History has always been shaped by powerful royal figures — kings and queens who changed the course of nations. Now, the educators who bring those stories to life for today’s students
are being honoured with a new national award.
Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), the charity that cares for some of the UK’s most famous royal sites, including the Tower of London, has announced the launch of a new competition to find the country’s most inspiring history teachers.
The awards, unveiled today, will celebrate teachers who make history engaging and relevant, helping young people connect with the events and personalities that defined the past — from the triumphs of monarchs to the lessons of their downfalls.
Entries are open to teachers across the UK, with HRP partnering with organisations in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to ensure the awards reflect the full diversity of the nations’ histories.
Ten regional winners will be chosen, each receiving £500 for themselves and £500 for their school. From those, one overall winner will be selected, earning an additional £500 for both teacher and school.
The prize ceremony will take place at the iconic Tower of London — a site that has witnessed centuries of royal drama and now serves as the perfect backdrop for celebrating those who keep history alive.
HRP said the awards recognise teachers who are “igniting a love and appreciation for the past” and helping young people “ask questions and develop critical thinking — crucial skills in the age of social media and AI.”
Other judges include historians Greg Jenner (You’re Dead to Me podcast) and Dan Jones (This Is History podcast), author Sathnam Sanghera (Empireland, Empireworld), writer and educator Shalina Patel (The History Lessons), academic Michael Riley, and teacher-activist Katie Hunter.
With many teachers now incorporating podcasts and digital resources into their lessons, the inclusion of popular historians and media figures reflects the changing ways history is being taught and explored.
Nominations close on January 25, 2026, and the winners will be announced at the Tower of London on June 20, 2026. Photo by Luke Nicolaides, Wikimedia commons.
