The cathedral has received the Sandford Award for heritage education – with a special mention for its Time Travelling programme.
Independently judged, the Sandford Award is a quality- assured assessment of education programmes at heritage sites, museums, archives and collections across the British Isles.
Diana Ives, cathedral education officer, said: “We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award from the Heritage Education Trust on behalf of the minster.
“It reflects the commitment given to schools and young people by the Chapter and the minster community.
“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of our wonderful education volunteers who helped to impress the judges during our stringent judging visit. It was a real team effort.”
Jean MacIntyre, heritage education trust director, was impressed by the learning programmes on offer at the site and felt they were worthy of commendation by the scheme.
She said: “Southwell Minster’s Time Travelling programme is a tour de force of heritage education.
“The whole team work beautifully together to engage the children in lively and informative activities pertinent to the history and heritage of the Church of England and of this particular site.
“The cathedral education officer is to be commended for her vision and leadership skills.”
The Sandford Awards are run in partnership with Heritage Education Trust and Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, and focus on formal, curriculum-linked education opportunities offered to schools by heritage sites.
The National Trust, National Trust for Scotland, English Heritage and National Museums in England, Wales and Ireland all submit their properties for assessment, alongside local authorities, independent trusts and private owners.
Since the scheme began in 1978, more than 500 sites, including historic houses, museums, galleries, places of worship, gardens, landscapes and collections, have received the award.
They include the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, official residence of the Queen in Scotland; Worcester Cathedral; Holdenby House in Northamptonshire; London Transport Museum; and Lismore Castle Arts in Northern Ireland.
