St Swithun's School in Winchester named ‘Independent Girls’ School of the Year’ at the prestigious Independent School of the Year Awards.

We are thrilled to announce that St Swithun's has been named ‘Girls’ School of the Year’ at the prestigious Independent School of the Year Awards. 

Headmistress Jane Gandee and deputy head Graham Yates collected the award last night at the awards ceremony at The Law Society in central London. Jane received the award from Jeanette Cochrane, the Chief Executive of the Girls’ Schools Association.

“We believe every girl should have the confidence to follow her own path and the support to take her first steps towards it.”

Jane Gandee, headmistress.

The judge praised the ‘unspoken sisterhood’ at St Swithun’s and how the school fosters a culture where girls lift each other up and empower students to see possibilities, not barriers. They recognised the school's commitment to helping every student find her own path while fostering a culture of support and ambition. 

The award entry highlighted St Swithun's commitment to enabling every student to follow a path that is right for them, whether that is challenging gender stereotypes in STEM subjects, reaching the national finals of the Oxford Schools Debate and Micro-Tyco Sustainability Challenge, or taking part in the school's pioneering approach to girls' sport and wellbeing. More than 80% of students participate in a sports team and 68% of sixth form students study at least one STEM A level.

Jane Gandee said, “As a school, our fundamental belief is the power of an all-girls education. We believe every girl should have the confidence to follow her own path and the support to take her first steps towards it. We are delighted to receive this award. It highlights the hard work of everyone in our school community from our students, teachers, support staff and our parents. Everyone should feel proud of this achievement.” 

Liz Norris prep head said, “We encourage our students to try new things and uncover their passions, safe in the knowledge they are supported by their classmates and teachers. We empower pupils from their very first steps and are thrilled to have been recognised as the best independent girls’ school in the country.” 

Hosted by publishers of Independent School Parent magazine, the awards evening brought together distinguished guests and key figures from across the sector. An independent panel of judges selected the winners from over 1,000 nominations, highlighting the achievements within the independent education community. Now in its ninth year, the awards continue to celebrate excellence and innovation in the sector. 

This win follows a number of recent accolades for St Swithun’s including receiving the 2026 Alice Rose Award alongside Elstree Prep School in the Talk Education Awards for innovation in education.

"We empower pupils from their very first steps and are thrilled to have been recognised as the best independent girls’ school in the country."

Liz Norris, head of St Swithun's Prep School.