A small village primary school near Andover is celebrating a major achievement after being named South East of England School of the Year 2026 at the prestigious SuperKind Social Impact Schools Awards.
Vernham Dean Gillum’s Church of England Primary School has received the regional accolade in recognition of its exceptional commitment to charitable initiatives, community involvement and environmental responsibility.
The award celebrates the efforts of pupils, staff and the wider school community, who have worked together throughout the past academic year to make a positive difference to the lives of others.
The SuperKind Social Impact Schools Awards recognise schools across the country that go above and beyond to encourage children to become active members of their communities, supporting good causes and developing a greater understanding of social and environmental issues.
Despite its small size, Vernham Dean Primary School impressed through its commitment to pupil-led charitable projects, community outreach and encouraging young people to take an active role in making the world a better place.
Holly Bulpitt, Head of School at Vernham Dean Primary School, expressed her delight at the achievement.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be named the East of England School of the Year 2026. At Vernham Dean, we believe education extends far beyond academic achievements; it is about nurturing compassionate, socially conscious global citizens.
“This award belongs to our inspiring pupils, whose empathy, energy, and determination to help others shine bright every single day.
“We are incredibly proud of what our small school with a big heart community has accomplished together.”
The recognition is particularly special for the rural village school, demonstrating that even smaller schools can make a significant impact through determination, teamwork and a shared commitment to helping others.
As part of the award, Vernham Dean Primary School will receive a SuperKind badge of excellence, alongside a physical award recognising the children’s achievements and contributions.
However, the school has no plans to rest on its success.
Looking ahead, pupils and staff are preparing to launch further community-focused initiatives, with an emphasis on developing local partnerships, supporting charitable causes and promoting environmental sustainability.
Situated in the heart of Vernham Dean, the school prides itself on providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment where children are encouraged to develop not only academically but also socially and morally.
The latest accolade highlights the importance of teaching children the value of kindness, compassion and community spirit from an early age, while demonstrating how young people can make a meaningful difference regardless of the size of their school.
For Vernham Dean Gillum’s Primary School, the award is a fitting recognition of a school community proving that a small school really can have a big heart.