Lottie is headed to Westminster for the NSDA School Dog of the Year Final!
02 Jun
Everyone at Cheltenham Bournside School is officially bursting with pride, because our beloved school dog, Lottie, has been shortlisted for the prestigious National School Dog Alliance (NSDA) School Dog of the Year Award 2025!
Selected from a nationwide pool of inspiring entries, Lottie caught the attention of judges from the NSDA, RSPCA, and PDSA for her exceptional impact on student wellbeing and the school’s unwavering commitment to her health, happiness, and professional training.
Whether Lottie is helping anxious students feel calm, listening to readers who need a confidence boost, or simply snoozing in the welfare office with her best mate (and daughter), Olive, Lottie is much more than just a school dog - she’s a much-loved member of the team at Bournside.
Notifying us of the good news, a representative from the NSDA said; "The shortlisting panel was incredibly impressed by the outstanding work being done at Bournside and the clear commitment to best practice, not only in how your school dog supports pupils, but also in how you prioritise Lottie's wellbeing. It is a shining example of what safe, inclusive, and impactful animal-assisted education can look like.
We are absolutely delighted that Lottie has been recognised on a national level and we are proud to be part of a growing national conversation around animal welfare and wellbeing in schools. Lottie brings so much joy and calm to our school community, and the positive impact she has had - particularly in supporting mental health, emotional regulation and reading confidence - has been incredible to witness. She is a very special part of our team.
- Mrs Lees, Assistant Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Lottie's owner
But the NDSA School Dog of the Year Award isn’t just about how brilliant Lottie is. It’s a celebration of schools that are committed to best practice. Ensuring that school dogs are properly trained, well cared for, and never overwhelmed. At Bournside, Lottie’s wellbeing is always front and centre. She has her own schedule, cosy spaces to rest, and a fan club that stretches across the whole school.
Lottie will now progress to the grand final, held in Westminster, London, on Thursday 3rd July. The winning school will receive a national feature, an award, and a prize pack for their four-legged team member.
Backed by a panel of respected experts in education and animal welfare, including Dr Marc Abraham, OBE (better known as Marc the Vet), and Beverley Cuddy, Editor of Dogs Today, the School Dog of the Year Award recognises the power of animal-assisted education and the remarkable bond between children and dogs.
Being shortlisted is a huge honour and a wonderful opportunity to showcase not only Lottie’s contribution but also the kind of supportive, inclusive community we strive to create at Bournside.
- Mr Jefferies, Headteacher
For more information about the National School Dog Alliance, please visit https://www.nationalschooldogalliance.co.uk/
