Kingsley Surf Academy Named UK Surf School of the Year 2026

Kingsley Surf Academy has been named UK Surf School of the Year 2026 at the Wavelength UK Surfer Awards, held in Newquay on Friday 24 July. The award, presented by 10 Over Surf Shop, recognised the Academy ahead of Newquay Activity Centre, Tynemouth Surf Co and Gather and Glide, in front of a 400-strong crowd of surfers, photographers, shapers and industry figures from across the UK.

A standout night for Kingsley

It capped a standout night for the school. Alongside the Academy's own nomination for Surf School of the Year, three individuals were shortlisted in their own right: Year 13 student Lily Williams, a finalist for UK Female Longboarder of the Year; U18 student Willow Craxton, a finalist for UK U18 Female Surfer of the Year; and coach Charlie Unsworth, a finalist for UK Male Longboarder of the Year.

The school was represented on the night by students Lily Williams, Willow Craxton and Murphy, coaches Charlie Unsworth and Sam Ray, and Kingsley Headmaster Rob Pavis, who spoke on behalf of the school.

A surfing programme built into the school curriculum, not bolted on

Kingsley School Devon is the only school in the UK to fully embed surfing and coastal adventures within its curriculum. Unlike a surf club or after-school activity, Kingsley's surfing programme sits on the timetable itself, alongside academic study — part of the school's five Expansive Curriculum pathways. Pupils progress through the programme year on year, taught by qualified coaches on the beaches of North Devon, rather than opting into an occasional co-curricular surf session.

The Surf Academy has grown rapidly in recent years, extending its reach beyond the classroom to the wider community through after-school and weekend coaching — making Kingsley one of very few schools in the UK, and by some measures the only one, offering both a genuine surfing curriculum and open community coaching.

In their own words

"Five years ago we had surfing as an after-school club, because we're so close to the beach. Aym Dupuy, our Head of Surf Academy and Coastal Adventures, said: 'Shall we do something bigger and better and get surfing into the curriculum at school, so it's actually on everyone's timetable?' And here we are. It's not just about surfing — it's the benefits surfing brings to all the children in the school, around mental health, resilience and teamwork, and of course having fun together while learning new skills that will last a lifetime. I am so proud of everybody in the school, and this award reflects all the teachers' and volunteers' hard work and dedication to Kingsley and the Surf Academy." — Rob Pavis, Kingsley Headmaster

About the Wavelength UK Surfer Awards

The Wavelength UK Surfer Awards, run by Wavelength Surf Magazine, celebrate the achievements of surfers, coaches, shapers and organisations across the UK, decided by public vote and an independent panel. The full list of 2026 winners is available at wavelengthmag.com.

Frequently asked questions

Is surfing part of the school curriculum at Kingsley? Yes. Kingsley is the only UK school to fully embed surfing and coastal adventures within its academic curriculum, taught on the timetable as one of five Expansive Curriculum pathways, rather than as an after-school club.

Which UK school has the best surfing programme? Kingsley Surf Academy was named UK Surf School of the Year 2026 at the Wavelength UK Surfer Awards, recognised as the best surf school in the country by public vote and an independent industry panel.

Do other schools in Devon offer surfing? Several Devon schools offer surfing as an optional co-curricular club. Kingsley is distinct in offering surfing as a fully embedded, timetabled curriculum pathway, alongside its award-winning coaching programme.

Explore more of Kingsley's Sport Academies

The Surf Academy sits alongside Kingsley's growing family of specialist sport academies:

Find out more about Surfing and Coastal Adventures at Kingsley, one of our five Expansive Curriculum pathways, or get in touch with our Admissions team to arrange a visit.