Search is on for canine classroom heroes

Nominations are now open for this year’s UK School Dog of the Year Awards.

There is growing evidence that dogs can reduce anxiety, improve behaviour and support learning.

And the awards highlight their role in transforming pupil wellbeing, confidence and engagement – whether by reassuring nervous readers, offering calm companionship or giving other forms of support.

Schools are invited to enter their dog in one of four categories:

• Primary School Dog of the Year

• Secondary School Dog of the Year

• Special School Dog of the Year

• Education Community Dog of the Year (for dogs working in wider educational settings)

Barney with his young friends

Nominations, which are free of charge, can be made by downloading an entry form from UK School Dog of the Year 2026 - National School Dog Alliance. The closing date is March 27.

The awards recognise both exceptional canine companions and the schools integrating them responsibly into everyday education. 

They are hosted 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.

A reception for the category winners will take place at the Palace of Westminster in May 2026, followed by an online celebration for all entrants in June. Further details will be announced in due course.

Winning schools will also receive a trophy and a prize pack for their dog, including treats and a bespoke training package.

Professor Helen Lewis, chair of the NSDA, said: "These awards will shine a spotlight on the innovative and responsible ways schools are integrating dogs into their learning environments to improve learning outcomes.

"They also recognise those schools working to ensure that the activities of their school dog are managed safely and ethically, with the welfare of both students and the dog in mind."

Dr Marc Abraham OBE, campaigning vet, filmmaker and secretariat of APDAWG, said: "More and more schools are discovering the benefits a school dog can bring – from improving pupil wellbeing and fostering social and emotional development, to strengthening human–animal relationships.

"By recognising the schools that are leading the way, we hope to inspire others to explore the positive impact a school dog can have – and to ensure that both pupils and dogs are happy and enriched by the relationship."

The judging panel includes experts from TV, education and the canine world, including ITV newsreader Lucrezia Millarini and her pooch Milo; Hannah Molloy, TV dog behaviourist; Irene Campbell MP, Chair of APDAWG, alongside Dr Marc Abraham OBE and Professor Helen Lewis.