A partner‑voted award of real significance

The StudyTravel Secondary School Awards are widely regarded as one of the most respected accolades in the international education sector. Crucially, they are partner‑voted, with educators, agents, associations and service providers all taking part.

Voting for the 2026 awards took place over a two‑month period, with schools voting for agency partners and agencies voting for school partners. Being recognised by the professionals we work with every day is a powerful endorsement of ILG’s quality, professionalism and long‑standing relationships across the global education community.

Success in a highly competitive category

The Chain School (collection of schools) category was particularly competitive, featuring some of the most established and well‑known education groups in the sector. ILG was shortlisted alongside:

CATS Global Schools

Dukes Education

Inspired Education Group (Boarding)

Mander Portman Woodward (MPW)

Nord Anglia Education

Winning in such a strong field highlights the strength, consistency and vision of the group that Shebbear College is proudly part of.

What this means for Shebbear College

While this award recognises Inspired Learning Group as a whole, it directly reflects the work taking place in individual schools like Shebbear College. Our staff benefit from shared expertise, high quality international recruitment, and strong professional support, while still retaining the distinctive character, close‑knit community and values that make Shebbear unique.

This recognition reinforces Shebbear’s reputation as a school that combines tradition with forward‑thinking practice, and it strengthens our profile within the education market, benefiting both current and future pupils.

Strength and stability in a changing sector

At a time when the independent schools sector is experiencing increasing financial and regulatory pressure, belonging to a well‑established and successful group such as Inspired Learning Group places Shebbear College in a particularly strong position. ILG provides stability, strategic leadership and long‑term investment, ensuring that our school is well‑supported, resilient and able to plan confidently for the future.

This stability allows Shebbear College to focus on what matters most: providing a high‑quality, values‑led education in a nurturing environment where pupils can thrive.