Thorns Collegiate Academy in Brierley Hill has been shortlisted for the ‘Pupil Mental Health Initiative of the Year’ award at this year’s Tes Schools Awards. The awards celebrate the UK’s most inspiring teachers and schools from both the state and independent sectors, following a record-breaking number of nominations.
Since 2009, the Tes Schools Awards have celebrated the achievements of school staff and institutions across the UK. Free to enter, they bring together state and independent schools from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in one inclusive national event, recognising excellence across the education sector.
The awards shine a spotlight on the outstanding work taking place across schools, celebrating the individuals and teams making a meaningful impact on pupils, staff and their wider communities. This year’s awards are supported by Cloud Technology Partner, Amazon Web Services, which will sponsor the ‘Best Use of Technology’ category, recognising schools driving innovation across teaching and learning.
Thorns Collegiate Academy’s recognition reflects a sustained, whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing that is embedded across its pastoral and curriculum provision. The Academy combines structured pastoral systems with early identification and intervention, ensuring students receive timely and appropriate support when needed.
A range of approaches are used to help learners understand and manage their emotions, including established interventions such as zones of regulation, alongside consistent classroom practice that promotes emotional literacy, resilience and positive relationships. This is supported by staff who work closely with students and families, as well as student-led initiatives such as Inclusion Ambassadors, which give young people an active voice in shaping wellbeing across the school.
Together, this creates a consistent culture where wellbeing is actively taught, reinforced and supported, enabling students to feel understood, valued and ready to learn.
The shortlist was selected by a panel of expert judges, including experienced school leaders and education specialists. This year’s awards feature 23 categories spanning all areas of school life, from leadership and teaching to pupil outcomes and wellbeing.
Two new categories have been introduced for 2026 – Teacher Development of the Year and Pupil Enrichment School of the Year – reflecting the growing importance of both staff development and a well-rounded student experience.
Nikki Jones, Principal at Thorns Collegiate Academy, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for this award, which recognises the care and commitment shown across our school community. At Thorns, mental health and wellbeing is deeply embedded in our culture, from proactive early intervention and targeted pastoral support to everyday classroom practice that promotes emotional safety, belonging and resilience.
“Every member of staff plays a role in ensuring students are listened to, understood and supported, and we are committed to creating an environment where young people feel confident to speak openly and know that help is always available. This recognition reflects the dedication, compassion and professionalism of our staff, and the trust and openness of our students and families.”
Rod Williams, CEO of Tes, commented: “This year’s shortlist showcases the exceptional standard of entries across the Tes Schools Awards, reflecting the breadth of impact being delivered in UK education. Each category highlights schools and individuals who are not only driving meaningful change within their own settings, but also setting a benchmark for the wider sector. The Tes Schools Awards are designed to recognise and elevate this work, celebrating those making a measurable difference to pupils, staff and communities across the UK – and with a record number of nominations received this year, it clearly reinforces the strength and impact being delivered across the UK education sector.”
This year’s awards will be hosted by award-winning comedian, writer and presenter Katherine Ryan, with winners announced at a gala ceremony on 19 June at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.
View the full shortlist here: www.tes.com/schools-awards/uk