Why choose a Sandford Award holder?
The Sandford Award is an independent mark of quality in heritage learning. Award holders have demonstrated that they provide high-quality, engaging and inspiring educational experiences, supported by effective learning practice and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Recognised across the UK, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, the Sandford Award is administered by the Heritage Education Trust in partnership with Lincoln Bishop University.
Schools can have confidence that awarded providers demonstrate:
☑ High-quality learning experiences that engage and inspire learners
☑ Strong educational practice with clear learning outcomes and effective delivery
☑ Skilled and knowledgeable staff experienced in working with schools and learners
☑ Effective use of heritage resources to bring history, culture and heritage to life
☑ Inclusive and accessible programmes designed to support a wide range of learners
☑ A commitment to continuous improvement through reflection, evaluation and development
☑ An independently assessed education programme, including an on-site visit by a trained assessor
☑ Recognition lasting five years, providing confidence in the sustained quality of provision
Why Does This Matter?
The Sandford Award is awarded through a rigorous independent assessment process that recognises heritage sites delivering engaging, well-structured and inspiring learning experiences for learners of all ages.
As a teacher, the award provides an additional level of assurance when selecting a venue for a school visit. It can also support discussions with colleagues and senior leaders by demonstrating that the site's educational provision has been externally assessed and judged to meet nationally recognised quality criteria.
In short: if a heritage site displays the Sandford Award, you can be confident that its learning provision has been independently recognised for high-quality.
“Holding the Sandford Award means so much as it is a recognition of our work with schools and an acknowledgment of the quality of our learning programmes. The comprehensive report helps us to identify areas of potential improvement and sometimes things that we just hadn’t thought of - an external, professional eye is invaluable”
Banner image: Englefield Estate Schools Days, Sandford Award holder