Winner:

One Spirit, HMDT Music!

The judges awarded the prize to One Spirit for its exceptional use of music as a therapeutic and transformative tool. The programme demonstrated measurable impact on participants’ wellbeing, offered clear pathways for those at risk or leaving prison, and provided hope, purpose, and opportunities for lasting positive change.

FINALISTS

• Alchemy, Goldsmiths, University of London

•Aurora Classroom, Aurora Orchestra

• Building Musical Confidence Action Research Project, Drums for Schools

• Change Maker, Portsmouth Music Service

• ENERGY, Orchestras Live and Sinfonia Viva, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Music Service, Inspire Youth Arts, Norfolk & Suffolk Music Hub, AMP

• Gabrieli Roar: A Grand Georgian Christmas, Gabrieli

• One Spirit, HMDT Music

• Restore the Music, Restore the Music

• The Cumbria Community Orchestra Days Collective, 22 schools; Pick ‘n’ Mix Strings, Cumbria Music Hub, City of Carlisle Orchestra

• The Magic Flute, United Learning, The Ro

Winner: 

GoWrite, Papatango Theatre Company

Judges commended this transformational initiative, which offers those unlikely to tell their stories an opportunity to do so. The project prioritises giving young people a voice, and encourages representation of communities that are so often absent from theatre.

FINALISTS

• The ‘All Are Punished’ programme, A Place for Us Theatre CIC in partnership with The JJ Effect Charity

• Elevate: Reaching New Heights, Pilot Theatre

• GoWrite, Papatango Theatre Company

• National Theatre Connections, National Theatre

• Originate, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Theatre Peckham, Young and Talented RADA

• Port Talbot Youth Theatre, Afan Arts

• Shakespeare Remote, Coventry University and L’Escola Superior d’Art Dramàtic de les Illes Balears (ESADIB)

• Sing, Sign and Sensory, Effectus Theatre

• Wellbeing Through Drama, Quest Soul Theatre CIC

• With My Eyes, Guildford Shakespeare Company

Winner: 

Teaching Notes podcast, Seasons 13–15, Patrick Johns/MTA

The judges found Teaching Notes to be a high-quality, excellently-produced resource that supports teachers’ professional development, celebrates good practice, and reaches a very wide audience. Its accessibility and usefulness for educators in varied settings, across a range of topics, made it the preferred choice.

FINALISTS

• Collins International Primary Music, Collins

• Creative Composers, Bristol Beacon / Earthsong Foundation

• Curriculum for Music, ISM Trust • Elemental music platform, Elemental

• Primary Music in Conversation Podcast, Music Education Solutions

• Rockschool Backstage, Rockschool Limited • ROLI Piano System, ROLI

• Teaching Notes: MTA podcast seasons 13–15, Patrick Johns/MTA

• www.learn2playjazz.com, Learn 2 Play Jazz

Winner: 

Rediscovered Gems for Piano Solo, ed. Michael Clark, Hal Leonard

The judges felt Rediscovered Gems promoted diversity by highlighting African women composers and female representation, aligning with key themes for young people. They valued its celebration of well-crafted music of cultural significance, in a critical edition, and its contribution to the core repertoire.

Highly Commended:

 Sarah Jeffery and Hal Leonard for The Hal Leonard Recorder Method!

The judges valued the Recorder Method’s accessibility, clear layout, and practical usefulness for both specialist and non-specialist teachers. It revitalizes interest in a declining instrument and challenges misconceptions, making learning engaging and offering a resource that supports today’s teachers, pupils and classrooms.

FINALISTS

• AltoTastic Book 1 by Alexandra Skevington, Clifton Edition

• Essential Piano Technique, Levels 2–3, by Penelope Roskell, Edition Peters

• Florence Price: Rediscovered Gems for Piano Solo, ed. Michael Clark, Hal Leonard

• French Horn Basics by Paul Harris and Emily Wiggins, Faber Music

• It’s Not Just A Song by RuthAnne Cunningham, Faber Music

• Secondary Music Leader’s Handbook by Dan Francis and Dr Elizabeth Stafford, Collins Music

• The Hal Leonard Recorder Method by Sarah Jeffery, Hal Leonard

Winner: 

National Theatre Collection, National Theatre

Judges were impressed by the reach in UK schools the project had achieved after only 5 years, with 90% having access to the resource. It was seen as an invaluable tool for bringing quality theatre to young people, regardless of their location in the country.

Highly Commended: 

Puppet Box!

The judges felt that the company were making innovative strides in bringing representation and increasing diversity in puppetry, and felt the kits were meeting a need in drama training. They appreciated the door these kits open for those lacking in confidence or with learning difficulties.

