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Tracy
Tracy
Nov 10 2026
8Outstanding international schools, leaders and teachers have been recognised in the shortlist for the Tes Awards for International Schools 2026.
The Tree House International School for Children with Special Needs has been shortlisted in two categories. The first, for Community Engagement Initiative of the Year for Merak 2026, and the second for Teacher Development Initiative of the Year, which recognises the continuous training and development the school provides.
The Tes Awards for International Schools are designed to celebrate and champion the very best teachers and schools from across the globe, in recognition of the vital role the sector plays in delivering world-class education to millions of pupils. The panel of awards judges include experienced international school leaders and high-profile individuals from major education organisations who have extensive experience across the sector.
Speaking about the nominations, Principal and Founder of The Tree House International Dr Anton James said “Being shortlisted for two awards at the Tes Awards for International Schools 2026 is particularly exciting for us as a small school in Sri Lanka. I believe that community engagement and continuous professional development of staff are essential indicators of inclusion, and we have invested considerable effort in all areas of inclusion, including these two. Our community engagement work includes Merak 2026, Sri Lanka’s largest national autism awareness initiative, designed specifically to reach populations that conventional awareness programmes often fail to engage. Equally, professional development is deeply embedded in the culture of The Tree House International, with training and learning opportunities taking place every week. Having both these aspects of our work recognised internationally is especially meaningful to us.”
The objectivity, professionalism and high standards of the judges and the judging means being shortlisted is a well-respected achievement for any school or individual. Tes international Editor and Chair of the judges for the Tes Awards for International Schools, Dan Worth, said: “A huge congratulations to all the schools and individuals shortlisted this year. We received a large number of entries of real depth and quality, which made our judges task of picking a shortlist and winners very tough, but they have done so with diligence and discernment. We look forward to celebrating the winners next month and saying thank you to educators everywhere for the amazing work they do around the world.”
The Tes Awards (formerly known as the Times Educational Supplement Awards) celebrates excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievements among teachers, leaders, and schools. Originally established in the UK to honour primary and secondary education, the awards have expanded globally with dedicated categories, including the Tes Awards for International Schools, which are supported by multiple leading organisations, including the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA), Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT). The Tes Awards for International Schools 2026 award ceremony will take place on 8th December, via a video available to anyone to watch live, or on-demand.
