The Sandford Award assessment process
Applications are assessed against the Sandford Award’s established criteria and quality indicators.
Before you apply, please ensure your site or collection meets our eligibility requirements. Once applications close, one of our volunteer assessors and Sandford experts will be assigned to your site. They will contact you by email with:
An introduction letter and details of what the assessment visit involves
A request for suggested dates for the assessor’s visit
A request for key information in advance of the visit (e.g., the day’s schedule, details of visiting groups- in particular the focus of their visit and learning outcomes expected from the visit. )
On the day of the assessment visit, the assessor will also need to review evidence relating to the statutory requirements (Criterion 6).
Assessment process
Visit period: Most assessments take place between March and mid-July, though visits outside this timeframe may be possible.
Who visits: Typically, one volunteer assessor will visit your site, sometimes accompanied by a trainee.
After the visit: The assessor writes a detailed report, which is reviewed and moderated. Their recommendation is then submitted to the Board of Trustees of the Heritage Education Trust, who make the final decision in early September. Applicants are notified of the outcome shortly after the meeting and receive a copy of the report.
The Sandford Award Ceremony
Successful applicants are invited to attend the annual Sandford Award presentation ceremony, where achievement is formally recognised and celebrated. The ceremony also provides a valuable opportunity to connect with other award holders, share experiences, and build professional networks with peers from across the heritage learning sector.
“The application process is a good piece of reflective practice for health checking our programmes.”
Banner image: Lincoln Cathedral, Sandford Award holder