The Sandford Award

A framework for success in developing your learning programmes

The Sandford Award is the quality mark for heritage learning and validation for heritage organisations large and local, urban and rural across the UK (including the Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man) that offer a formal learning programme which supports the relevant curriculum across the home countries. Recognition is also given to informal learning such as family programmes and self-guided provision.

Hundreds of heritage sites have received the Sandford Award since they were first made in 1978. They include museums and galleries, castles, churches, and historic houses, cottages, palaces, archaeological sites, archives and zoos.

Why apply for a Sandford Award?

The six criteria underpinning the Sandford Award assessment provide a framework for success whether you are looking to gain the recognition your learning programmes deserve or seeking to develop the quality of your learning provision. The application process is a useful exercise for health checking your programmes and reflecting on the award criteria will help you identify areas for improvement and future development.

Benefits for entrants

  • Consultancy: an expert and professional consultancy that looks at heritage learning in action. Completing the application form is also a great way to ‘health check’ your programmes.

  • Advocacy: a detailed report and site-specific recommendations which you can use to advocate with your governing body and funders.

  • Recognition: national recognition of you and your team and your contribution to high quality learning at your site if your application is successful.

  • Endorsement: an independent endorsement and quality mark that you can use in your marketing.

  • Improvement: the onsite assessment and report give you the tools you need to develop your services- even if you are not successful in achieving a Sandford Award.

“We have very much valued the assessment process, the criteria is a useful ‘checklist’ for what quality provision looks like. The opportunity to have someone independent come and give feedback is incredibly valuable. The reports have been motivating, good for morale and good for internal and external advocacy and fundraising.
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— Sandford Award holder

Banner image: Roman Baths, Sandford Award holder