FINALISTS:

• Filmmaking Curriculum & Free Class Plans, MN Awards

• Mary and the Hyenas Learning Resources, Pilot Theatre

• National Theatre Collection, National Theatre

• PuppetBox, PuppetBox

• Stage It: Making Shakespeare Come Alive in Schools, by Floyd Rumohr

• The (Incomplete) Lit in Colour Play List 2024, Bloomsbury Publishing

• The Ultimate Scenes for Screen: A Self-Tape Practice Book for Young Actors by Joanne Watkinson, Salamander Street

Winner: 

Music for Deaf Children, Music of Life!!

The judges felt Music for Deaf Children filled a critical gap in music access for deaf students, offering specialist provision and demonstrating strong impact with 120 learners. Its teacher training via the RCM ensured sustainability and scalability, making high-quality music education replicable nationwide.

Highly Commended: 

DDM After-School Programme, Face Front Inclusive Theatre

The judges admired DDM’s innovative approach to inclusion, strong emphasis on practical accessibility like transportation, and robust plans for expansion. They praised its partnership with schools, potential nationwide reach, and commitment to embedding lived experience into the process, making it impactful and forward-thinking.

FINALISTS

• Born2Sing Academy, Born2Sing

• DDM After-School Programme, Face Front Inclusive Theatre

• Cosmo, Filisia Interfaces LTD

• Its My Move & Its My Choice Initiative, Face Front Inclusive Theatre

• Music for Deaf Children, Music Of Life

• The Drumbeatable Programme, Inspire-Works

• Together: SEND Holiday Club, Guildford Shakespeare Company

WINNER: 

British Youth Music Theatre!

The judges praised the company for their innovative approach to programming, which showed a level of creativity in choice making that is sometimes lacking in this field. Their prioritisation of accessibility and inclusion was praised and the panel felt the importance they placed on partnerships was wonderful to see.

FINALISTS:

• Big Fish the Musical, Farlingaye High School

• BYMT’s 2025 season, British Youth Music Theatre

• Disney Musicals in Schools, Disney Theatrical Productions

• Haddo Musical Theatre School, Haddo Musical Theatre School

• Performer Books, The School Musicals Company

• Serenity - The Musical, Harrison Cranfield

• Summer School 2025 – Madagascar - A Musical Adventure JR, Buxton Opera House

• Young Creatives, New Projects Association

Winner: 

Caister Academy, Great Yarmouth!

The judges appreciated the academy’s efforts to involve everyone in musical theatre production. Their approach to the inclusion of SEND students was impressive, and judges acknowledged the impressive standard that Caister achieved with modest resources available to them.

Highly Commended: 

Clevedon School, North Somerset!

The judges felt Clevedon’s output was dynamic and appreciated their use of new material. Judges were impressed by the impact on the local community that their provision offered.

FINALISTS

• Banstead Prep School, Surrey

• Caister Academy, Great Yarmouth

• Clevedon School, North Somerset

• Emanuel School, London • Gordon’s School, Woking

• Hull Performance Academy, St Mary’s College, Hull

• Tonbridge Grammar School, Kent

• Westholme School, Lancashire

• The Winston Churchill School, Woking

Winner: 

Flagship Schools Programme, Music Masters!

Judges were impressed by the Flagship Schools Programme’s holistic, developmental approach, clear pathways from childhood to adulthood, and strong focus on reaching disadvantaged learners. Its replicable model inspires schools nationwide and supports high-level musical progression while addressing teacher shortages.

Highly Commended: 

The Wonder Garden, Super Sparkle UK!

The judges were impressed by Wonder Garden’s innovative, inclusive approach, combining interactive performances, free digital resources, and ongoing support for parents and carers. They highlighted its accessibility, creativity and breadth, praising the programme’s effectiveness in engaging children and families while providing free, high-quality music experiences.

FINALISTS

• Flagship Schools Programme, Music Masters

• Let’s Build a Town!, Music at Oxford

• Music’sCool, Brent Music Service

• Rumplestiltskin, Buxton Opera House

• Shake, Rattle & Roll, Cambridge

• SoundHoppers, Modus Arts

• Spirit Of Youth, Guildford Shakespeare Company

• The Mead School, Tunbridge Wells

• The Physical Activity Adventure Pack, Music and Movement

• The Wonder Garden, Super Sparkle UK

Winner: 

The Great Little Orchestra Project, MEHEM UpRising and Mishmash Productions

The judges were impressed by Great Little Orchestra’s strong focus on accessibility and inclusivity, embedding these values at the heart of training. Its scalable, future-facing model showed clear long-term impact, with potential to be rolled out across music services and to inspire young musicians through meaningful, inclusive music-making.

Highly Commended: 

Circle of Light, Offshoots CIC

Circle of Light is Highly Commended for its exceptional impact and innovation in supporting mental health through music. Judges praised its progressive programme, specialist staff including mental health nurses, and clear pathways from participation into paid and leadership roles, describing it as a highly effective project.

