Ufton Court Receives Prestigious Sandford Award for Heritage Learning
Berkshire, UK – Ufton Court, a leading history and outdoor education centre, has been honoured with the distinguished Sandford Award for Heritage Learning. The award was presented at Kensington Palace on Tuesday, 10 December 2024, in recognition of Ufton Court’s commitment to delivering exceptional educational experiences in its historic setting.
Managed by Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in partnership with the Heritage Education Trust and supported by Historic Royal Palaces, the 2024 Sandford Awards celebrated 36 deserving winners, including iconic sites such as Windsor Castle and the National Army Museum. The diverse range of winners highlights the vital role that heritage sites play in both formal and informal education.
Professor Andrew Jackson of BGU commented, “The number and diversity of winners are a testament to the important role of our sites and organisations, and reflect the dedication of their staff to heritage education and learning. BGU is proud to support and champion their efforts.”
Ufton Court has become a leader in experiential history school trips since first receiving the Sandford Award in 2009. Located in Reading, the 500-year-old Tudor manor house is surrounded by 44 acres of ancient woodland and operated by the Ufton Court Educational Trust, a registered charity. Judges this year praised Ufton Court for its innovative approach to bringing history to life for students.
“A visit to Ufton Court is a unique experience set in a stunning landscape that invites pupils to take on the role of characters from history. Practical, exciting activities, from creating a Viking shield wall to raiding an original Tudor Manor House, make learning tangible and dynamic. Skilled staff immerse pupils in a historic narrative using drama to foster confidence and develop skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and historical enquiry. The interactive workshops are developed in close collaboration with practising teachers and are highly recommended by schools for engaging pupils of all abilities,” the judges said.
This prestigious award highlights the success of Ufton Court’s immersive history trips, which cover national curriculum topics such as the Tudors, Saxons, Vikings, and WWII. Complemented by nature-based outdoor learning programmes, Ufton Court not only fosters academic progress but also personal development.
Dr. Tracy Borman, OBE, Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust, commented on the significance of this year’s 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.”
In addition to history, Ufton Court offers outdoor residential trips like Bushcraft for KS2 and KS3 students, as well as The Nest, a therapeutic alternative learning provision for children. The centre also partners with schools to support small groups of children through a day-a-week, term-time programme. As a charity, Ufton Court offers subsidized visits for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that its enriching experiences are accessible to all.
To learn more about Ufton Court’s educational programmes, visit https://www.uftoncourt.org.uk.
Media Contact:
Sanchita Powell
Marketing & Business Development Manager
enquiries@ufton.org.uk
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