Full list of West Mids teachers shortlisted for prestigious awards to be presented by TV comic Katherine Ryan

The most inspiring teachers and schools from the West Midlands are set to be celebrated for their achievements at a prestigious awards night hosted by TV comedian Katherine Ryan.

Since 2009, the Tes Schools Awards have brought together state and independent schools from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in one inclusive national event, recognising excellence across the education sector.

Returning for 2026, a shortlist of individuals and teams making a meaningful impact on pupils, staff and their wider communities across the UK has been revealed - with plenty of nominees based across the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire across 11 of the 23 categories.

Two new categories have been introduced for 2026 - Teacher Development of the Year and Pupil Enrichment School of the Year - and were judged by a panel of industry experts.

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.”

Take a look at the full shortlist for our region below:

Teaching Assistant of the Year

• Rob Howell – Oswestry School, Shropshire

Primary School of the Year

• Ark Tindal Primary Academy, West Midlands

Inclusive School of the Year

• University of Birmingham School, West Midlands

Pupil Mental Health Initiative of the Year

• Thorns Collegiate Academy, West Midlands

Headteacher of the Year (Independent)

• Charles Fillingham – Solihull School, West Midlands

Headteacher of the Year (State)

• David Karim – E-ACT North Birmingham Academy, West Midlands

Inclusive Trust of the Year

• Prince Albert Community Trust, West Midlands

Secondary School of the Year

• Heartlands Academy, Birmingham
• Lyndon School, West Midlands
• Q3 Academy Langley, West Midlands
• Ridgeway Secondary School, West Midlands

Trust of the Year — 9 Schools or Fewer

• Matrix Academy Trust, West Midlands
• Staff Wellbeing School of the Year
• Q3 Academy Langley, West Midlands
• St Peter's Catholic School, West Midlands

EYFS Setting of the Year

• Ruckleigh School, West Midlands

Teacher Development Initiative of the Year

• Shaw Education Trust, Staffordshire
• Shrewsbury School, Shropshire

Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London on June 19.

To see the full shortlist for the UK visit the Tes website.