Brand-new Inspiring History Teaching Awards

Historic Royal Palaces launches brand-new Inspiring History Teaching Awards

The independent charity looks after Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Banqueting House, Kew Palace, and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Delivered with support from the Historical Association and partners across the UK, this new national award scheme celebrates teachers who bring the past to life in classrooms across the country.

Why history teaching matters more than ever

More than ever, history is a vital subject in schools. Great teachers around the UK are igniting a love and appreciation for the past. They help make sense of the world and one’s place in it. They spark curiosity by exploring important stories that are relevant to everyone. And they encourage young people to ask questions and develop critical thinking – crucial skills in the age of social media and AI.

Awards that recognise impact beyond the classroom

To recognise this important work, Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) will award 10 regional and national winners – each receiving a £500 cash prize for themselves and £500 for their school along with annual memberships to HRP and Historical Association, plus the chance to become an HRP Teacher Champion. One overall winner will receive an additional £500 for themselves and £500 for their school, plus a lifetime HRP membership.

A decade-long commitment to UK schools

Over the next 10 years, it is committed to reaching every school in the UK through on-site visits, school programmes, new digital experiences and teacher support. The awards mark a new chapter in that ambition— a timely, national moment to shine a light on teachers who bring the past to life, spark curiosity, and inspire students.  

What makes an inspiring history teacher

The judging panel will seek out innovation and ingenuity: the class that journeys vividly to Ancient Egypt or Tudor England; the child who rushes home, eager to share mind-boggling facts; or the student who discovers new pride in their community after learning about a local hero who changed society for the better.

Open to all educators

This brand-new national award celebrates teachers from every corner of the UK, across all career levels and educational settings – including Primary, Secondary, Further Education, SEND and ASN. Anyone over 18 can easily submit a nomination to recognise a brilliant history educator. The charity is encouraging colleagues, parents, guardians, governors – and teachers themselves – to champion brilliant history educators making a difference.

A prestigious ceremony

On Saturday 20 June 2026, a prestigious ceremony will be held at the Tower of London where the 10 regional and national winners will be celebrated, and the overall winner will be revealed.

Lucy Worsley, historian, broadcaster and HRP ambassador, will lead the judging process to decide who clinches the top award. She says:

“Great history teaching doesn’t just tell students what happened – it helps them think, question and connect with the world around them. We’re looking for the inspirational people who do this every day in their classrooms. If that’s you – or somebody you know – please send in a nomination. HRP’s Inspiring History Teaching Awards will be an important chance to celebrate their hard work, creativity and passion.”

Much-loved historian and broadcaster Lucy Worsley will lead the national judging panel. She is joined by more of the UK’s most respected and recognisable historians, educators and writers, including: 

• Greg Jenner – Historian and Podcast Host (You’re Dead To Me)
• Sathnam Sanghera – Journalist and Author (Empireland, Empireworld and The Boy with the Topknot)
• Dan Jones – Historian, Author and Podcast Host (This Is History)
• Shalina Patel – Historian, Teacher and Writer (The History Lessons)
• Michael Riley – History Educator and Academic 
• Katie Hunter – Teacher, Activist and Researcher

A truly national collaboration

To ensure the awards have a truly national reach, HRP is collaborating with organisations across all four devolved nations. UK-wide partners include the Historical Association – who is the Associate Partner for the awards – and the Association of Independent Museums. In Wales, HRP is working with Cadw; in Scotland, with Royal Collection Trust and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish Maritime Museum, and the Scottish Association for the Teaching of History; and in Northern Ireland, with National Museums NI and the History Teachers’ Association of Northern Ireland.

How to nominate a history hero

HRP’s Inspiring History Teaching Awards are now open for entries at http://www.hrp.org.uk/teachingawards. Entries will close on Sunday 25 January 2026.