The shortlist for the Laughology Happiness Awards 2016 has been announced.

Our independent panel of judges assessed over 210 entries and have chosen the three finalists for each of the four categories and commended all on the quality of their nominations.

It gives us great pleasure to reveal the shortlist:

HAPPIEST SCHOOL

St. Matthew’s Primary School, Luton

What the nominators said:
“Childhood is precious, and whilst we have our statutory duties to deliver, we can deliver them with fun, laughter, resilience and responsibility. Happy and successful school days have to be a school’s legacy. This is our mission.”

Highfield South Farnham, Farnham

What the nominators said:
“The children are so happy, it’s a battle to get them to come home in the afternoons. The teachers chat to them and the parents. It’s all so relaxed and happy.”

Silverdale Primary Academy, St Leonards-on-sea

What the nominators said:
“The awareness and promotion of positivity runs through everything we do and is understood by all our community. Every class in the school has a display that reinforces this value – we choose to shine.”

HAPPIEST TEACHER, HEADTEACHER OR SUPPORT STAFF

 Ian Melloy, Headteacher, Heathfields Infant School, Tamworth

What the nominators said:
“Mr Melloy helped organise a big event for Kindness Day last year; children had a Kindness assembly that opened with all the teachers singing Bruno Mars ‘Count on Me’ to the children. Mr Melloy, you truly deserve this award.”

Jane Thomas, Headteacher, St. Matthew’s Primary School, Luton

What the nominators said:
“Over the last six years Jane has crafted a community of children, families and colleagues where everyone is immersed in fun, humour and creativity.”

Gregory West, Headteacher, Highfield South Farnham, Farnham

What the nominators said:
“The children know he does his best for them. He will read a book to them when they are sick waiting for their parents to collect them, comfort nervous newbies and always makes time for parents.”

HAPPIEST ORGANISATION OR BUSINESS

Spencers Solicitors, Chesterfield

What the nominators said:
“After communicating the awards within the business, seven employees were nominated separately and independently by their peers, which is characteristic of Spencers.”

The Outward Bound Trust, Cumbria

What the nominators said:
 “It is an amazing and inspiring place to work. We have an initiative called ‘The Way We Work Together’ and the organisation has grown with these values consistently promoted.”

giffgaff, Slough

What the nominators said:
“We have dedicated ‘Ministries’ for Development, Sport, good times, Health & Wellbeing and good deeds (charity). These act as ideation platforms to drive engagement.”

Edelman UK, London

What the nominators said:
“People are our most prized asset and we’re passionate about keeping them motivated, challenged and, above all, happy.”

HAPPIEST LEADER, MANAGER OR EMPLOYEE

Ruth Thomas, Flintshire Early Years and Family Support Service, Flintshire

What the nominators said:
“She brightens up the office with her humour and contagious laugh. Colleagues are frequently heard saying that every office needs a Ruth. We value her greatly.”

Rob Smith, The Outward Bound Trust, Cumbria

What the nominators said:
“Never a dull moment, particularly when he’s put on the spot to share a joke at the end of tedious meetings.”

What the nominators said:
“He is definitely the most inspiring and down to earth boss I have ever had the pleasure to work with and he absolutely deserves some recognition for all he puts into his work.”

Martin Cooper, The Outward Bound Trust, Cumbria

What the nominators said:

“He is definitely the most inspiring and down to earth boss I have ever had the pleasure to work with and he absolutely deserves some recognition for all he puts into his work.”

With just a week to go until the award ceremony, anticipation is rising. 

Laughology CEO Stephanie Davies said: "It's been wonderful to see the positive reaction to the awards. Everyone who nominated and all the nominees deserve thanks and recognition for striving to create positive change in people's lives through happiness."