Thomas Adams School Honoured with National Boarding Innovation Award
Boarding Innovation Award sponsored by Schoolblazer
WINNER: Thomas Adams School
We’re proud to announce that Thomas Adams School has won the Boarding Innovation Award at the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) Supporting Excellence Awards 2025. The award was presented at the BSA Annual Conference for Heads on Tuesday 6 May at York Racecourse.
This national recognition celebrates our innovative inspection triads—a peer-assessment model that brings boarding schools together to review and improve one another’s practices. The framework helps raise standards across the sector by encouraging openness, collaboration, and shared learning.
Mr Lee Irwin, our Director of Boarding, developed and led the initiative. He continues to support other schools in adopting the model.
“We’re delighted to receive this award,” said Mr Irwin. “Inspection triads are helping schools improve together. It’s rewarding to see our approach working so well beyond our own setting.”
Headteacher Mr Mark Cooper added:
“I’m incredibly proud of our boarding team. Their commitment to innovation and sector-wide improvement reflects everything we stand for at Thomas Adams.”
Now in its eighth year, the BSA Supporting Excellence Awards celebrate the dedication and achievements of UK boarding schools. With over 300 entries received in 2025, the awards highlight exceptional work from schools across the country.
For more information about our boarding provision or the inspection triad programme, please contact Mr Lee Irwin at lee.irwin@tas.318education.co.uk
You can also read the full press release from the Boarding Schools’ Assocation here.
