UK School Dog of the Year Award 2025

 UK School Dog of the Year Final 2025

London, 3 July 2025 – In a heartwarming ceremony at the Palace of Westminster, history was made as Achilles, a spirited Norwich Terrier from Danson Primary School in Welling, Kent, was crowned the UK’s first-ever School Dog of the Year. The award, launched by the National School Dog Alliance (NSDA) and supported by the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG), celebrates dogs who are compassionately and ethically integrated into school life, making a measurable difference to student well-being, attendance, and learning. Achilles, who works just two days a week to ensure his own well-being, has become a beloved fixture at Danson Primary. Part of the Canine Assisted Learning scheme, from greeting pupils at the school gate to handing out his signature “Achilles Attendance” awards, he’s more than a mascot, he’s a motivator, a comforter, and a cherished member of the school community. “From the moment he arrived, Achilles developed the most extraordinary rapport with the children,” said Mrs Anne Allen, Co-headteacher of Danson Primary and Achilles’ guardian. “His presence has helped increase attendance and resilience across the school. We hear time and again how he’s boosting confidence, self-esteem, and a love for learning.” The grand final, held on Thursday 3 July, brought together educators, pupils, MPs, charities—and of course, dogs—to celebrate the transformative role of school dogs across the UK. The event was hosted by Dr Marc Abraham OBE, media vet and APDAWG secretariat, and featured contributions from:

• Baroness Sue Hayman, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at DEFRA
• Rosie Duffield MP, Chair of APDAWG
• The Earl of Courtown, Vice Chair of APDAWG
• Dr Helen Lewis, Chair of the NSDA

Sponsored by IT’S THE DOGS, with support from Kidscape, Therapy Dog Training UK, HarperCollins, LickiMat UK, and Photography by Frankie, the event spotlighted the growing movement of canine-assisted education, and highlighted those schools and settings demonstrating excellent practices for both learners and their canine companions. Achilles was selected from nearly 60 nominees, representing schools across the UK. The judging panel included:

• Dr Risë Van Fleet, founder of the International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy®
• Beverley Cuddy, Editor of Dogs Today magazine
• Hannah Molloy, TV dog behaviourist
• Dr Elizabeth Ormerod, Chair of the Society for Companion Animal Studies
• Tracie-Faa Thompson, coauthor of Animal Assisted Play Therapy
• Leo Harris, actor
• Duncan Jones, international rugby star

Among the twelve inspiring finalists was Dennis, a gentle Cavapoo from Ysgol Heol Goffa in Llanelli, who earned second place for his work supporting pupils with special educational needs through the Burns by Your Side programme. Full List of Finalists:

• Achilles, Norwich Terrier, Danson Primary School, Welling, Kent (Winner)
• Dennis, Cavapoo, Ysgol Heol Goffa, Llanelli (Second Place)
• Fred, Labradoodle, Tenby VC Primary School, Tenby (Joint Third)
• Hobson, English Setter, Happisburgh Primary School, Norfolk (Joint Third)
• Fernie, Labrador, Winford CofE Primary School, Bristol (Joint Third)
• Kato, Labrador, Marlborough School, Sidcup, Kent
• Gracie, Labrador, Penyrheol Primary School, Swansea
• Pippa, Cockapoo, Billinge St Aidan’s CofE, Merseyside
• Sweep, Cockapoo, St James CofE, Okehampton, Devon
• Sunshine, Labrador, Octavia House, London
• Lottie, Labrador, Cheltenham Bournside School, Gloucestershire
• Lenny, Cocker Spaniel, Winford CofE Primary School, Bristol

“Reading the nominations was an absolute joy,” said Dr Helen Lewis, Associate Professor of Education at Swansea University and Chair of the NSDA. “They confirm just how transformative a well-managed school dog programme can be. We applaud all the schools embracing this innovative approach to improving well-being, ensuring dogs are integrated ethically, safely, and with the welfare of both students and dogs at the heart of everything they do.” “Every one of the finalists would make a worthy winner,” added Dr Marc Abraham OBE. “Dogs never judge or criticise – instead, they provide calm companionship that helps reduce stress and allows children to learn at their own pace. Research shows school dogs improve social integration and increase empathy and emotional awareness. They can also boost attendance, enhance attitudes toward learning, and teach vital life skills such as responsibility, respect, and compassion.” As the NSDA continues to shape best practices in canine-assisted education, Achilles stands proudly at the forefront, a small dog making a big difference, and now, a national icon for pawsitive change in schools.