Warwickshire Heritage Learning Secures Prestigious Sandford Award
National recognition highlights excellence in heritage education programmes for schools across the county.
By Aisha Mahmood
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of a red-brick heritage building in The Midlands.
Warwickshire Heritage Learning has been awarded the prestigious Sandford Award, a national quality mark recognising excellence in heritage education across museums, galleries, archives, and heritage organisations.
The award, valid for five years, places Warwickshire Heritage Learning among leading UK heritage institutions such as Bletchley Park, Hampton Court Palace, and The National Archives. This achievement acknowledges the dedication and expertise behind the county's schools programme, which has been developed over several years.
The rigorous Sandford Award assessment evaluates all aspects of a school's experience, from initial contact to the visit itself. Assessors reviewed information for schools, including accessibility resources like videos for SEND pupils, communication processes, health and safety, and the quality of planning provided. The development and evaluation of learning programmes against curriculum requirements and the needs of teachers and pupils were also scrutinised.
A key strength highlighted was the focus on local history, utilising the collections of Warwickshire Museum and Warwickshire County Record Office to bring the county's stories to life, connecting them to nationally significant historical events. Schools participating in workshops at St John's House and other Heritage and Culture Warwickshire sites engage in interactive activities, drama, storytelling, and handling historic objects.
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"Receiving the Sandford Award is a fantastic achievement and recognises the dedication, expertise and enthusiasm of our whole team. We are proud of our county’s heritage and if that is to be preserved it needs high-quality learning experiences that support schools and inspire young people to engage with history in Warwickshire and neighbouring counties. WE are fortunate that our team has deservedly established a stellar reputation for inspiring our young minds."
An independent assessor reviewed the application and documentation before visiting St John's House to observe a school trip. The subsequent report detailed strengths and provided recommendations for development.
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"Children visiting St John's House in Warwick will experience a busy and enjoyable day of activities which will interest and excite them as they learn about local and national events, and people who have shaped our history. With the exclusive use of such an imposing historic building, including 'hands-on' experiences in the atmospheric Victorian Schoolroom and Kitchen, the children are actively engaged throughout the day. Based on thorough research and making good use of the resources of the County Record Office and Museum Collections, the sessions offer a high level of heritage learning which is delivered by a dedicated team of professionals."
Warwickshire Heritage Learning anticipates the award will further enhance its reputation and encourage more schools to explore the county's history and collections.
