Drapers’ Maylands Primary School Honoured with National Thrive ‘School of Excellence' Award

Drapers’ Maylands Primary School, part of the Drapers' Multi-Academy Trust, has been awarded the nationally prestigious Thrive ‘School of Excellence’ Award, recognising the outstanding and sustained commitment to the emotional and social development of their pupils.

This award is the highest accolade in Thrive’s Ambassador Schools scheme and is given to schools demonstrating exceptional whole-school implementation of the Thrive Approach - an evidence-based, trauma-informed framework grounded in neuroscience, attachment theory and child development research.

At Drapers' Maylands, the Thrive Approach is woven into the fabric of school life, shaping how they support every child to feel safe, valued, and ready to learn. This whole-school commitment ensures that wellbeing and academic progress go hand in hand. The award celebrates the school's inclusive, nurturing environment, where staff work with compassion and purpose to help every pupil thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Drapers’ Maylands is now one of only 49 schools in the UK and 7 in London to be recognised with this special status.

Staff were presented with the School of Excellence award plaque at a celebration event earlier this week.

Trudy Spillane, Executive Principal said: “We are absolutely overjoyed to have been awarded Thrive School of Excellence status. It has been an emotional and reflective journey, one that has required dedication and compassion at every level. We serve a diverse community where many children face challenges that impact their wellbeing and development, and we knew a whole-school approach was essential to help them truly thrive emotionally, socially and academically. The Thrive Approach offered not only a framework for understanding children’s emotional development, but also practical strategies for responding to their individual needs. It is truly the foundation of everything we do at Maylands.”

Thrive said:

Drapers’ Maylands Primary School is an extraordinary place which puts the wellbeing of pupils at the very centre of their work through their use of the Thrive Approach. This award is recognition of that amazing work.

Tom Preston, Thrive

 

It was a real privilege to celebrate your Thrive School of Excellence award with you, your incredible team and pupils. I speak with schools every day about the positive impact of the Thrive Approach; I talk about the neuroscience, I share case studies and data.... However, being at Drapers' Maylands Primary School today brought to life with such vibrancy the transformational outcomes of placing acceptance, curiosity and empathy at the heart of school culture.Sarah Kilou, Thrive

I had the great privilege to meeting with Drapers' Maylands Primary School to discuss their Thrive School of excellence award. They are phenomenal. I can't think of a better representation of Thrive best practice.Laura Nicholson, Thrive

​ Congratulations, Drapers' Maylands! Your school is a shining example of Thrive best practice, where emotional well-being is not just a priority but a way of life...we are thrilled to celebrate your well-earned success. Enjoy every moment of this achievement – it is so well deserved!Thrive

For more about Thrive, visit: www.thriveapproach.com