Srinagar, Oct 23: Dr Owais Mattoo, Director of The Cardiff School, Budgam, has received the Top 20 School Director’s Award 2026 in recognition of his contribution to academic excellence, quality education and institutional development.

The award was presented at the Edu Leaders Conclave held at The Lalit, Srinagar, following a selection process involving leading schools across the Kashmir Valley.
The honour recognises educational leadership, academic standards, teaching quality, modern infrastructure, improved learning facilities, student participation and effective school management.
Dr Mattoo, who also serves as District President and Director of Media and Communications of the Jammu and Kashmir Private Schools Association (J&K-PSA), emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to education that combines academic achievement with modern facilities and opportunities for students to develop their talents.
Speaking to the media, he said quality education was the foundation of a progressive society and required dedicated teachers, effective academic planning, quality infrastructure and the collective efforts of school management, parents and students.
He stressed that a school’s progress should be measured not only through academic results but also by students’ participation in competitions, cultural programmes, sports and other activities that promote holistic development.
Dr Mattoo thanked the organisers for the recognition and acknowledged the contributions of the school management, teaching and non-teaching staff, students and parents towards the institution’s progress.
The conclave brought together educationists and school leaders to recognise initiatives aimed at improving educational standards, strengthening institutional leadership and creating better learning opportunities for students.