Icelandic education awards honour schools and teachers

Four education initiatives and educators were recognised at the 2026 Icelandic Education Awards, presented on Tuesday at Bessastaðir, mbl.is reported. The ceremony was broadcast on RÚV on Wednesday evening.

The awards cover outstanding school or education reform work, teaching, development projects, vocational education and special encouragement awards. They aim to highlight high-quality work with children and young people in schools and leisure activities.

Individualised learning wins school award

The vocational studies department at Fjölbrautaskólinn í Breiðholti, an upper secondary school, received the award for outstanding school work or education improvements. The department was recognised for developing individualised learning intended to help students build skills for a range of everyday challenges.

Its teaching methods include field trips, outdoor learning, visits, scavenger hunts, practical assignments, creative work, movement, design and problem-solving. Sigurður Fjalar Jónsson leads the department.

Drama teaching and music project recognised

Sandra Ómarsdóttir, a teacher at Seljaskóli in Reykjavík, won for outstanding performing arts teaching. She stages ambitious productions with students each year. The performances have been praised for their professional approach, artistic vision and careful execution, and for their positive effect on the school environment.

The development project award went to Söngvavor, a collaboration between preschools and music schools. Last spring, it involved more than 3,000 children at 140 preschools and 15 music schools across the country. Preschool children visit music schools to rehearse works by Icelandic composers with music students aged 10 to 16, who accompany them on instruments. The project concludes with concerts at cultural centres in each municipality.

Akureyri school honoured for vocational education

Verkmenntaskólinn á Akureyri, a vocational school, received the award for outstanding vocational education for its sustainable classroom, described as an exemplary innovation project in environmental education. The school has installed a solar power plant and created facilities where students can work on various projects.