Educate Awards - Categories

Here are the 21 Educate Awards’ categories, click on the category name below to read the criteria.

Category:

This category recognises schools or colleges that have demonstrated exceptional use of communications to achieve a high level of stakeholder engagement.

What judges are looking for:

Entries may showcase a variety of communication strategies, including but not limited to:

Positive press coverage
Engaging newsletters
Effective use of social media platforms
High-quality video content
Thoughtful email communications
Up-to-date websites
Personalised telephone outreach
Community events such as coffee mornings

The impact:

Successful entries will clearly demonstrate the tangible impact of their communication efforts on stakeholders. This includes evidence of improved engagement with students, parents, governors, hard-to-reach groups, and both the local and wider community.

Open to:

Primary and secondary schools, academies, sixth forms, colleges, specialist schools, alternative provisions, and independent schools.

Outstanding Commitment to the Environment & Sustainability

Category:

This category commends schools or colleges that are making considerable efforts to promote environmental responsibility and are actively contributing to a sustainable future.

What judges are looking for:

Entries will need to demonstrate a variety of environmental and/or sustainability projects, including but not limited to:

Eliminating single-use plastics
Planting trees
Litter picking
Creating wildlife habitats to support biodiversity
Building eco-gardens or green spaces
Installing renewable energy sources
Creating wildlife habitats
Encouraging sustainable transportation to and from school for both children and staff
Leading a unique project in the community

The impact:

Entries will need to showcase all the ways in which the school is helping the environment, raising awareness of climate change and growing a new eco-conscious generation. The judging panel will be looking for evidence of measurable impact and meaningful engagement.

Open to:

Primary and secondary schools, academies, sixth forms, colleges, specialist schools, alternative provisions, and independent schools.

Careers & Enterprise Award

Category:

This category recognises those who are successfully preparing young people for future careers and encouraging enterprise through a range of unique opportunities.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should highlight outstanding initiatives and activities that promote career-related learning and enterprise, including but not limited to:

Providing valuable insight and information into a wide range of career opportunities
Offering innovative work experience programmes
Building partnerships with businesses and organisations
Using creative, career-focused teaching methods
Hosting inspiring talks by entrepreneurs and leaders
Supporting student-led entrepreneurial projects
Providing training in critical thinking and problem-solving
Organising career fairs and networking events
Embedding enterprise education in the curriculum

The impact:

Entries need to demonstrate clear evidence of how career-related learning and enterprise initiatives inspire aspiration, develop critical thinking, and equip students with the skills and mindset to excel in the future. Schools must showcase how they exceed standard benchmarks and are setting a new standard for excellence.

Open to:

Primary and secondary schools, academies, sixth forms, colleges, specialist schools, alternative provisions, and independent schools.

Outstanding SEND Provision in Mainstream School

Category:

This award recognises mainstream schools and colleges that provide exceptional care and education for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), through a proactive, inclusive, and caring approach that has made a tangible impact for its SEND students.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should highlight how the school has created an inclusive environment for SEND children, including but not limited to:

Effective strategies for removing barriers to learning and participation
Tailored support to ensure SEND pupils thrive in all areas of school life
Collaboration between staff, students, and families to provide the best outcomes for SEND students
Innovative approaches to adapting teaching and learning to meet individual needs
A strong focus on inclusion, ensuring SEND pupils feel valued and integrated
Impactful use of resources and interventions to support SEND pupils’ progress and wellbeing
Opportunities for SEND pupils to engage in extracurricular activities and school events

The impact:

Entries should highlight and provide evidence of how the school’s SEND provision has significantly supported the academic and social development of SEND children, creating a culture of inclusion, respect, and empowerment throughout the entire school community.

Open to:

Mainstream primary and secondary schools, academies, sixth forms, colleges and independent schools.

School Library of the Year

Category:

This award celebrates schools and colleges with outstanding library environments that inspire a love of reading, support academic achievement, and encourage a sense of community within the school.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should highlight the key elements that make a school library exceptional, including but not limited to:

A well-curated, diverse, and inclusive collection of books and resources
Innovative programmes and activities that encourage reading and literacy across all age groups
A welcoming, accessible, and inclusive space for all students
Initiatives to engage readers of all ages and promote a love for books
Integration of technology to enhance library services
Strong student involvement in the management and development of library services
Hosting author visits, book clubs, or other events
Creative use of the library space to host extracurricular activities, workshops, or learning events

The impact:

Entries should demonstrate how the library has become an integral part of the school, significantly enhancing students’ literacy skills, supporting their academic growth, cultivating a lifelong love of reading, and promoting a culture of reading among staff and families as well.

