Two brilliant North East schools win big at the Tes Schools Awards 2025
The North East education sector is celebrating as two of our esteemed schools brought home top honours at the prestigious Tes Schools Awards 2025 on 20 June.
Held for the 17th year, this gala event at London’s Grosvenor House hotel celebrates the unwavering commitment, outstanding quality, and inspiring innovation demonstrated by teachers and support staff across the UK.
A distinguished panel of judges (made up of school leaders, education experts, and researchers) meticulously selected the winners from a strong field of nominees spanning state and independent sectors, from early years to secondary settings.
This year’s awards featured 23 categories, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to Professor Barnaby Lenon CBE for his significant services to education.
Thrilled to announce the triumphant North East winners
Royal Grammar School Newcastle scooped up the Independent Senior School of the Year award, and Cragside Primary School enjoyed winning Excellence in Creative Arts. Huge congratulations to both schools!
These accolades at the Tes Schools Awards 2025 are a powerful testament to the dedication and brilliance within these schools, showcasing the exceptional educational provision available in our region. Royal Grammar School’s win as Independent Senior School of the Year highlights its comprehensive excellence, while Cragside Primary School’s success in Creative Arts underscores its innovative approach to encouraging artistic talent and expression.
Mr Stanford, Headmaster at Royal Grammar School, said: “Receiving the ‘Independent Senior School of the Year’ award at the Tes Awards was a proud moment – not just for what it says about RGS today, but for how it reflects the values that have shaped us for over 500 years: a sense of belonging, belief in one another, a love of learning, and the ambition to succeed. To receive this recognition in our quincentenary year makes it all the more special.”
Rebecca Jackson, Head Teacher of Cragside Primary School, said: “This award is a reflection of the imagination, hard work, and enthusiasm that our children and staff bring to the creative arts every day. We are absolutely delighted.”
Heartfelt congratulations to those that were shortlisted, too!
Beyond our fantastic winners, we also extend a heartfelt congratulations to several other North East schools and individuals who achieved the immense honour of being shortlisted.
Their nominations are also a testament to the high standards and impactful work being carried out across our region, and they should still be as proud of themselves as we are of them.
- Ashbrooke School (Sunderland) was a finalist for Specialist Provision School of the Year. This nomination deservedly highlights the school’s dedication to providing exceptional support and education for students with specific needs, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
- Rebecca Turner from Durham High School (County Durham) was recognised as a finalist for Subject Lead of the Year (Secondary). This nomination celebrates her outstanding leadership and expertise in her subject area, and the significant positive impact she has had on her students and colleagues.
- North East Learning Trust (County Durham) was shortlisted for Trust Team of the Year (10 or more schools). This nomination acknowledges the collaborative efforts and strategic leadership of the trust in driving improvement and ensuring high-quality education across its extensive network of schools.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “Congratulations to all winners and those that were shortlisted. These achievements collectively highlight the vibrant and flourishing educational landscape of the North East, and that is something we’ll always shout from the rooftops.
“We are immensely proud of all our schools, their dedicated staff, and their remarkable students who continue to elevate the standard of education in our region and gain national recognition for their outstanding efforts.”