FINALISTS:

• BPM Rehab, BPM Rehab

• Circle of Light, Offshoots CIC

• Empowering Young Lives Through Music, HertsArts

• Engage, Tameside Music Service

• Flagship Schools Programme, Music Masters

• Music for Children who are Looked After (CLA), Sheffield Music Service and Sheffield Virtual School

• OK Music School, The Otakar Kraus Music Trust

• Pathways, Music Masters • Resonance Ensemble, Merton Music Foundation

• The Great Little Orchestra Project, MEHEM UpRising & Mishmash Productions

Winner:

Rushmore Primary School, Hackney!

The judges felt Rushmore demonstrated exceptional music education in a primary setting. Judges praised its inclusive, strikingly ambitious curriculum, extensive instrumental provision, strong singing culture, and Kodály foundation. As a primary school achieving this level of impact, it showcased what is possible and set an inspiring example for the sector.

Highly Commended:

Kingsdale Foundation School, Southwark

The judges were impressed by Kingsdale’s scholarship programme and creative strategy for free instrumental lessons, and by the range and progression of extracurricular provision.

FINALISTS

• Central Foundation Boys’ School, Islington

• Kingsdale Foundation School, Southwark

• Leighton Park School, Reading

• Q3 Academy Great Barr, Birmingham

• Radyr Comprehensive School, Cardiff

• Rushmore Primary School, Hackney

• The Priory School, Herts

• The Crypt School, Gloucester

• Thomas Hardye School, Dorset

Winner: 

Ackworth School, West Yorkshire

The judges liked the schools integrated approach in balancing students’ needs and development with quality output. They were impressed with the level of internal support for the department and the challenging play choices made for productions.

Highly Commended: 

Chiswick School, Chiswick

The judges were impressed with Chiswick School’s community links through partnerships with local theatres and primary schools, the quality of the productions they performed and their approach to inclusivity.

FINALISTS:

• Ackworth School, West Yorkshire

• Chiswick School, Chiswick

• Guildford High School, Surrey

• Hill House International Junior School, London

• The Marlborough Science Academy, St Albans

• Moreton Hall, Oswestry • Sevenoaks School, Kent

• Trinity Catholic School, Nottingham

• Wellington School, Somerset

Winner: 

Charlotte Sellers, Durham Music Service.

FINALISTS:

• Andy Harris, Sheffield Music Service

• Gayle Kinsey, Music Heroes

• Charlotte Sellers, Durham Music Service

• Caleb Sibley, Central Foundation Boys’ School

• William Strachan, Luton Music Service

Winner: 

Kat Penn!

The judges felt Kat Penn demonstrated professional dedication to a high number of children week in, week out, adapting successfully to individual and SEND needs. She has an ability to inspire through everyday teaching and performing opportunities, and her personal commitment to inclusive, transformative music-making was exceptional.

FINALISTS:

• Eiron Bailey

• Emily Calderwood

• Jenny Dobson

• Will Evans

• Rachel Moorhouse

• Kat Penn

• Brenda Rattray

• Jon Waterworth

Winner: 

Mark Harrington!

The judges appreciated Mark’s innovative approaches to teaching and commended his inspiring and inclusive work enriching the lives of SEND learners with drama, which was shown to have had a transformational impact on many. Judges admired his use of inclusion as a creative tool, rather than a provision.

FINALISTS:

• Lorna Blackman

• Rob Cann

• Michelle Edwards

• Paula Griffiths

• Mark Harrington

Winner:

Kate Rounding 

This year, I’m presenting the Editor’s award to a colleague for their exceptional commitment to inclusive leadership and music-making; for their role in building lasting partnerships between the music tech industry and education; and for their work as a writer and speaker, sharing their expertise generously among teachers at all stages of their careers. I’m delighted to give the 2026 Editor’s award to the popular yet humble Kate Rounding.

Phil Croydon

Editor of Music Teacher Magazine

Winner: 'All Are Punished' programme!

This year, I have chosen to present this award to an outstanding drama initiative that is working to tackle a difficult social challenge at grass roots level. It is a brave, bold and unique project that seeks to tackle head-on an urgent problem in society that impacts many young people today. The project has at its centre a noble aim, to 'establish drama as a credible and accessible tool for early intervention’, and its approach in using Shakespeare to achieve this is brave, powerful and worthy of recognition. I am delighted to announce that this year's Drama & Theatre Editor’s award goes to the 'All Are Punished' programme!

Drama & Theatre Magazine Team

Winner:

Cecily O'Neill

The judges felt her writing and work has been hugely influential in the field of drama education and was highly deserving of this recognition. Her work as a leader-practitioner is of international significance and her creation of process drama has been fundamental to education leaving a lasting impact and legacy. Ladies and gentlemen…it’s the wonderful Cecily O'Neill!

Winner:

Stuart Bruce

The judges were impressed by this person’s vision, devising arts projects that brought orchestras and disabled young musicians together. They recognised their success in making classical music accessible and engaging, and heard evidence of the positive influence on people, partnerships and resources. In challenging the status quo, they have effected lasting culture change across the sector. I am delighted to announce that this year’s Lifetime achievement award for music goes to: Stuart Bruce!!