Open to:

Primary and secondary schools, academies, sixth forms, colleges, specialist schools, alternative provisions, and independent schools.

Outstanding Commitment to STEM

Category:

This award recognises schools and colleges that demonstrate exceptional commitment to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. This may involve a range of impactful STEM activities or successful projects that highlight the importance of these subjects to all students.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should showcase a variety of initiatives or projects that demonstrate the school’s dedication to STEM, with a particular emphasis on technology, including but not limited to:

Innovative STEM projects that engage students in real-world applications
Integration of technology and digital tools to enhance learning
Programmes or partnerships inspiring students to pursue STEM careers
Opportunities for students to participate in STEM competitions, workshops, and events
Encouraging collaboration with industry professionals to develop practical skills
Offering extracurricular activities focused on STEM, coding, robotics, or digital innovation
Developing a school-wide STEM culture, valuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
Equipping students with key skills such as coding, digital literacy, and problem-solving

The impact:

Entries should evidence how the school or college is inspiring and preparing the next generation of engineers, technologists, and innovators, developing a passion for STEM subjects beyond the curriculum and providing students with the tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Open to:

Primary and secondary schools, academies, sixth forms, colleges, specialist schools, alternative provisions, and independent schools.

Outstanding Arts in Primary School

Category:

This award celebrates primary schools that have developed exceptional arts provisions and opportunities during the 2024/25 academic year, through school productions or arts-led projects.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should demonstrate excellence in the arts, including but not limited to:

High levels of student participation in arts activities, from creation to performance
Original and standout arts projects or performances that capture the imagination
Collaboration between students, teachers, and external artists or organisations
Integration of the arts into the broader curriculum
Projects that allow children to take ownership, showcase their talents and use their creativity
Community involvement, such as performances for parents, local events, or partnerships with local organisations
Celebrating diversity and inclusion through the arts

The impact:

Entries should show how the school’s arts initiatives have inspired creativity, boosted student confidence, and created a sense of achievement. Judges are looking for an event, project, or commitment with the WOW factor.

Open to:

Primary schools/academies, specialist primary schools and independent primary schools.

Outstanding Arts in Secondary School

Category:

This award celebrates secondary schools that have developed exceptional arts provisions and opportunities during the 2024/25 academic year, through school productions or arts-led projects.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should demonstrate excellence in the arts, including but not limited to:

High levels of student participation in arts activities, from creation to performance
Original and standout arts projects or performances that capture the imagination
Collaboration between students, teachers, and external artists or organisations
Integration of the arts into the broader curriculum
Projects that allow children to take ownership, showcase their talents and use their creativity
Community involvement, such as performances for parents, local events, or partnerships with local organisations
Celebrating diversity and inclusion through the arts

The impact:

Open to:

Secondary schools/academies, specialist secondary schools and independent secondary schools.

Community Partnership Award

Category:

This award recognises schools, academies, and colleges that have formed exceptional partnerships within their local and wider communities. By fostering collaboration with local businesses, charities, organisations, and individuals, the project/s must benefit pupils, parents, and the wider community.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should demonstrate how the school has developed strong community partnerships that deliver meaningful benefits for all stakeholders, including but not limited to:

Establishing long-term partnerships with local businesses, charities, or community organisations
Collaborating on community-driven projects that create tangible benefits for the wider community
Involving pupils, parents, and staff in initiatives that promote community pride
Delivering projects that support disadvantaged or underrepresented groups in the community
Organising events or programmes that bring together diverse groups
Honouring individuals through memorials or commemorative projects

The impact:

Entries should clearly highlight the outcomes of these partnerships, showing how they have positively influenced the school, students, parents, and the wider community. Judges will be looking for real, measurable results that demonstrate the power of collaboration.

Open to:

Primary and secondary schools, academies, sixth forms, colleges, specialist schools, alternative provisions, and independent schools.

