Ashville College’s Rhiannon Wilkinson shortlisted for award

Rhiannon Wilkinson, head of Ashville College, is in the running for Headteacher of the Year (Independent) at the 2026 Tes Schools Awards, widely regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the education sector.

Her leadership has helped the college reach the Sunday Times Parent Power top 10 independent schools in the North.

Ms Wilkinson said: “Thanks to the home-grown skills and talents of all our staff and pupils, Ashville continues to grow, innovate and be forward-thinking.

“There is no shortage of inspiration in schools and their people across the UK, so I am thrilled that the Ashville name will be represented on the national stage at such prestigious awards.”

She is the only nominee in the North of England.

Ashville College also achieved record-breaking A-level results for the second consecutive year.

Greg Styles, Ashville College’s chairman of governors, said: “The combination of Rhiannon’s skills in strategic thinking and practical business innovation is something I have found to be quite unique in the education sector.

“Her visionary leadership has created the ‘new’ Ashville for the future, and she deserves to be recognised on the national stage.”