Jersey College for Girls (JCG) is proud to have won the Independent School of the Year Award for Diversity, Equality, Inclusion & Justice in the 2026 Independent School of the Year Awards.

The winners of the Independent Schools of the Year 2026 awards were announced yesterday (Wednesday 14 October) during a ceremony, at The Law Society in London. (To see the full list of winners, click here.)

The winners were selected from over 1,000 nominations by an independent panel of judges highlighting remarkable achievements within the independent education community.

Now in their ninth year, the Independent Schools of the Year Awards are among the sector’s pre-eminent awards programmes, celebrating excellence and innovation in the sector and delivering national and international recognition for some of the nation’s leading schools.

In selecting JCG for this award, the judges recognised a ‘genuine, responsive and ongoing commitment’ to fostering inclusive communities and how effectively DEIJ principles are embedded across all aspects of school life, supporting meaningful student leadership, and creating opportunities for young people to ‘play their part in shaping a more inclusive society’.

JCG’s approach to DEIJ places our young women at the heart of shaping the culture of the College and the judges highlighted the College’s pioneering work to end violence against women and girls (VAWG). Since 2020, our students have played an active role in influencing public policy, contributing to the Jersey VAWG Taskforce, supporting island-wide awareness campaigns and delivering educational workshops to peers. Their work has previously received external recognition through the DIFERA Award and has been praised for setting a benchmark in student leadership.

JCG’s commitment to inclusion extends across all aspects of school life. Through initiatives such as the annual Festival of Cultures, the Modern Languages Buddy Reading Scheme, participation in Channel Islands Pride and support for international immersion students, the College celebrates diversity as a vital way of fostering a culture of belonging and understanding.

In 2025, students also led the renewal of the College’s mural, working alongside artist Rory McCann to create a lasting celebration of inspirational women and the values of diversity and inclusion. The project was driven by JCG’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Activism (IDEA) Prefects, who play a central role in championing equality, diversity and representation throughout the year.

JCG Principal, Carl Howarth, said: “The College is incredibly proud to have won this prestigious national award. Belong is one our four core values and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice are central to JCG’s commitment to ensuring every member of our community feels that they belong and can thrive.

“What makes this achievement particularly special is that so much of this work has been shaped and led by our young women, who have demonstrated passion, courage and leadership. Our students have shown that when they are empowered by their teachers and support staff to learn, lead and take action, they can have a profound impact on their community and drive meaningful change. This award celebrates their efforts and the positive culture they help create every day, while reinforcing our commitment to building a school where everyone is valued, respected and able to succeed.”

Pictured from left: Julie Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, Independent Schools Council, one of the 2026 Judges; Carl Howarth, JCG Principal; Danielle Mynes, JCG’s Head of PSHE and Alison Morgan, JCG’s Wellbeing Governor. (Credit: Marcus Holdsworth)