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Beacon Awards
Beacon Awards 2026/27
The Edge Award for Excellence in Real World Learning
The Edge Award for Excellence in Real World Learning Application Form

The Edge Award for Excellence in Real World Learning Application Form

Guidance notes for application form

This year, applicants must complete a specific application form for each Beacon Award. The form allows you to address both the Beacon Award criteria and the additional sponsor criteria for the award.

The Edge Award for Excellence in Real World Learning Terms & Conditions 2026/27

This Terms & Conditions section must be completed and signed by the applicant (i.e. college staff member with college email address who will complete the application form and be the main correspondence contact regarding the application outcomes)

Question 1 *

I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the requirements of the AoC Beacon Awards process as detailed in the AoC Guide for Applicants 2026/27

Question 2 *

I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the AoC Beacon Awards conditions of entry and eligibility as stated in the AoC Guide for Applicants 2026/27

Question 3 *

I declare that I am are not aware of any college or individual issues that may affect the reputation of AoC, AoC Charitable Trust, and the Beacon Awards when submitting an application.

Question 4 *

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information in the AoC Beacon Award prospectus.

Question 5 *

I acknowledge that I have read the information in the AoC Chief Assessor’s Report 25/26.

Question 6 *

I confirm that, if AI is used in producing an AoC Beacon Award application, it is true and accurate information.

Question 7 *

I consent for details of the college’s submission and any case studies and best practice, to be shared with AoC and Beacon Award sponsors and for it to be included in all future publications (online or in print), social media and website content.
I am aware of the potential need for the college’s copy to be corrected grammatically for publishing.

Question 8 *

I understand that personal data (name, contact details, and college) of member(s) of staff submitting a Beacon Award on behalf of the college, may be shared with AoC, the relevant sponsor and the assessor team.

Question 9 *

I also understand that the name of the member of staff submitting the Beacon Award application, and their college details, may be included in publications (online or in print), social media and website content.

Question 10 *

I acknowledge and agree that the Beacon Commended, Finalist and Winning colleges are permitted to use the appropriate Beacon Awards logo on any promotional material, but only during the 12 months following the announcement of their award up until end of February 2028. The logo must not be changed from the original design and no alternative versions are allowed to be used on marketing or publicity materials created by the college.

Question 11 *

I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the requirements of the AoC Charitable Trust GDPR privacy notice here

Question 12 *

I acknowledge that a separate AoC Charitable Trust consent form for use of still images, moving images and audio material will be shared (as required)

Signature *

College Name *

Date

Time

Title of initiative *

Brief summary (50 words) *

50 words left

Beacon Award category (select from drop down) *

AoC region (select from drop down) *

Applicant college name – please confirm name of your college *

(this is the name format which will be used in all promotion should the application be successful, this cannot be changed at a later stage so please check accuracy with your college marketing team).

Applicant name (this is the senior manager staff member responsible for the project completing the application form and only one name is permitted in this section) *

The individual will be the main correspondence contact regarding the application outcomes. Please double check spelling for accuracy)

Applicant email *

(this must be the applicant’s email and a college email address; personal emails are not permitted. This will be the main correspondence contact regarding the application outcome. Please double check spelling for accuracy)

Applicant contact telephone number *

Applicant job title *

What is your primary function? (select from drop down) *

What is your primary area of work? (select from drop down) *

College Principal/ CEO approving application *

(This must be the College CEO/Principal and not a department/ section area/ campus head).

College Principal/ CEO email *

(Please double check spelling for accuracy)

Alternative contact name *

(this individual will only be contacted should the applicant not be available).

Alternative contact email *

(this must be the alternative contact email and a college email address; personal emails are not permitted. Please double check spelling for accuracy).

College marketing/comms department email *

(please add one contact email only, for the main college group Marketing/ Comms Manager/ Director (as applicable). They will receive marketing collateral should the application be successful, please double check spelling for accuracy).

Number of students, staff and others involved *

Brief description of the group(s) who benefit (150 words) *

150 words left

Source of funding (if applicable) (50 words)

50 words left

Project synopsis (max 200 words) – may be used as a case study if commended *

200 words left

Total word limit: Please ensure the total responses for the three sections of Innovation, Impact and Inclusion do not exceed 3,000 words.

Section A: Innovation

A1. What makes this initiative innovative and of interest to the wider sector? *

Consider: • Continuous innovation: ongoing improvements • Adjacent innovation: adapting good practice to new contexts • Radical innovation: fundamental shifts in approach

A2. How does the initiative demonstrate innovative teaching and learning that lead to clear benefits for both learners and staff?

Section B: Impact

B1. What are the key measurable outcomes of the initiative? Examples: progression, achievement, destinations, teaching and learning improvements *

B2. How has the curriculum improved practical teaching and learning and given learners meaningful, challenging, real-world experiences? *

B3. How does the initiative show strong and sustained engagement with employers and communities? *

B4. How does the curriculum respond to vocational and professional needs with sustainable impact on employment and enterprise? *

B5. What evaluation or quality assurance processes are in place to support development? *

B6. How is the initiative embedded in long-term planning and how will it be sustained? *

B7. How will you share this work with others in the sector? *

Section C: Inclusion

C1. How does the initiative support equity, diversity and inclusion? You may include: • Removing barriers for underrepresented or priority groups • Culturally responsive and inclusive approaches • Aligning with public sector equality duties • Fostering environments where all learners feel they belong *

C2. How are inclusive practices built into leadership, teaching and curriculum design? *

C3. Has your college signed the AoC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Charter? (Yes/No) Not a qualifying criterion. *

Please upload a high-resolution college logo here to accompany your application form *

AoC is building a library of images showcasing college work. If you would like to contribute photos of your Beacon activity (with appropriate consent), please email awards@aoc.co.uk. This invitation to submit photos is entirely optional and has no bearing on your application.

Polite Reminder:

College groups can only submit one entry, per category, up to a maximum of four category entries overall.
Total word limit: Please ensure the total responses for the three sections of Innovation, Impact and
No external website links are permitted within the body of the application form.
No appendices will be accepted
Please double check all answers for accuracy (e.g. correct email address, name spelling).
A template version of the application form is available on the webpage (this is for the purpose of viewing questions only; all applications must be made online through this webform).
Applicants must submit a high-resolution college logo online as part of their application form.
The confirmation email following submission will be sent to the applicant email only – this is an automated process.
Following submission if you have any questions, please contact the AoC Awards team at awards@aoc.co.uk.