Oppidan Education Mentoring Awards 2026
The first award championing mentoring in schools
At Oppidan, we believe that exceptional mentoring helps young people fulfil their potential. The Oppidan Mentoring Awards celebrates schools that excel in mentoring their students. Our awards are an opportunity to shine a light on your school’s commitment to building strong, supportive mentoring relationships within your community and fostering student growth.
What is good mentoring?
Mentoring in schools is often the unsung hero behind student success. We know lots of best practice is happening in these key areas, so this award is about celebrating the transformational mentoring happening in schools across the world, whether it’s between students or a trusted adult working with a student.
Mentoring looks different in every setting, it might be structured as a weekly breakfast/lunchtime/afterschool club, or even 1:1 sessions.
Academic Allies
Mentors help students tackle tough subjects, conquer homework, exams, interviews, and discover different ways to approach their learning.
Support Squad
School and growing up can be a rollercoaster; mentors are there to help students navigate those ups and downs. They provide a friendly ear and share strategies on handling just about anything that life throws at us.
Personal Growth Guru
Mentors encourage students to dream big and set goals. They help build confidence and teach essential life skills, turning students into future leaders.
Future-Ready Friends
Thinking about future schools, universities, or careers? Mentors often have the inside scoop! They guide students through first applications, scholarships, and even what it takes to land that dream job.
The Mentor Award Framework
The Mentoring Award Framework recognises exceptional mentoring practices within schools.
It highlights the transformative impact of mentoring relationships, whether student-to-student or through trusted adult support. The award is based on four key criteria: effectiveness, structure, impact, and sustainability, with programmes evaluated across three levels - Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
Bronze Award
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Effective, but basic mentoring with room for improvement in structure, consistency, and long-term impact.
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Positive outcomes are evident but are limited in scope. Improvements in academic performance or personal growth are modest and affect a smaller group of students.
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The mentoring programme lacks consistency and may be informal, such as occasional meetings or a small group of students with undefined goals.
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The programme faces challenges in scalability and may not be deeply embedded in school culture.
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Parent Helpers: A small group of parents assisting with activities like reading or trips, though not integrated into a larger mentoring programme.
Informal Peer Mentoring: Older students mentoring younger peers, but lacking structured goals or regular meetings.
Assemblies: Occasional events promoting mentoring, but without long-term follow-up or continuity.
Silver Award
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Well-structured, consistent mentoring with tangible benefits for a larger group of students, covering both academic and personal growth.
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The programme demonstrates clear, measurable outcomes in academic success, self-confidence, and social skills. More students benefit, and personal development is more pronounced.
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Organised with regular meetings, clear roles, and specific goals for both mentors and mentees. Workshops or training are provided to enhance the mentoring process.
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The programme is established with a foundation for continued success, backed by resources and processes that ensure longevity.
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Mentorship Workshops: Inter-year mentoring schemes that regularly offer training on communication, conflict resolution, and goal setting.
Parent Helpers: More consistent involvement of parents in areas like sports, career guidance, or school activities.
Community Support: Regular involvement of local figures, such as artists or guest speakers, to provide additional role models.
Student Council: A peer leadership structure that enables students to mentor others and actively engage in school decision-making.
PSHE Curriculum: Integrating mentoring into personal development courses to enhance life skills and complement mentoring initiatives.
Gold Award
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Exemplary mentoring that results in transformative outcomes. The programme is innovative, comprehensive, and sustainable, with clear and lasting impact on students' academic, personal, and career development.
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The programme leads to significant, long-lasting improvements in students' academic performance, confidence, leadership, and career readiness. Students experience profound personal growth and become mentors themselves, fostering a culture of continuous support.
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The programme embraces creative and cutting-edge methods, such as virtual mentoring platforms, gamified elements, or partnerships with external organisations, to engage students in dynamic ways.
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The programme addresses a broad range of student needs—academic, personal, and career-related—ensuring a well-rounded support system. It may include peer mentoring, adult mentorship, and career guidance to prepare students for their futures.
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The programme is deeply embedded in the school's culture, with clear plans for long-term success. It can be replicated and adapted by other schools, ensuring continued impact and growth.
Previous Mentoring Award Winners
Case Studies
Discover some of the schools who championed mentoring excellence last year.
Key information
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Nominate the school you work in. Respond to our five key questions about your school’s mentoring offer. We strongly encourage including supporting evidence in your application (video clips, student or parent feedback, examples of the mentoring in action).
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Our exciting judging panel will decide if your school is:
Bronze Award: Foundational mentoring programmes
Silver Award: Established mentoring programmes
Gold Award: Exemplary mentoring programmes with diverse opportunities
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Winners receive a permanent Oppidan Education Mentoring Awards trophy, recognising excellence in pastoral care, alongside:
Award branding for your school, including our official award logo and a framed certificate.
Dedicated social media features highlighting your school’s mentoring best practice.
In addition, award holders gain exclusive access to Oppidan mentoring resources, designed to strengthen and develop your mentoring programmes further.
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Our awards are judged by Jane Lunnon, Head of Alleyn’s School, and James Dahl, Master of Wellington College.
Applications are now closed.
All submissions will be carefully reviewed by our judging panel. Bronze, Silver and Gold Award winners will be announced at the end of April