National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2027 – ENTRY NOW OPEN
Entries are for the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2027, organised by NAPCE, are now OPEN.
Now in its eighth year, the Awards event celebrates the people, teams, schools and organisations whose work supports the wellbeing, development and achievement of children and young people.
Nominations are encouraged from people, schools and educational establishments across a range of categories. You do not need to be a current member of NAPCE to take part.
There are nine public entry categories to enter now including Pastoral School of the Year, Pastoral Team of the Year, Pastoral Leader of the Year, Pastoral Member of Staff of the Year, Pastoral Development of the Year, Raising Awareness About Pastoral Care, Outstanding Contribution to Pastoral Care, International Contribution to Pastoral Care, Effective Pastoral Care to Support Transition. This is the link for entry. https://napceawards.wufoo.com/forms/napce-awards-2027-entry-form/
Sharing good practice and recognising impact
The NAPCE Awards provide an excellent opportunity to share good practice in pastoral care. Through NAPCE’s sister events, the media, social media channels, website and those of its partners, the Awards help raise awareness of where pastoral support is making a real difference to the educational experiences of young people.
The Awards also encourage new initiatives and ideas in pastoral care, recognising contributions to the development of policy and practice in pastoral support. They offer an opportunity to acknowledge the impact pastoral staff have on young people’s achievement and wellbeing, and to celebrate the commitment and creativity involved in helping learners thrive.
How the Awards work
Entries are considered by a panel of invited professionals who work in pastoral care. The panel will make the decisions about the winners in each category based upon an agreed scoring system.
Winners in each category will receive a coveted Winners’ Plaque, certificate, one year of free NAPCE membership for their school or institution, and individuals will also be recognised for their achievements through the event and subsequent publicity.
A message from NAPCE National Chair Phil Jones
“Pastoral care is central to creating educational environments where children and young people feel they belong, are listened to and can fulfil their potential. The NAPCE Awards celebrate the people and teams who turn that commitment into meaningful action every day. We encourage colleagues and organisations to put forward their work, share what they have learned and help shine a light on the positive difference pastoral care makes across education.”
Entries open: 20 October 2026
Closing date: 11 May 2027
Submit an entry: https://napceawards.wufoo.com/forms/napce-awards-2027-entry-form/
Award categories
Pastoral Development of the Year
Criteria: A pastoral initiative or idea that has achieved positive outcomes and improved the learning experience and future life chances of young people.
Raising Awareness About Pastoral Care
Criteria: An individual, group or organisation that has raised awareness of pastoral care or pastoral issues and encouraged positive improvements for the benefit of young people.
Outstanding Contribution to Pastoral Care
Criteria: A person, group or organisation that has made a real difference for the benefit of young people through pastoral care.
International Contribution to Pastoral Care
Criteria: An international school, organisation or individual outside the UK that has promoted or delivered high-quality pastoral care.
Effective Pastoral Care to Support Transition
Criteria: An Award for working in collaboration to ensure that children and young people have a positive experience of transition to a new school or education setting. Demonstrating effective use of pastoral systems to support transition.
Pastoral Team of the Year
Criteria: A pastoral team demonstrating exceptional commitment to supporting young people to achieve their full potential.
Pastoral Member of Staff of the Year
Criteria: A member of staff who consistently goes above and beyond to support young people and help them succeed.
Pastoral Leader of the Year
Criteria: A leader who inspires colleagues through a passion for pastoral care and makes a lasting difference to the lives of young people.
Pastoral School of the Year
Criteria: A school demonstrating an outstanding commitment to pastoral care that makes a real difference to the progress and personal development of young people.
Additional awards*
Outstanding Pastoral Care for SEND Learners Award with the Gerda Hanko Legacy
Special Recognition Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
*These awards are not open to public entry.
How to enter
Entries open on 20 October 2026 and must be submitted by 11 May 2027. Use the online entry form to put forward work that demonstrates a commitment to pastoral care and positive outcomes for children and young people.
Enter the 2027 NAPCE Awards
https://napceawards.wufoo.com/forms/napce-awards-2027-entry-form/
About NAPCE
The National Association for Pastoral Care in Education (NAPCE) is a UK charity dedicated to promoting pastoral care and sharing good practice to support the wellbeing, development and achievement of children and young people. Through its publications, events, national conference and annual Awards, NAPCE celebrates those making a positive difference across education.