The Mount Commended as Small Independent School of the Year Again in The Independent School Awards 2026
The Mount is delighted to announce that it is in the running for Small Independent School of the Year for a third time, in the esteemed Independent School Awards, despite a record number of entries this year.
Head, Anna Wilby, said, “It’s wonderful to be recognised for what we know to be true and live out every day: that The Mount is an exceptional day and boarding school where happy pupils thrive. We may be small but we are mighty and I applaud all of our pupils, families and talented staff team who, in partnership, make our school so very special. These are lovely additions to the many plaudits we have received recently including Primary School of the Year in My Local Awards, a glowing review from The Good Schools Guide and an excellent ISI inspection. Thank you for this special commendation and we look forward to the finals in September!”
Judges who shortlisted us were impressed by so much including:
- Mount pupils know that being small encourages them to ignore limitations and see potential.
- Our small yet perfect size fosters a real sense of belonging. Staff know each child’s name, needs and personality in depth and tailor their teaching and pastoral support accordingly. The whole staff body advise pupils right through school and beyond.
- Small groups of Mount pupils test themselves beyond the school gates, such as the Bath Model United Nations for public speaking, regional competitions in all academic fields, such as the UK Maths Trust, and performing arts contests like The Great Dance Off where we are regional winners.
- We listen and respond to our families’ needs, having just opened a brand-new industry-standard dance studio and a state-of-the-art DT suite, and our new Pre-School opens in September 2026.
- Being small, means everyone can truly participate, pushing against comfort zones and building resilience. There is no B team, meaning all pupils in small cohorts take part in competitive sports, promoting lifelong health and fitness habits.
- Small LAMDA group sizes – with more one-to-one time with our practitioner – means excellence in Drama with 100% Distinctions this year!
- Small, intimate school assemblies mean pupils can have a real voice leading them. Recently three girls lead an emotional assembly where they talked about their dyslexia as a superpower rather than something to fix.
- We’re proud that our pupils, happy in their school days with so many opportunities to collaborate and lead, become caring, empathetic individuals living our values to ‘make a positive contribution to our changing world’ and ‘live adventurously.’
Dr Helen Wright, Chair of Independent Schools of the Year 2026, said:
“The standard of entries has never been higher, so well done on the success of your school, and congratulations on the great work that you do! A record number of nominations were received. It has been truly wonderful to receive nominations which clearly celebrate excellence in education and showcase the myriad of activities in which our students have the opportunity to excel. The innovative and life-affirming student experience which independent schools provide to their students is awe-inspiring and the stories are both moving and humbling. It is clear that the independent sector remains strong in spirit and outcomes, and the judges look forward enormously to selecting and celebrating extraordinary practice.”
A list of Finalists will be published on 10 September and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 14 October.
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