Heathfield Community College shortlisted for Tes award

Heathfield Community College has been officially shortlisted for the Inclusive School of the Year category at the prestigious national Tes Schools Awards 2026.

Key Details of the Nomination

• The Category: The college is a finalist for Inclusive School of the Year, a sector-recognized accolade that highlights deep-rooted commitments to student equity and community belonging.
• Record Numbers: The selection follows a record-breaking volume of nominations across the UK education system.
• Judging Process: Finalists were chosen by a dedicated panel of expert education specialists and veteran school leaders.
• Leadership Response: Headteacher Caroline Barlow publicly credited the achievement to the shared culture of the college, noting that inclusion is part of the school's fundamental "DNA". 

The Awards Ceremony

• Date: 19th June.
• Host: Award-winning comedian, writer, and presenter Katherine Ryan.
• Location: A gala ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane in central London. 

Context of Excellence

The nomination aligns with the school's historical institutional strengths. According to FindMySchool inspection data, the college previously secured an overall "Good" rating from Ofsted, with specific "Outstanding" designations specifically awarded to its Personal Development and Leadership categories.