How to enter

Applications for the 2026 Sandford Awards Are Now Open!

Download the resources below to help you prepare your application.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Friday 13 February 2026.

Eligibility Requirements

The Sandford Award is open to all heritage organisations—large or small, urban or rural—across the UK, including the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Eligible organisations must have a site and/or collection and deliver a formal learning programme. Please refer to our Eligibility Requirements before beginning your application.

Entry process

To apply for a Sandford Award, please complete the application form and submit it by email. The email address for submission is provided on the entry form.

Entry fee

The application fee for the 2026 Sandford Awards is £425 per site. This fee is reviewed annually and may be subject to change. Organisations managing multiple sites must submit a separate application—and pay a separate fee—for each individual site.

Award validity

The Sandford Award is valid for five years. After this period, sites are invited to reapply for the Award. If the quality mark is withdrawn, or if the Award expires without renewal, the organisation must remove the Sandford Award logo and all references to the Award from its communications and promotional materials.

Sandford Awards 2026: Key dates

Stay informed with the key dates for the 2026 Sandford Award process.

Application period

• Opens: Monday 1 December 2025

• Closes: Friday 13 February 2026 

Assessment phase

• Begins: March

• Ends: Friday 17 July

During this period, onsite assessment visits will take place. Assessors will observe educational sessions, meet staff and volunteers, and review relevant documentation.

Report and review

After assessments conclude:

• Assessors compile detailed reports

• Reports undergo moderation

• Reports are reviewed by the full Assessors’ Panel

Final decision

• Early September:
  The Assessors’ Panel meets to discuss findings and submit recommendations to the Board of Trustees of the Heritage Education Trust for ratification.

• Shortly After:
  Applicants are notified of the outcome and receive a copy of their assessor’s report.

Presentation ceremony

• Date: TBC

• Time: TBC

• Venue: TBC

Join us in celebrating high quality in heritage learning at this prestigious event.

Banner image: M&S Archive, Sandford Award holder