RGS Worcester Named Independent Senior School of the Year
RGS Worcester has been named Independent Senior School of the Year 2026 at the national Tes Awards, held in London on Friday 19 June.
The prestigious award recognises excellence across education, innovation, leadership and pupil development, with the Tes Awards widely regarded as one of the leading celebrations of achievement in UK education. RGS Worcester was selected as the national winner following a rigorous judging process involving experienced figures from both the state and independent sectors.
The award recognised the School’s combination of academic excellence, outstanding Pastoral Care and forward-thinking approach to preparing young people for a rapidly changing world. Judges praised the School’s vision and the way this is being delivered to ensure pupils flourish both academically and personally, while responding thoughtfully to the opportunities and challenges facing modern education.
RGS Worcester was the only independent school from the West Midlands shortlisted for the Independent Senior School of the Year Award and was selected as the national winner from an exceptional shortlist, which included some of the most respected schools in the country, including Charterhouse, Tonbridge School and Latymer Upper School. The Awards ceremony was attended by 1,200 guests, with judges confirming that more schools had applied this year than ever before.
The success also follows further national recognition for The RGS Worcester Family of Schools, which was shortlisted in the final eight schools across the UK for the Tes Award for Best Use of Technology. RGS Worcester was one of only a small number of schools nationally to be shortlisted in more than one category, reflecting the breadth and quality of provision across the Schools.
Headmaster, Mr John Pitt, said: “To be recognised as Independent Senior School of the Year is an extraordinary honour and a proud moment for everyone connected with RGS Worcester. This award reflects the dedication, expertise and care shown every day by our staff, the ambition and character of our pupils, and the support of our parents, governors, alumni and wider School community.
“Education changes lives. This award belongs to every member of our community who contributes to creating an environment where young people flourish academically, develop confidence and character, and leave school prepared to make a positive contribution to the world. We are immensely proud of what has been achieved here at RGS together. This award gives us the confidence to press on now to reach new heights at the RGS Schools for our pupils.”
News of the award has been warmly received by parents, with many sharing messages of congratulations and thanks. One Year Seven parent commented on the “positive and inspiring environment” created for pupils to “learn, grow and thrive”, while another described the award as “an incredible achievement” and thanked staff for all they do for the children.
The award follows a period of sustained success for RGS Worcester, including excellent academic results, national recognition for innovation in digital learning and artificial intelligence, significant investment in new facilities, new subjects and pupil opportunities, sector-leading partnerships and outreach programmes, and continued growth in pupil numbers and demand from families.
As part of The RGS Worcester Family of Schools, which educates children from Nursery through to Sixth Form, RGS Worcester combines academic ambition with outstanding Pastoral Care, extensive Co-curricular opportunities and a strong focus on preparing young people for life beyond School.
This is an exceptional achievement and a proud moment for the whole RGS Worcester community. Congratulations to all pupils, staff, parents, governors and alumni whose support, commitment and contribution have helped make this national recognition possible.
