Award Categories

1. Outstanding Strategic Initiative: this recognises an initiative in strategic planning and so could include the school’s website, marketing, a legal initiative, innovative recruitment drive, excellence in governance etc.
   

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2. Outstanding Financial/Commercial Initiative: this recognises an initiative in financial planning, investments, property planning, fees strategy etc.
   

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3. Outstanding Fundraising Initiative: this recognises an initiative in fundraising and development. Applicants are expected to show innovation in some way. It won’t necessarily go to the school that raises the most money.
   

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4. Outstanding Community/Public Benefit Initiative: this recognises an initiative that involves working with external influences such as parents and the local community or raising bursaries.
   

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5. Best Independent/Maintained School Collaboration: this recognises an initiative that involves working with state schools.
   

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6. Independent School of the Year (chosen from one of the above five categories).
   

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7. Independent School Head of the Year: a person who shows inspirational leadership of a school.
   

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8. Independent School Bursar of the Year: a person who shows inspirational financial leadership of a school.
   

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9. Independent School Governor of the Year: a person who shows an inspirational contribution to a school.
   

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10. Lifetime Achievement Award: a school leader who has shown a commitment to and achievement in the independent schools sector over many years.
    

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    There will be three shortlisted candidates for each award, except for the Independent School of the Year award, which will be chosen from one of the winners of the first five awards.