- Swiss Cottage School, Development and Research Centre named in Top 10 shortlist for World’s Best School Prize for Community Collaboration
London’s Deputy Mayor for Children and Families, Joanne McCartney, today congratulated an exemplary Camden school on being named in the Top 10 shortlists for the World’s Best School Prizes 2026. The five World’s Best School Prizes, founded by T4 Education in the wake of COVID in 2022 to share the best practices of schools that are changing lives in their classrooms and far beyond their walls, have been described as the ‘World Cup for Schools’. They are the world’s most prestigious education prizes.
Swiss Cottage School, Development and Research Centre – a state primary and secondary special school in London, UK, which is reshaping how communities, health services, cultural organisations, universities, and educators work together to support children with complex learning needs – has been named in the Top 10 shortlist for the World’s Best School Prize for Community Collaboration. They are the only UK and special school selected amongst the finalists for the Community Collaboration prize.
London’s Deputy Mayor for Children and Families, Joanne McCartney, said:
“A huge congratulations to Swiss Cottage School, Development and Research Centre; Surrey Square Primary School; and Hybrid @ London Park School Mayfair, who have all been shortlisted for the World’s Best School Prizes. These nominations are a testament to the amazing work of staff and the wider community to nurture the talent and potential of our young people. By providing pupils with the best possible start in life, we can ensure London is and continues to be the greatest city in the world to grow up in.”
Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes, said:
“Congratulations to Swiss Cottage School, Development and Research Centre on being shortlisted for the fifth annual World’s Best School Prizes. It has shown that Camden’s schools truly stand among the best in the world.
“Each one of these exemplary schools shortlisted for this global schools prize has, in its own unique way, helped prepare young people for a world that has never seemed so uncertain. It is more important than ever that our schools grow the leaders we’ll need to face massive challenges from rising conflict and inequality to populism and climate breakdown.
“In their classrooms, every day, these institutions show what works. And governments and schools across the world should learn from their shining examples.”
The Principal of Swiss Cottage School, Syra Sowe, said:
“Swiss Cottage School, Development and Research Centre is delighted to be named a Top 10 finalist for the World’s Best School Prize for Community Collaboration. Our partnerships with families, the local community, NHS colleagues, further education providers and specialist organisations are central to everything we do. Together, they help ensure that our pupils receive the holistic, ambitious and personalised education they deserve.
These collaborations extend far beyond our school gates, enabling us to share expertise, develop innovative practice and improve outcomes for children and young people with additional needs across the wider system. We are proud and grateful that the hard work of our staff, pupils, families and community partners has been recognised by T4 education.’
Stefano Liotta, whose daughter has been a student at Swiss Cottage School for several years said:
“I am absolutely delighted to see the school shortlisted in the Top 10 of the World’s Best School Prize. Swiss Cottage School has had a transformative impact on my child’s life and on our family – the support she has received has enabled her to grow in confidence, develop her abilities, and enjoy a truly inclusive and nurturing learning environment.
“For families like ours, it is far more than a school – it is a community that believes in every child’s potential and helps them thrive. We could not be prouder to see the school receiving international recognition for the outstanding work it does.”
Dame Sue John, Executive Director of Challenge Partners, said:
“Swiss Cottage is an exceptional school at the heart of its community, committed to excellence and dedicated to sharing its outstanding practice with schools and organisations both nationally and internationally. Through its leadership of a Challenge Partners Hub, the school champions collaboration and professional learning, helping to improve outcomes and opportunities for children across its local network.
I am delighted to see Swiss Cottage’s achievements recognised on the global stage. It has always been a privilege to be associated with such an inspiring school.”
Ali Oliver, Chief Executive of Youth Sports Trust UK Children’s Charity, said:
“This is a wonderful achievement and so well deserved. Swiss Cottage School, Development & Research Centre is an inspiring, nurturing and aspirational environment for young people. They do incredible work in the local community, collaborating with other service providers and families, and they are also a lead inclusion school for the Youth Sports Trust which means they are helping us shift the dial on inclusion of all young people through meaningful, relevant and enjoyable physical activity and sport which builds bright futures.”
Barry McGuigan, Former World Featherweight Boxing Champion, said:
“What an incredible achievement! This recognition shines a global spotlight on what makes your school so special. A caring, committed community that works together to support every young person.”
