Hamilton College has been shortlisted for a prestigious honour at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards (ISOTY) 2025.

The school has been nominated in the Performing Arts category, the first time it has achieved that recognition, having been shortlisted for Student Wellbeing three years ago.

The awards are open to independent schools throughout the UK, with 25 categories in total and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in London in October.

The focus of this year’s awards is to celebrate the demonstrable benefits of an independent school education and showcase the innovative, caring and life-enhancing student experience which pupils in receive in independent schools.

Performing Arts is an important element of the curriculum at Hamilton College and this year saw the introduction of the House Showcase, a collaboration across Junior and Senior School, entirely led by pupils, including choreography, scriptwriting, costumes and staging.

Older pupils mentored younger ones, creating a spectacular event and reinforcing the school’s culture of creative leadership and peer encouragement.

Headteacher Richard Charman said: “This is recognition for the commitment of the performers and staff to deliver a wonderful journey of Performing Arts through the school, including Nursery, Junior and Senior School productions on our big stage.

Performing Arts plays a vital role in shaping confident, well-rounded individuals, not just through grand productions but through meaningful, inclusive experiences that reach every pupil from age 2 to 18.”

He added: “What makes our provision distinctive is its scale and its heart: every child is given meaningful space to develop creatively, perform, and be seen. Huge participation has contributed to excellence in so many areas, from stage, TV and film contracts to young people leaving to release their first albums.

The impact lasts beyond school. Pupils leave with the ability to speak publicly, listen actively, and contribute creatively in any setting. They understand the arts as a means of connection, not just performance, and take that with them into adulthood.”

Dr Helen Wright, chair of the judging panel, said: “Reading through this year’s entries, the judges have been particularly struck by the resilience and determination shown by the UK independent schools’ sector in the face of unprecedented challenge to their existence.

Meantime, globally, independent schools are facing up to political uncertainty with equal levels of fortitude. Independent schools across the world, it is clear, are working harder than ever to ensure their students – and the whole community – will develop into well-rounded human global citizens who are able to make the most of their own skills, in order to contribute positively to humanity.”