FAQs

What’s the full awards process?

• Submissions open in July.
• If you have any queries about your submission, please email our monitored nominations inbox: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Submissions close Monday 16 November 2026 at 11:59pm.
• The independent expert judging panel reviews submissions and selects the shortlist.
• The shortlist is announced in late February.
• Shortlisted trusts/companies will receive an email and shortlisting assets.
• Judges will meet virtually as a panel to discuss and vote for the winners.
• The gala dinner takes place on Thursday 10 June where the winners are announced.

Nomination criteria

The judges will be looking for evidence of excellent practice in the category area, and are instructed as follows:

• Judge the achievement, not the submission. The information should inform the scoring, rather than its presentation.
• Focus objectively on the quality of action, impact/outcomes,evidenceand sustainability of the outcomes.
• Independently verifiable data should carry greater weight than an unverified narrative.
  • For this reason, scoring is weighted towards impact and evidence, with 14 of the 21 marks allocated to these areas.

Think carefully about your context, the action you’ve taken and its impact. Use the prompts on the form to guide you (e.g. suggested evidence or examples of impact).

Nomination format

Nominations should be submitted using the nomination form, which is available from a download page. Each form includes specific, category-based questions.

The word count for the submission forms is 850 words. Anything beyond this will be cropped to ensure equal opportunity for all submissions.

Submissions must be accompanied by one piece of supporting evidence from the choices listed on the form.

Does it cost money to nominate your trust/company?

No. All submissions to the awards are free for school trusts/companies. Shortlisted trusts will have a free place at the ceremony, but you can purchase more if you would like to bring your whole team.

Who decides who wins?

There is an objective panel of independent industry experts, who all have a deep understanding of the field and sector. The award judges and their expertise are highlighted on the “Judges” tab of the website, and they take part on a purely voluntary basis. Judges are recused from any category where there could be perceived conflict of interest.

Can we enter more than one category?

Yes, enter any category you believe your trust/company stands out in.

Will there be any judging visits as part of the application process?

No.

How is the shortlist decided?

Judges are assigned to an area of expertise, and then work through all submissions in that category, scoring each one against the criteria. The judges are asked to base their decisions and scoring solely on the submission contents. Their scores will then decide the shortlist.

Will individual feedback be given?

Due to the volume of applicants, we cannot supply feedback to individual trusts.