The Skinners’ Kent Academy has been shortlisted for the Tes Awards 2025

The Skinners' Kent Academy has been named a finalist for the "Pupil Mental Health Initiative of the Year" in the prestigious Tes Schools Awards. These awards, widely regarded as the 'Oscars of Education’, recognise outstanding achievements in schools across the United Kingdom.

The Academy's nomination comes for its EkoZona, a pioneering green initiative designed to improve students' mental health and well-being while promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness. Launched in 2024, the EkoZona builds upon the success of the Academy’s Forest School and provides an outdoor learning space for both students and staff. Located on the Academy’s grounds, the site includes a covered classroom, a fire bowl, an eco-toilet and solar panels that power the classroom.

Through the initiative, the Academy aims to integrate outdoor learning across all subjects, emphasising the importance of young people engaging with nature and recognising that education extends far beyond the traditional classroom. The EkoZona has become a sanctuary for students facing mental health challenges and has also provided comfort to many of the Academy’s Ukrainian students, offering a space that reflects key elements of their home country's curriculum.

Commenting on the Academy’s nomination, Hannah Knowles, Principal of The Skinners’ Kent Academy said “We are honoured to be nominated for Pupil Mental Health Initiative of the Year in recognition of the work we deliver through our EkoZona. Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of every pupil lies at the heart of our ethos, and we are very proud that the positive impact of the EkoZona has been recognised in this way.”

Jon Severs, Editor of Tes Magazine, said: “We’ve seen some incredible entries nominated in this year’s awards. The Tes Schools Awards are a highlight of the year, and it’s important that we properly recognise the fantastic work that's been done in education across the academic year.”

Winners will be announced on 20 June at a glittering gala at the Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane, London.