Top heritage sites recognised as 2024 Sandford Award winners announced

The National Army Museum, a Victorian steamship, and Windsor Castle are among the winners of this year’s Sandford Award.

Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), in partnership with the Heritage Education Trust and supported by Historic Royal Palaces, is thrilled to announce the winners of the prestigious 2024 Sandford Award. This year’s award presentation ceremony will take place at the historic Kensington Palace on Tuesday 10 December 2024.

The Sandford Award, established in 1978, is the gold standard for heritage learning, recognising the exceptional contribution of heritage organisations to formal and informal education. In 2024, the award attracted 39 applicants, many of whom have been previous recipients.

This year, the honour is being awarded to 36 winners. A list of winners can be found here.

Professor Andrew Jackson, speaking on behalf of BGU said: “Bishop Grosseteste University is delighted to be joining the celebrations of the Sandford Award 2024. The number and diversity of winners form a fabulous testimony to the role of our sites and organisations and reflects the dedication of their staff to heritage education and learning. BGU is proud to be supporting and championing their endeavours.”

Dr Tracy Borman, OBE, Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust and Chancellor of BGU said: “I am thrilled to see such a rich and diverse range of sites celebrated in this year’s Sandford Awards. From iconic historic buildings such as Windsor Castle, Whitby Abbey, and the Roman Baths to art galleries, archives, ships, and even a farm, they are all united by the excellence of their education provision. My heartfelt congratulations go to all the worthy winners of 2024.”

The Sandford Award continues to recognise a wide variety of heritage sites, including historic buildings, museums, archives, and natural landscapes that provide exceptional educational experiences for visitors of all ages. The award is not only a validation of formal learning programmes that align with national curricula but also acknowledges the value of informal learning opportunities such as family programmes and self-guided tours.

Looking ahead, the 2025 Sandford Awards will open for entries on Monday, 2 December 2024. Heritage organisations across the UK are encouraged to apply.

Find more information on the Sandford Award and how to enter here.

Photo credit for banner image: Learning at Royal Collection Trust