Last week it gave me great pleasure to receive the Sandford
Award on behalf of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in a ceremony at Worcester Cathedral. I was
delighted that John Russell, Deputy Chair of Trustees, and Nick Walton were
able to join me at this special event.
The Sandford Award recognises quality and excellence in education
provision. The Award focuses on formal curriculum linked educational
opportunities for schools across the UK.
It gives the trust a ‘kite mark’ which is recognised by schools and
education institutions, attracting new visitors and offering national
recognition in the heritage sector.
As part of the judging process, we welcomed judges into some of our primary school workshops on Shakespeare and Tudor life earlier this year. After observing our fantastic Heritage Education team at work, the judges praised their efforts in delivering the programme in ways that engage, inform and inspire the children.
We couldn't resist sharing some of the lovely comments that we received along with the award:
"The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust receives a very well-merited third Sandford Award. School and student groups that visit the Trust are assured of a day’s excitement, fun and pleasure with the additional bonus of undertaking tasks that give access to the processes of learning that are transferrable to other situations and provide a lifetime of understanding."
— Sandford Award Judges Comments
It is a great honour for the Trust to receive this Award for the third time and is an outstanding accolade for the Heritage Team. It is also a reflection of the hard work and commitment of the whole Trust in the provision of heritage education.