The Royal Air Force Museum London has renewed its Sandford Award, recognising the quality and impact of its learning and engagement programme.

The independently assessed Sandford Award is a leading quality mark for heritage learning across the UK and Ireland. It recognises heritage organisations that provide engaging learning experiences linked to relevant curricula.

The Museum’s renewed accreditation is valid for five years, from 2026 to 2031. It follows its previous success in 2021 and recognises a learning programme spanning History, STEM, Early Years and SEND.

Through workshops, resources and immersive activities, learners can explore the Museum’s aircraft, collections and archives while discovering the stories of the people who shaped the Royal Air Force. Activities are designed around schools’ learning outcomes and the National Curriculum, with sessions available both at the Museum and online.

Sandford Award Assessor Christine Chadwick said:

“Visitors to the RAF Museum London can be assured of an exciting and inspiring learning experience.”

The assessment highlighted the expertise of the Museum’s staff, the close links between its programmes and schools’ learning objectives, and the creative use of the Museum’s collections and displays.

Sarah Castle, Head of Learning and Engagement at the RAF Museum, said:

“We are delighted to receive the Sandford Award again. Independent assessment of this kind is incredibly valuable because it looks closely at the quality of the learning experience we provide and how effectively we use our collections and stories to support and inspire learners.

“Retaining the award five years after our previous success is a wonderful recognition of the creativity, expertise and commitment of our Learning and Engagement team. Most importantly, it reflects our ambition to make the RAF story meaningful, engaging and accessible to every learner who comes through our doors.”

The Sandford Award scheme began in 1978 and is managed by the Heritage Education Trust in partnership with Lincoln Bishop University, with support from Historic Royal Palaces.

Discover our learning programme

RAF Museum London offers onsite and online workshops for learners across Early Years, Key Stages 1–5 and SEND.

Explore the RAF Museum London schools programme

Learn more about the Sandford Award