Mental Health & Wellbeing Award

Category:

This award recognises schools, academies, and colleges that are effectively tackling mental health and wellbeing issues among children and staff, and promote positive social and emotional wellbeing by creating a culture where mental health is everyone’s responsibility.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should demonstrate how the school is effectively addressing mental health challenges and creating a supportive environment, including but not limited to:

Implementing proactive mental health and wellbeing programmes for pupils and staff
Offering targeted interventions or support services for individuals experiencing mental health challenges
Embedding mental health and wellbeing into the school’s ethos and daily practices
Training staff to identify and respond to mental health concerns effectively
Promoting positive mental health through extracurricular activities, workshops, or awareness campaigns
Involving parents, carers, and the wider community
Collaborating with external mental health organisations or professionals
Creating safe spaces or designated areas for relaxation, mindfulness, or emotional support

The impact:

Entries should demonstrate the measurable impact of mental health and wellbeing initiatives within the school community. This may include feedback and testimonials that highlight improved emotional resilience, heightened awareness, and the development of a lasting culture of care and support for all.

Open to:

Primary and secondary schools, academies, sixth forms, colleges, specialist schools, alternative provisions, and independent schools.

Outstanding Commitment to Sport in Primary School

Category:

This award celebrates primary schools that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to promoting sports and physical activity. By providing high-quality teaching, coaching, extracurricular activities, and forming valuable partnerships, these schools inspire pupils to develop their sporting skills and a develop a love for physical activity.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should showcase how the school is going above and beyond to deliver outstanding sports provisions, including but not limited to:

Offering a diverse range of sporting activities that engage all pupils and cater to varied interests
Providing high-quality coaching and teaching to develop pupils’ sporting skills and confidence
Delivering extracurricular sports clubs, teams, or events that encourage regular participation
Partnerships with local sports clubs, coaches, or organisations
Promoting inclusivity by ensuring sports and physical activities are accessible to all pupils
Organising inter-school competitions, sports days, or community events
Developing innovative programmes that encourage pupils to be active outside of school
Integrating physical activity into the broader curriculum to promote health and wellbeing

The impact:

Entries should highlight the measurable impact of the school’s sports initiatives, including increased participation, enhanced physical fitness, and improvements in pupils’ confidence, teamwork, and social skills.

Open to:

Primary schools/academies, specialist primary schools and independent primary schools.

Outstanding Commitment to Sport in Secondary School

Category:

This award celebrates secondary schools that can demonstrate an exceptional commitment to promoting sports and physical activity. By providing high-quality teaching, coaching, extracurricular activities, and forming valuable partnerships, these schools inspire students to develop their sporting skills and develop a love for physical activity.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should showcase how the school is going above and beyond to deliver outstanding sports provisions, including but not limited to:

Offering a diverse range of sporting activities that engage all students and cater to varied interests
Providing high-quality coaching and teaching to develop students’ sporting skills and confidence
Delivering extracurricular sports clubs, teams, or events that encourage regular participation
Partnerships with local sports clubs, coaches, or organisations
Promoting inclusivity by ensuring sports and physical activities are accessible to all students
Organising inter-school competitions, sports days, or community events
Developing innovative programmes that encourage students to be active outside of school
Integrating physical activity into the broader curriculum to promote health and wellbeing
Identifying, nurturing and supporting elite sporting talent

The impact:

Entries should highlight the measurable impact of the school’s sports initiatives, including increased participation, enhanced physical fitness, and improvements in students’ confidence, teamwork, and social skills.

Open to:

Secondary schools/academies, specialist secondary schools and independent secondary schools.

Leadership Team of the Year

Category:

This award acknowledges the most exceptional leadership team, comprising the headteacher or principal and senior leadership team (SLT). It celebrates innovative and results-focused leadership that has driven significant progress and success for the school or college during the 2024/25 academic year.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should showcase how the leadership team has demonstrated excellence, innovation, and measurable impact, including but not limited to:

Implementing strategic initiatives that have delivered significant improvements in student outcomes or school performance
Using innovative practices, including technology
Promoting high-quality professional development
Building a positive and inclusive school culture that inspires staff, students, and the wider community
Driving initiatives to improve teaching and learning practices across the school
Successfully managing challenges or crises with resilience and effective decision-making
Developing strong relationships with stakeholders
Demonstrating a clear vision for the school’s future and effectively implementing plans to achieve it

The impact:

Entries should provide evidence of the team’s achievements and their impact on the school or college. Judges will look for tangible results, such as improved academic performance, enhanced staff morale, strengthened community engagement, or innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Open to:

Primary and secondary schools, academies, sixth forms, colleges, specialist schools, alternative provisions, and independent schools.

