Best Education Management Business of the Year 2026

Posted: 21st July 2026

We are absolutely delighted to have been named Best Education Management Business of the Year – 2026 – United Kingdom in the prestigious Global 100 Awards. This award is a proud moment for everyone at Gymboree Play & Music UK and celebrates the passion, care and dedication that goes into every class we deliver.

At Gymboree Play & Music, we believe that childhood should be filled with joy, discovery and connection. For 50 years we’ve had the privilege of welcoming babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their families into our classes, where learning happens naturally through play, music, movement and shared experiences. Seeing children grow in confidence, make new friends and reach important developmental milestones is at the heart of everything we do.

Our award-winning classes are carefully designed for children from birth to five years old, supporting each stage of early development in a fun, nurturing and engaging way. Whether it’s a baby’s first sensory experience, a toddler’s growing independence or a preschooler’s blossoming imagination, we create opportunities for children to explore, learn and thrive at their own pace.

What makes Gymboree Play & Music truly special is the connection we help build between children and their grown-ups. We know that some of the most meaningful learning happens when families play together. Our classes offer precious time away from the distractions of everyday life, giving parents, grandparents and carers the chance to share moments of laughter, discovery and achievement with their little ones.

This award belongs not only to our wonderful team and franchise partners across the UK, but also to the thousands of families who choose Gymboree Play & Music to be part of their early years journey. Your trust, enthusiasm and support inspire us every day.

As we celebrate this incredible recognition, we remain committed to creating welcoming spaces where children feel confident, capable and loved, and where families can make happy memories together. We look forward to continuing to bring the magic of learning through play to communities across the UK for many years to come.

Thank you for being part of our Gymboree Play & Music family.

Enquire now to start your Gymboree Play & Music journey!

Reviews

Both of my children (3.5 years and 11 months) go to Gymboree Play & Music and love it. My toddler goes to their drop-off Lego class which she raves about. It's very creative, working not only on Lego skills but also painting, drawing etc. My infant son loves his Gymboree Play & Music Crawlers class - particularly loves crawling all over their props, through the tunnels, etc. Great way to get the infant crawling over obstacles! Gymboree Play & Music is part of our weekly schedule for both kids and we look forward to participating every week. Invaluable!

Natalia

Cannot recommend Gymboree Play & Music Watford enough--truly THE BEST! ❤️🙌 What makes it so special are the amazing teachers/staff, especially Amber, Jack, Philippa, and Hannah! They’re not only incredibly talented in music and arts, but they’re also absolutely fantastic with kids of all ages.

My little girl was only 18 months old when we first discovered this wonderful place and started attending sessions. She’s now 5 years old, and we’re still here! That says it all 🥰

Rose

I genuinely believe that so many of my daughter’s milestones have been reached early because of the time she spends here. She was talking, walking, climbing, and exploring ahead of her peers, and I credit so much of that to the incredible environment and activities here. The space itself is wonderful — safe, clean, and full of opportunities for little ones to run, jump, climb, and burn off energy without any worries. But for me, Gymboree has been just as important as it has been for my daughter, especially as a mum without a village. ...What I didn’t realise was how much I would gain. I’ve made lifelong friendships and found a support network of the most incredible people.

Jennifer