The Sandford Award, established over 40 years ago, is a benchmark for excellence in heritage education, celebrating outstanding learning programs in historic sites, museums and collections across the UK and Ireland.
It recognises institutions that provide imaginative, interactive, and curriculum-linked educational experiences, encouraging young people to explore and connect with their heritage in meaningful ways.
The 14th-century venue, operated by No Ordinary Hospitality Management, has grown into a hub for local and national history education since its programme of renovation in 2022, and is the only venue in the city to have earned the accolade.
The education programme, made possible thanks to National Lottery players and The National Lottery Heritage Fund has seen a significant increase in school visits since the guildhall reopened.
The programme is designed to spark curiosity and highlight the rich heritage of the site, which includes a Victorian soup kitchen, an armoury enhanced with digital interpretation, and the famous Coventry Tapestry, while suiting a variety of audiences and access requirements.
The guildhall's learning programme now reaches a wide range of audiences, from early years to higher education, delivering tailored workshops to bring over 700 years of history to life and help more people engage with significant local and national history.
Via engaging school trips, young visitors to the guildhall can enjoy a wide range of interactive activities, from exploring the Medieval Kitchen to delving into the site's fascinating history through immersive storytelling.
Schools and Families Learning Manager, Jessica Trodden, has led the development of the workshops and lasting relationships with schools and local communities.
“This award is fantastic recognition of the hard work that has gone into making our educational offer vibrant and accessible,” said Jessica.
“We have forged strong relationships with local schools as well as visitors from across the country, and we are thrilled to be recognised with this accolade.
“Our workshops are not just about passing on information but fostering a love of learning and curiosity in our visitors.
“This award acknowledges the effort and care put into every visit, and we’re thrilled to be recognised for it.”
From exploring the medieval kitchen to interactive sessions in the Great Hall, pupils were immersed in activities that helped them connect with Coventry’s past while supporting their curriculum learning.
As part of its ongoing development, St Mary’s Guildhall is focused on expanding its reach and continuing to build partnerships with local schools and communities to ensure the stories of Coventry’s heritage are passed down for generations to come.
For more information about St Mary’s Guildhall and its educational programmes, visit www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk or more information visit www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk
