GSAL named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) has been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 in the Big Organisation category, in the school’s first year of entering the national awards programme.

Published in partnership with employee experience platform WorkL, founded by Lord Mark Price, the nationwide survey celebrates organisations leading the way in employee engagement, workplace culture and overall colleague experience across the UK.

This year’s list features 567 organisations across a wide range of sectors and sizes, with 126 employers recognised in the Big Organisation category.

The recognition is based on comprehensive colleague survey data measuring key areas including wellbeing, reward and recognition, empowerment, job satisfaction, information sharing and pride in the organisation.

GSAL was recognised in the Big Organisation category, which includes employers with between 250 and 1,999 employees. The award highlights GSAL’s commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive and ambitious working environment where colleagues feel valued, trusted and inspired in their roles.

Rachel Cooper, GSAL’s director of HR, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for 2026, especially as this is the first year GSAL has entered the awards. This recognition reflects the culture our colleagues help to create every day – one built on trust, collaboration, care, professionalism and a shared commitment to excellence. We are incredibly proud of our community and grateful for the honesty and positivity they shared through the survey process.”

Principal Michael Hall added: “At GSAL, we believe that when colleagues feel supported, empowered and valued, they are able to make the greatest possible difference to the lives of young people. This award is a wonderful endorsement of our culture and values, and of the dedication shown by colleagues across every part of the school. To be recognised nationally alongside leading organisations from across the UK is a significant achievement for the school.”

As one of only six Leeds-based organisations featured in the Big Organisation category, and the only independent school recognised nationally, the award reflects GSAL’s commitment not only to education but also to creating a positive and supportive workplace culture within the city and wider region.

The Sunday Times Best Places to Work awards also highlight employers excelling in areas including wellbeing, inclusion and support for employees at every stage of their careers, and are widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading indicators of workplace engagement and employee experience.

GSAL’s inclusion reflects the school’s ongoing investment in colleague wellbeing, professional development, staff voice and a strong sense of community. The full list can be viewed at: https://www.thetimes.com/best-places-to-work.