National award for Millie the dog

Eight-year-old Millie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, has been a therapy dog at the school for the past four years. The school offers specialist academic and therapeutic support for children aged five to 16 who have experienced difficulties in mainstream education. 

Millie is one of only three dogs to receive such recognition in the specialist school category of the UK School Dog of the Year Awards, which champions dogs who bring joy and support to learning across the UK.

Representatives from the school joined other category winners at an awards ceremony at the Palace of Westminster on Wednesday (May 13) where they were joined by members of the All‑Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG) and the Pet Education Partnership.

White House Assistant Headteacher Beth Cubberley said the whole school was utterly delighted to learn the news about the award and said it was richly deserved. She said: “For many of our pupils, feeling safe, calm and understood is the first step to learning – and that’s where Millie makes such a difference.

"Millie’s more than just a school dog – she’s a trusted friend, a calming presence and a much-loved member of our school community." 

“She helps children develop responsibility, empathy and confidence all in a gentle and natural way and helps unlock communication in a way nothing else can.”

Beth said ‘Millie Club’ is a very popular club in the school, providing opportunities for the pupils to learn how to walk Millie and how to care for her. She said: “The pupils enjoy learning how to groom Millie, clean her teeth and consider the food Millie needs to eat. Additionally, our young learners will read to Millie which Millie always loves!”

Kaydie, 10, who attended the awards ceremony with fellow pupil Leia and Headteacher David Clarke, said: “Millie is funny, playful and sleepy. She likes walking with the children and makes us happy if we are sad.”

APDAWG member Dr Marc Abraham OBE said an increasing number of schools were realising the many benefits school dogs bring – from enhancing pupils’ emotional and physical wellbeing to supporting their social and emotional development. 

He said: “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.”