Sunshine, a dog rescued from the streets of Cyprus, has been named the UK’s 2026 School Dog of the Year.
The award-winning dog (pictured) works 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 had 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.
A panel of judges also selected winners from nominations from across the UK in each of four categories (see below).
One aim of the UK School Dog of the Year Awards is to highlight best practice around the use of dogs in education, which ensures a measurable beneficial impact on children and high standards of wellbeing for animals.
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.”
Ms Freeman, who is qualified in animal assisted play therapy, said: “Our pupils learn about 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 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.
Head judge ITV newsreader Lucrezia Millarini said of the winner: “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.”
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!”
The category winners
Primary School Dogs of the Year
- Errol, a rescue lurcher, working at Bradway Primary School, Sheffield
- Jackson, a Bedlington Terrier, working at Anfield Road and Bedford Primary Schools in Liverpool
- George, a labrador, working at Ysgol Penygaer Primary School, Llanelli
Secondary School Dogs of the Year
- Rhubarb, a Duck Tolling Retriever, working at Northeast Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT)
- Ember, a Labradoodle, working at Ysgol Bro Dinefw in Ffairfach
Special School Dogs of the Year
- Millie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, working at Aurora White House School in Norwich
- Sunshine, a rescue dog from Cyprus, working at Octavia House School in London
- Charlie, a Labrador, working at Heronbridge Special Needs School in Bridgend.
Community Education Dogs of the Year
- Nya, a German Shepherd, working as a therapy dog for passengers and staff on the TransPennine Express. Based in Sheffield, her handler also provides train safety education to children
- Tango, a Labrador from Bristol, supporting young people in a range of educational settings
*This article first appeared in our sister publication, School Management Plus.
