Skip to main content
Member login

The Sustainable Energy First Award for Education for Sustainable Development application form

To apply, please complete the application webform

  • 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 Inclusion do not exceed 3,000 words.
  • 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).
  • After form submission you have the option to print a copy of your answers.
  • 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, along with the unique ID, this is an automated process.
  • Following submission if you have any questions, please contact the AoC Awards team at awards@aoc.co.uk Please ensure you use your unique ID number on all correspondence (you will be given this on an automated email following submission of your application given this on an automated email following submission of your application).

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.
Please confirm  

AoC Beacon Awards Terms & Conditions 2025/26

Question 1 
Question 2 
Question 3 
Question 4 
Question 5 
Question 6 
Question 7 
Question 8 
Question 9 
Question 10 
Question 11 
Your browser does not support the Signature field

The Sustainable Energy First (SEF) Award for Education for Sustainable Development

We are excited to discover the work that colleges are doing and welcome diverse applications. Examples may include:

- College/student co-constructed approaches
- College led community/employer approaches 
- Innovative projects and activities with quantifiable impact and which push the boundaries for the sector and are in the context of strategic whole-institution change.

(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).

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

(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).

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

(Please double check spelling for accuracy)

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

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

(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).

may be used as a case study if commended

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

Section A: Innovation

Consider one or more of the following: - Continuous improvement: making regular improvements to practice - Adapting or extending good practice into new areas - Fundamental changes or new ideas that have a major impact

Section B: Impact

You may include: - Reduction in carbon emissions, water use or waste - Improved student outcomes or progression - Increased engagement, destinations, or teaching quality - A net-zero target date (if relevant)

Section C: 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

C3. Has your college signed the AoC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Charter?  

Not a qualifying criterion.

To upload multiple photo files please select them all at the same time and upload. 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 Inclusion do not exceed 3,000 words.
  • 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).
  • After form submission you have the option to print a copy of your answers.
  • 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, along with the unique ID, this is an automated process.
  • Following submission if you have any questions, please contact the AoC Awards team at awards@aoc.co.uk Please ensure you use your unique ID number on all correspondence (you will be given this on an automated email following submission of your application given this on an automated email following submission of your application).