Teacher of the Year

Category:

This award celebrates exceptional teachers who go above and beyond to inspire and engage their students. Nominations can be made by students, parents, headteachers, or staff, highlighting how the teacher brings learning to life, helping children unlock their potential through dedication, passion, and creativity.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should highlight the teacher’s ability to engage and motivate students, and demonstrate the difference they have made within the school community, including but not limited to:

Inspiring and motivating students to achieve their best, both academically and personally
Creating dynamic and engaging lessons that make learning exciting and accessible
Providing tireless support to students, helping them overcome challenges and reach their potential
Demonstrating exceptional dedication to student development
Using innovative teaching methods and approaches to engage all learners
Building strong, supportive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues
Going beyond the classroom to contribute to the wider school community

The impact:

Entries should detail the impact the teacher has had on their students’ academic achievements, personal growth, and overall wellbeing.

Open to:

All teachers in primary and secondary schools, academies, sixth forms, colleges, specialist schools, alternative provisions, and independent schools.

School Support Star of the Year

Category:

This award seeks nominations from headteachers, teachers, non-teaching staff, students, or parents, for a member of the school support team who has made a significant contribution to school or college life. Whether working as a teaching assistant, receptionist, technician, community coordinator, personal assistant, administrator, business manager, governor, or in another key role, this individual consistently goes the extra mile and is an inspiration to others.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should highlight the exceptional efforts of the support staff member and include a range of examples, including but not limited to:

Providing outstanding support to pupils, students, and teachers
Demonstrating exceptional problem-solving skills and a positive attitude in challenging situations
Building strong, supportive relationships with students, staff, and the wider school community
Contributing to the overall success and smooth running of the school or college
Being a source of inspiration, teamwork, and motivation to colleagues
Supporting extracurricular activities, events, or school initiatives that go beyond their usual role
Demonstrating a high level of professionalism, kindness, and empathy in all aspects of their work

The impact:

Entries should detail how the nominee’s actions have had a lasting and positive effect on the school or college’s success and culture.

Open to:

All support staff in primary and secondary schools, academies, sixth forms, colleges, specialist schools, alternative provisions, and independent schools.

Most Inspirational Multi Academy Trust

Category:

This award celebrates a multi academy trust (MAT) that demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering outstanding educational outcomes for students across all its academies. The MAT should showcase a culture of continuous improvement in learning, teaching, leadership, and development.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should highlight how the MAT has driven positive change and achieved excellence across its academies, including but not limited to:

Demonstrating innovative leadership that promotes high expectations and continuous improvement across academies
Implementing inclusive education practices that cater to the needs of all students
Encouraging strong collaboration between academies, sharing resources, expertise, and best practices
Committing to continuous professional development for teachers and staff
Ensuring effective financial management and investment
Showcasing measurable improvements in student outcomes
Engaging with the community, including parents, businesses, and organisations, to enhance educational opportunities
Promoting a positive culture that values teamwork, inclusion, and excellence

The impact:

Entries should provide evidence of the trust’s measurable impact on student outcomes, staff development, and the broader community. Judges will look for tangible results, such as improved academic performance, staff satisfaction and retention, successful collaboration between academies, and the trust’s contribution to the wider community.

Open to:

All multi academy trusts.

Most Inspirational Specialist School

Category:

This award celebrates a visionary specialist school that demonstrates exceptional dedication to the education and development of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 3-18*. Entries should evidence inspiring inclusive practices, tailored support, and innovative teaching that help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should highlight how the specialist school creates an exceptional learning environment for its students, including but not limited to:

Innovative and flexible teaching methods that support diverse learning styles
Creating a culture of inclusion and support for all students
Effective communication strategies which engage children, families, and staff
Developing social, emotional, and life skills to promote independence
Offering unique extracurricular activities, therapies, and enrichment programmes
Promoting collaboration between teachers, therapists, and external agencies
Strong partnerships with families and the community for student success
Measurable improvements in academic, social, and emotional outcomes

The impact:

Entries should highlight the specialist school’s impact on students’ overall development, demonstrating how its inclusive approach has removed barriers, created unique opportunities, and engaged families in supporting their child’s journey. The school should evidence how it builds confidence, independence, and a strong sense of community, ensuring every student feels empowered, and part of a supportive environment.

Open to:

Primary and secondary specialist schools.

