse, they are amazing.”