The future of education
concerns us all

We celebrated their excellence. We honored their vision.
We applauded their courage to look the future of education straight in the eye.

67
regional finalists

12
national finalists

4
Headmasters of the Year 2025

Leaders who proved that change begins in the classroom.
Discover the stories that are shaping the future of education!

The 2025 Headmasters of the Year

Their eyes have seen what education truly needs. Their hearts have chosen to transform the school they lead. Discover the courage of the headmasters who inspire generations!

Iulian Ninel See story

Iulian-Ninel Nicolae

The 2025 Headmaster of the Year for Entrepreneurship
Sorina Marinela Perșinaru See story

Sorina Marinela Perșinaru

The 2025 Headmaster of the Year for Equal Opportunities
Marius-Cosmin Pintea See story

Marius-Cosmin Pintea

The 2025 Headmaster of the Year for Innovation
Mariana Stan See story

Mariana Stan

The 2025 Headmaster of the Year
Regional
Finalists
National
Finalists

We act in the present. We inspire for the future.

Over 700 leaders from business, media, NGOs, and education joined us to celebrate the vision and impact of excellence in school leadership.

Every story shared on the stage of the Bucharest National Opera proved that change begins in the classroom - but it continues through each of us.

Because the future of education is built together, through decisions, passion, and the commitment to give every child the chance to discover their potential.

Manifesto Manifesto
- Prâslea the Mighty

"We are in direct eye contact with the future of education"
was our statement of respect and recognition for the work of school principals across Romania.

Watch the 2025
Gala manifesto below!

Watch video

Winners' Map

Since 2017, we've been putting the success stories of excellence in school leadership on Romania's map. Discover the 38 headmasters honored over the course of nine Gala editions.

Harta Romania

Partners

Together, we invest in celebrating excellence.

Financial Partners

  • Dedeman
  • BCR
  • BDO
  • Deloitte
  • Edus
  • Up Romania

Media Partners

  • PROTV
  • Republica
  • BIZ
  • libertatea
  • Viitor pentru Romania
  • Agerpres
  • Spot Media
  • vocativ
  • CCIFER
  • Romania Pozitiva

Services Partners

  • Bookster
  • Bucharest Business School
  • Averesti
  • stup
  • theshortad
  • tribal

PREVIOUS EDITIONS

Watch the 2025 Gala and previous editions

Relive the moments emotional moments of the event and explore the full stories that inspire an entire nation.

Watch the Gala

Florin Negruțiu

“We still have people! This competition held on a yearly basis is a cure for pessimism and fatigue.”

Florin Negruțiu, journalist, Republica/Digi 24

Daniel Matei

“Time and time again I discover leaders who debunk these myths, who set out to transform local communities through education, who do not merely stop at ‘that’s the best we could do’ and, for that reason, I will also congratulate our friends at AVE: for the endless strive to push education in Romania forward, school by school, headmaster by headmaster!”

Daniel Matei, Sustainability Professional, Raiffeisen Bank

Alexandru Chiriță

“Our partnership with AVE at an event of the scale of The 2024 Headmasters of the Year Awards Gala, is a particular opportunity both for me personally and for the entire educational community.”

Alexandru Chiriță, CEO, Electrica

UP România

“This event showcases innovative and impactful projects that headmasters from across the country have carried out. It is an excellent opportunity to learn about outstanding achievements that contribute significantly to the educational progress in Romania.”

UP România

Alina Constandache

“At the Gala I understood once again that the future of students in Romania also depends on us, on our lesser and greater actions.”

Alina Constandache, a BDO Romania partner