Bosworth Battlefield’s school programme wins top education award

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre has gained a national award for its outstanding education programme for children, following an in-depth inspection.

The schools programme at the Leicestershire County Council-run heritage site has been accredited with the prestigious Sandford Award - an independently judged, quality assured assessment of education programmes at heritage sites, museums, archives and collections which acknowledges excellence in educational provision.

Judges visited Bosworth Battlefield earlier this year, where they observed and assessed a school visit.

Judge Chris Green said he was impressed by the organisation and presentation of the site, the delivery and how well the front of house staff and the facilitators worked as a team.

An enormous amount of hard work and dedication goes into the provision of the exciting, stimulating and educational schools programme.

"The Sandford Award is a well-deserved honour for all of those involved. We hope this award will encourage more schools to come and visit.

Person:Councillor Richard Blunt, the county council’s cabinet member for heritage, leisure and arts

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre will retain the Sandford Award accreditation for five years, after which it will be re-inspected.

The full citation received from the Sandford Award judges reads: “Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre is an invaluable resource to national heritage. The programme is focused on highly significant events in England’s history, with clear interpretation for the public interest nationally and locally, and with links to the curricula of different schools and colleges.

“It is firmly grounded in the long and rich history of the immediate area. Visits are exceptionally well managed and the presentation of interactive exhibits, sessions and walks is of the highest order. Guides and facilitators share their excellent knowledge generously and have empathy with learners.

“There is a strong sense of cohesion across the centre’s team, with a culture of inclusive partnership and cooperation with visitors and the wider community.”