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About The Award

The Heritage Schools Award recognises and celebrates the achievements of schools who have successfully embedded local heritage across the curriculum, to ensure the young people they work with are provided with opportunities to engage with their local historic environment.

By taking part, schools demonstrate their commitment to embedding heritage across the curriculum and to supporting staff with the confidence, knowledge and resources they need. The Award is both a mark of achievement and a way of sharing inspiring practice with others.

You can download further information about the evidence required to achieve the award or create an account to find out more.

Heritage Schools Award

Enrichment for Your Pupils

Inspire curiosity and pride by linking lessons to the stories of your local area. Pupils engage more deeply with history when they see how it connects to their own lives.

Support for Your Staff

Benefit from practical guidance, free training, and resources that help teachers grow in confidence. The resources on the Heritage Schools Award Hub ensures staff are well equipped to use heritage as part of everyday teaching.

Recognition for Your School

Gain national recognition for your work in celebrating local heritage. The Award showcases your school’s commitment to connecting pupils with their community and embedding local history and heritage in meaningful ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Heritage Schools Award?

    The Heritage Schools Award recognises and celebrates the achievements of schools who have successfully embedded heritage across the curriculum to ensure the young people they work with are provided with opportunities to engage with their local historic environment.

  • Who can apply for the Award?

    The Heritage Schools Award is open to all state-funded schools — including infant, primary, and secondary. Participation is completely free.

  • How long does the Award last?

    The Heritage Schools Award is valid for three years. After this period, schools can reapply to renew their award.

  • What’s involved in entering an Award submission?

    Once an account has been created, schools upload evidence to show that they have met the criteria outlined. Schools can upload their evidence all at once or gradually over time as it is gathered.

    Submissions usually include a written statement of intent, curriculum and lesson plans, examples of pupils’ work, evidence of partnerships with local heritage or cultural organisations, and records of heritage-related CPD for teachers. Evidence can be drawn from work completed within the past two years.

    We provide full guidance on completing your entry and support you throughout the process.

    You can download more information about the evidence required to achieve the award.

  • Do we need to work with local heritage organisations?

    Yes. Schools are expected to provide evidence of working with at least one local heritage organisation per key stage, such as a museum, gallery, or heritage site.

  • What recognition does our school receive if we achieve the Award?

    Successful schools receive a Heritage Schools Award certificate, celebrating their achievement and commitment to local heritage learning.

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Get Started

Create your account today and take the first step towards national recognition. Find out more about the criteria for gaining the Heritage Schools Award and access tailored guidance and free resources that will help you prepare for your Heritage Schools Award submission.

Create an account

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