HTANI are delighted to announce the launch of the ‘Inspiring History Teaching Awards’ from Historic Royal Palaces that will recognise exceptional educators bringing history to life across Northern Ireland.
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is celebrating Northern Ireland’s most inspiring history educators by supporting a new national awards initiative from Historic Royal Palaces – the independent charity that looks after the site, in addition to the likes of the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace.
More than ever, history is a vital subject in schools. Great teachers across Northern Ireland are igniting a love and appreciation for the past. They help make sense of the world and one’s place in it. They spark curiosity by exploring important stories that are relevant to everyone. And they encourage young people to ask questions and develop critical thinking – crucial skills in the age of social media and AI.
To recognise this important work, a winner in Northern Ireland will receive £500 for themselves and £500 for their school, along with annual memberships to Historic Royal Palaces and the Historical Association and the chance to become a Historic Royal Palaces Teacher Champion. One overall winner, selected from the total of 10 regional and national winners from across the UK, will receive an additional £500 for themselves and £500 for their school, plus a lifetime Historic Royal Palaces membership.
Nominate an inspiring history teacher now
This brand-new, national award is designed to celebrate teachers from every corner of the UK, at all career levels, within Primary, Secondary, Further Education, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or Additional Support Needs (ASN). Nominations are free and simple to do and can be submitted by anyone over 18. The charity is encouraging colleagues, parents, guardians, governors – and teachers themselves – to champion brilliant history educators making a difference.
The regional awards in Northern Ireland form part of a UK-wide celebration of outstanding history teaching, culminating in a prestigious ceremony held at the Tower of London on Saturday 20th June 2026, where the 10 regional and national winners will be celebrated, and the overall winner will be revealed.
Lucy Worsley, Chief Judge for the Inspiring History Teaching Awards, said:
“Great history teaching doesn’t just tell students what happened – it helps them think, question and connect with the world around them. We’re looking for the inspirational people who do this every day in their classrooms. If that’s you – or somebody you know – please send in a nomination. Historic Royal Palaces’ Inspiring History Teaching Awards will be an important chance to celebrate their hard work, creativity and passion.”
The Inspiring History Teaching Awards are delivered in Northern Ireland by Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) with support from Associate Partner the Historical Association, National Museums NI and the History Teachers’ Association of Northern Ireland (HTANI), as well as the Association of Independent Museums.
Historic Royal Palaces’ Inspiring History Teaching Awards are now open for entries at hrp.org.uk/teachingawards Entries will close on Sunday 25 January 2026.