*If your provision goes above the age detailed in the criteria, please only focus your entry on the specified age range.

Most Inspirational Sixth Form & College

Category:

This award recognises sixth forms or colleges offering A-level and/or vocational courses, catering to students aged 16-18*. The entry should showcase high ambitions for all students, inspiring teaching, strong student-staff relationships, and exceptional careers guidance to help students make informed decisions about their future.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should demonstrate how the sixth form or college creates an inspirational learning environment for students:

Achieving success in A-level and vocational courses, showcasing student progress and readiness for future opportunities
Implementing innovative teaching practices that support students in reaching their full potential
Building positive relationships between students, staff and families
Providing a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment
Offering personalised careers guidance for students
Promoting student engagement and wellbeing
Offering extracurricular opportunities that support personal growth, career readiness, and skill development
Demonstrating commitment to high aspirations and ensuring all students have access to opportunities to excel
Utilising technology effectively in teaching and learning

The impact:

Entries should highlight measurable outcomes, such as academic success, improved student progression, and positive feedback from students, staff, and parents. Judges will look for evidence of how the sixth form or college has made a tangible impact on students’ educational journeys, preparing them for successful futures in further education, employment, or apprenticeships.

Open to:

Mainstream sixth forms, colleges, specialist colleges and alternative provisions.

*If your provision goes above the age detailed in the criteria, please only focus your entry on the specified age range.

Most Inspirational Secondary School

Category:

This award recognises an inspirational secondary school that has demonstrated exceptional and inspiring achievements during the 2024/25 academic year. Judges are looking for schools that have delivered innovative approaches, demonstrated measurable success, and made a significant impact on students, parents, and the wider community. Please note, that Ofsted ratings or reports will not be taken into account for this award.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should highlight specific projects, initiatives, or overall school-wide practices that have inspired and motivated students to reach their full potential, including but not limited to:

Innovative approaches to teaching, learning, or school initiatives that positively impact students and the wider community
Measurable success that evidences how the school has inspired achievement, development, or personal growth
Strong engagement with students, parents, and the community
Creative projects or initiatives that stand out within the curriculum or extracurricular activities
Cultivating a culture of inspiration where students are motivated to aim high
Commitment to continuous improvement, showcasing how the school consistently strives to inspire and support all students across various aspects of school life

The impact:

Entries should clearly state the outcomes of the school’s inspirational initiatives, demonstrating significant improvements in student achievement and personal development. Judges will look for evidence of a lasting positive impact on both the school community and wider stakeholders, showcasing how the school’s efforts have inspired lasting change.

Open to:

All mainstream secondary schools or academies.

Most Inspirational Primary School

Category:

This award celebrates a primary school that has demonstrated exceptional and inspiring achievements during the 2024/25 academic year. Judges are seeking schools that have delivered innovative approaches, achieved measurable success, and made a significant impact on their pupils, parents, and the wider community. Please note, that Ofsted ratings or reports will not be taken into account for this award.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should highlight specific projects, initiatives, or overall school-wide practices that have inspired and motivated pupils to reach their full potential, including but not limited to:

Innovative approaches to teaching, learning, or school initiatives that positively impact students and the wider community
Measurable success that evidences how the school has inspired achievement, development, or personal growth
Strong engagement with pupils, parents, and the community
Creative projects or initiatives that stand out within the curriculum or extracurricular activities
Cultivating a culture of inspiration where students are motivated to aim high
Commitment to continuous improvement, showcasing how the school consistently strives to inspire and support all students across various aspects of school life

The impact:

Open to:

All mainstream primary schools or academies.

WOW Recognition Award

Category:

This award celebrates an outstanding project, success, or achievement by a school or college during the 2024/25 academic year. It is designed to honour a truly stand-out and inspirational project, initiative, or accomplishment that has created a lasting WOW factor and made an exceptional impact on the school and its community.

What judges are looking for:

Entries should highlight an extraordinary achievement or initiative that demonstrates innovation, and inspiration and has measurable success:

The judging panel is looking for something truly unique that stands out from the ordinary and sets the school or college apart from others.

The impact:

Entries should provide clear evidence of the significant and transformative effect of the achievement or project, showcasing how it has inspired students, staff, and the community. Judges will be looking for lasting outcomes that demonstrate how the school has achieved something truly remarkable.

Open to:

Primary and secondary schools, academies, sixth forms, colleges, specialist schools, alternative provisions, and independent schools.