'Bring me Sunshine': The dog bringing calm to the classroom

A DOG rescued from the streets of Cyprus has been named the UK’s 2026 School

Dog of the Year.

Sunshine works at Octavia House School (OHS) in London - a specialist facility providing education and therapy for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, and many who have had adverse childhood experiences.

The award-winnining dog offers comfort, reassurance and emotional support during regular visits with her owner, Laura Freeman.

And these visits have had a measurable impact on pupils’ attendance, self-esteem and ability to form relationships, according to the school.

Sunshine in action

Laura Freeman and Sunshine received the award at a ceremony at the Palace of

Westminster.

In nominating Sunshine, Emily Rattenbury-Barlow, director of therapy at OHS, said:

"Sunshine brings joy and a sense of calm, providing warmth, acceptance and comfort. Our pupils adore her.

"We feel incredibly lucky to have Laura and Sunshine as part of our therapy team."

Laura, who is qualified in Animal Assisted Play Therapy, said: "Our pupils learn

about compassion and empathy when interacting with Sunshine, supporting her wellbeing as well as theirs.

"For our children, who often haven't had experience of positive relationships, their

relationship with Sunshine becomes a model for all healthy relationships, which they are

then able to build in their own lives.

"We are honoured to win this award, and I know the children will be over the moon."

The UK School Dog of the Year Awards celebrate schools and other education providers

which work with dogs responsibly and safely and with a measurably beneficial impact on

pupils.

From nominations received from across the UK, the judges selected winners in each

of four categories, before announcing Sunshine as the UK School Dog of the Year.

The awards are run by the National School Dog Alliance (NSDA) and Swansea University, in partnership with the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG). They are supported by the Pet Education Partnership and sponsored by Pet Remedy.

The ceremony was hosted by Irene Campbell MP, chair of APDAWG; Dr Marc Abraham OBE, vet, campaigner, author, filmmaker and APDAWG Secretariat, and Professor Helen Lewis, chair of the NSDA.

Other MPs in attendance included Dame Nia Griffith, Steve Darling and his guide dog Jennie, plus deputy speaker of the House of Commons, Caroline Nokes.

Lucrezia Millarini, head judge and ITV newsreader, said: "What stands out about

Sunshine is the incredible impact she has on the children she supports every day.

Sunshine with her owner Laura Freeman (kneeling), members of the NSDA team and (centre) Dr Marc Abraham, Irene Campbell MP and Professor Helen Lewis

"Her calm, gentle nature allows pupils to feel safe, comforted and understood, often helping children who struggle with trust, communication and emotional regulation.

"The fact Sunshine came from such difficult beginnings makes her story even more powerful.

"A finalist in 2025, it’s been another exceptional year for Sunshine: living up to her name and bringing so much warmth and much needed support to so many pupils. She truly is a star."

Professor Lewis said: "We were delighted to receive so many nominations this year, spanning a wide variety of settings.

"The role of a school dog can look very different between schools, so we assessed nominations in four categories, including a special category for those working in education in its broadest, community sense.

"All of this year’s entries were inspiring to read. We selected our winners because their

entries demonstrated high quality practice, enthusiastic children, adults and dogs - and gave clear evidence as to the positive impact the dog’s work was having on the wellbeing of all involved.

"It’s important for the education community, policy makers and the wider public to

understand that because of a lack of clear policy and guidance, the standards set out by the NSDA are not yet being adhered to in all schools with visiting dogs and this is

something that requires urgent attention.

"The UK School Dog of the Year Awards is one way we are addressing this problem

because they showcase the very best school dogs - those which are making a genuine and meaningful difference for children, as well as schools that are demonstrating an outstanding commitment to high standards of canine wellbeing and ethical practice.

"We congratulate all of them - and particularly Sunshine of course."

Dr Abraham said: "An increasing number of schools are realising the many benefits school dogs bring, from enhancing pupils’ emotional and physical wellbeing to supporting their social and emotional development.

"These dogs also nurture the development of the human-animal bond in the children they engage with, while helping them build essential life skills.

"By rewarding schools that are leading the way in this area, we hope these awards inspire

others to explore the remarkable impact a school dog can have - always ensuring that both pupils and dogs enjoy happy and enriched relationships."