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Sunshine, a dog rescued from the streets of Cyprus, has been named the UK’s 2026 School Dog of the Year.

Working at Octavia House School (OHS) in London – a specialist school providing education and therapy for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, and many who have experienced adverse childhood experiences – Sunshine offers comfort, reassurance and emotional support during regular visits with her owner Laura Freeman. These visits have had a measurable impact on pupils’ attendance, self-esteem and ability to form relationships, according to the school.

Laura Freeman and Sunshine received the award at a ceremony at the Palace of Westminster on Wednesday 13 May.

In nominating Sunshine, Emily Rattenbury-Barlow, Director, 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 Freeman, who is qualified in Animal Assisted Play Therapy, said: “We teach our
children to show 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. Selected from nominations received from across the UK, the judges selected winners in each of four categories, before announcing Sunshine as the 2026 UK School Dog of the Year at the ceremony. 

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 awards ceremony was hosted by Irene Campbell MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (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 MP, Steve Darling MP and his guide dog Jennie, plus Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons Caroline Nokes MP, making it a truly cross-party affair.

Head judge ITV newsreader Lucrezia Millarini said of the winner: “What stands out about Sunshine is the incredible impact she has on the children she supports every day. 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 Helen Lewis, Chair of the NSDA, 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 for 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 Marc Abraham OBE commented: “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.”

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