National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2026 – Finalists Announced
National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2026 – Finalists Announced
NAPCE is delighted to reveal the finalists for the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2026.
Following another exceptional year of nominations from across the UK and around the world, our independent panel of judges has selected an outstanding group of finalists whose commitment to pastoral care is transforming the lives of children and young people every day.
Congratulations to every finalist on this remarkable achievement. The winners will be announced at the prestigious Presentation Evening on Friday 9 October 2026 at the Graeme Hick Pavilion, Worcestershire County Cricket Club, Worcester.
Now in its seventh year, the National Awards have become the UK’s leading celebration of excellence in pastoral care in education.
Organised by NAPCE and proudly supported by Headline Sponsor Flourish, the Awards recognise the individuals, teams, schools and organisations that place wellbeing, belonging and inclusion at the heart of education.
They celebrate outstanding practice, inspire innovation, share excellence across the profession and shine a spotlight on those making a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people.
The standard of nominations this year has once again been exceptional, reflecting the passion, creativity and dedication of those working across education to ensure every learner feels supported, valued and able to thrive.
NAPCE National Chair Phil Jones said:
“Everyone who entered this year’s Awards should be immensely proud of the difference they make to the lives of children and young people through outstanding pastoral care. The quality of nominations has once again been exceptional, making the judging process both challenging and inspiring.
“Congratulations to all our finalists on this well-deserved recognition. Your commitment to creating inclusive, caring and supportive educational environments is making a real impact, and we look forward to celebrating your achievements together in Worcester on 9 October.”
Tickets for the Presentation Evening are free for finalists and their guests and can be booked at:
https://NAPCEPRESENTATION26.eventbrite.co.uk
The NAPCE Annual Conference – Inclusion and Belonging in Education takes place during the day at the same venue. Finalists and their guests can attend at half the standard ticket price by booking at:
https://NAPCEANNUALCONFERENCE26.eventbrite.co.uk
National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education – The Finalists
Pastoral Development of the Year
Sponsored by Taylor & Francis
Criteria: A pastoral initiative or idea that has achieved positive outcomes and improved the learning experience and future life chances of young people.
Empower Hour at Harris Science Academy – East London
Helen Parfect, Hobbs Centre, The Netherhall School & Oakes College – Cambridge
I3ntegrate Counsellors in School – Cambridge
The Nest, Sonning Common Primary School – Reading
Wellbeing Team, Wellingborough School – Wellingborough
Raising Awareness About Pastoral Care
Sponsored by The Association of School and College Leaders
Criteria: An individual, group or organisation that has raised awareness of pastoral care or pastoral issues and encouraged positive improvements for the benefit of young people.
Chris Tooley, Principal, The Netherhall School & Oakes College – Cambridge
Harris Academy Peckham – Peckham, London
Emily Malsom, Dene Magna School – Gloucestershire
John Leggott College – Scunthorpe
Jaspar Khawaja, Institute of Education, UCL & States of Mind
Outstanding Contribution to Pastoral Care
Sponsored by Twinkl
Criteria: A person, group or organisation that has made a real difference for the benefit of young people through pastoral care.
Rachel Davenport,The Netherhall School & Oakes College – Cambridge
Susan Gee, Shinsei Academy – Manchester
Claire Sutton, The Netherhall School & Oakes College – Cambridge
Sam Coton, Better Me Better You C.I.C – Worcestershire
Laura Stow, The Netherhall School & Oakes College – Cambridge
International Contribution to Pastoral Care
Sponsored by EDClass
Criteria: An international school, organisation or individual outside the UK that has promoted or delivered high-quality pastoral care.
Guangzhou Happy Seeds – Guangzhou, China
Primary Years Programme Pastoral Care, ISA Wuhan International School – Wuhan, China
ISA Tianhe International School – Guangzhou, China
Cogdel Cranleigh School Changsha – Changsha, China
Ally Feng, Dean of Upper School, BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan – Wuhan, China
Effective Pastoral Care to Support Transition
Sponsored by Pupil Pathways
Criteria: Demonstrating outstanding collaborative work to ensure children and young people experience positive transitions into new schools or educational settings.
Stockport Academy – Stockport, Greater Manchester
Lagan College – Belfast
Addey and Stanhope School – New Cross, London
Arushi Madaan, The Netherhall School & Oakes College – Cambridge
Denton Community Academy – Denton, Greater Manchester
Pastoral Team of the Year
Sponsored by Connect to Purpose
Criteria: A pastoral team demonstrating exceptional commitment to supporting young people to achieve their full potential.
Gospel Oak School – Tipton, West Midlands
Prospect House School – London
Withington Girls’ School – Manchester
St George’s Junior School Pastoral Team – Weybridge, Surrey
Loreto Grammar School – Omagh
Pastoral Member of Staff of the Year
Sponsored by Flourish
Criteria: A member of staff who consistently goes above and beyond to support young people and help them succeed.
Janine Fogg, Mossley Hollins High School – Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire
Jackie Challenger, Severnbanks Primary School – Lydney
Hannah Campbell, St Patrick’s College– Dungannon
Marie Quetant, Harris Science Academy East London
Tonia Webb, LEO Trust – Cheam, Surrey
Pastoral Leader of the Year
Sponsored by Vicki Blackburn
Criteria: A leader who inspires colleagues through a passion for pastoral care and makes a lasting difference to the lives of young people.
Chris Woods, Deputy Principal, The Netherhall School & Oakes College – Cambridge
Zoe Ali, Deputy Headteacher, Thornhill Community Academy – Dewsbury, West Yorkshire
Chris Tooley, Principal, The Netherhall School & Oakes College – Cambridge
Claire Haller, Deputy Principal, John Leggott Sixth Form College – Scunthorpe
Michelle Black, Assistant Head (Pastoral), Djanogly Strelley Academy – Nottingham
Pastoral School of the Year
Sponsored by Global Equality Collective
Criteria: A school demonstrating an outstanding commitment to pastoral care that makes a real difference to the progress and personal development of young people.
Netherhall School & Oakes College – Cambridge
Richard Cloudesley School – London
Stoke Heath Primary School – Coventry
ISA Tianhe International School – Guangzhou, China
Woodlands Primary School – Telford, Shropshire
Additional Awards
The following awards will also be presented during the evening:
- Outstanding Pastoral Care for SEND Learners – The Edith Gerda Hanko Legacy Award
- NAPCE Special Recognition Award
- NAPCE Lifetime Achievement Award
Presentation Evening
Friday 9 October 2026 (Evening)
Graeme Hick Pavilion
Worcestershire County Cricket Club
New Road
Worcester WR2 4RL