When choosing a secondary school for their children, parents often prioritize factors like location, Ofsted ratings, and exam results. While private schools often excel in these areas, there are exceptional state schools in the UK, proving that a quality education doesn’t require a hefty price tag.
One such school, Avanti House Secondary School in Stanmore, has made it into the final three for the prestigious World’s Best School Prize for Supporting Healthy Lives. This award, established by T4 Education, recognizes schools globally that prioritize cultivating healthy habits, behaviors, knowledge, and skills, while also providing opportunities for students and their communities to thrive.
Avanti House earned its spot on the shortlist for its unwavering commitment to creating a healthy environment for its students and the wider community, allowing them to reach their full potential. This Hindu-faith school, open to students aged 11-19, offers a fully inclusive environment with no faith-based admission criteria. While rooted in the Vaishnavist tradition of Hinduism, the school’s ethos emphasizes inclusivity, welcoming all who wish to learn.
Beyond the traditional curriculum, Avanti House offers a unique range of subjects that focus on holistic well-being, including yoga, philosophy, ethics, Sanskrit, and meditation. Their website proudly declares, “At Avanti House, we deliver a rounded education to nurture confident and creative young people who will thrive in adult life. We put an equal emphasis on the highest academic achievement alongside the development of character and spiritual insight.”
The Avanti Schools Trust, which oversees the school, expressed their excitement about the nomination: “We’re thrilled to announce that Avanti House Secondary School has been shortlisted in the top 3 for the World’s Best School for Supporting Healthy Lives! This recognition reflects our commitment to promoting well-being, mindfulness, and a balanced lifestyle for all our students.”
London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, also shared his congratulations: “It’s fantastic that Avanti House has been nominated for the World’s Best School Prize. I’d like to congratulate the teachers, parents, and pupils for all their hard work. The school puts the health and wellbeing of pupils at the heart of everything it does, supporting their physical and mental health in its curriculum and achieves impressive results. They’re a brilliant example of what is great about our capital, as we build a better London for everyone.”
Joining Avanti House in the final three are Istituto Galilei-Costa-Scarambone in Leece, Italy, and Middleton International School in Singapore. The winners will be announced in October, sharing a $50,000 prize fund and an invitation to participate in a summit in Dubai. Avanti House’s nomination highlights the incredible work being done by state schools in the UK, offering a holistic and impactful educational experience for students.
