The Independent School of the Year Awards were hosted by Dr Helen Wright, Chair of the independent panel of judges, which includes representatives of leading professional associations from across the sector as well as several Head Teachers.  

The programme is designed to highlight the extraordinary student experience that the UK’s top independent schools provide, whilst also showcasing and celebrating their individual successes. This year's winners were chosen from over 700 nominations across 22 awards categories. The judges explained their choice of Warwick School for our ability to combine pride in our long history and the traditional values we hold with a forward-thinking approach that prepares pupils for life in a changing world. 

On Tuesday, 11 October Head Master, Mr James Barker and Senior Deputy Head, Dr Simon Chapman travelled to London for the first awards ceremony to be held in person since before the pandemic. It is with this in mind that our entire school community are especially honoured to have been awarded this tremendous accolade. As Head Master, James Barker has commented, ‘The events of the last few years have raised a number of unprecedented challenges for our pupils and wider school community. That we have been recognised for such an award is a testimony to the outstanding professionals that our staff are and the community that is Warwick School.’ 

To be named Independent Boys’ School of the Year is a real cause for celebration and we are incredibly proud to be able to hold this title. The nomination recognised the ways in which our curriculum is tailored to best suit the ways most boys learn, while our co-curricular opportunities are structured to inspire imagination, develop confidence and abilities, and provide meaningful social, mental, and physical experiences for our pupils.  

Judges also noted how we recognise that out in the world, boys may experience certain pressures, stresses, and stereotypes specific to their gender, and applauded our work to instil their own resilience in the face of such challenges – examples include our Wellbeing Hub, which offers a safe space and access to wellbeing professionals for all boys at any time of the day. 

Our pupils have the benefit of single-sex teaching and pastoral care, free of stereotypes, where they are encouraged to simply explore the best version of themselves, but still have a range of opportunities to access shared facilities and experiences with our sister school, King’s High School.  

Our pupils experience the best of both worlds and leave us after Sixth Form with bright futures and confidence, a stunning set of mature attitudes, and strong personal values which make them a credit to any university or work setting they progress to next.  

Mr Barker has taken this fantastic achievement as an opportunity to thank the brilliant staff at Warwick School. He has said, ‘Thank you personally, on behalf of the school and most importantly on behalf of the pupils who leave this place with not only outstanding qualifications but a bucket load of memories and experiences which will carry them through life. We are making a real difference to the young people entrusted to our care.’