Welcome to the Cumbrian Award


The Cumbrian Award was first envisaged a number of years ago in response to both the increasingly academic and narrow curriculum path which many schools felt they were being driven down, and the recognition that many children and young people did not value their identity as Cumbrians, did not actively engage in the tremendous opportunities the county has to offer, and that in turn, the county does to benefit from, or maximise, the potential that younger generations represent.

Following an extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders – from education to the environment, from industry to the arts, and from tourism to employers – The Cumbrian Award was defined and accredited, having run as a successful pilot scheme with a Cumbrian secondary school.

The Cumbrian Award is initially a Y5 – Y9 Award encompassing three strands:

  • Adventure
  • Enterprise
  • Culture

In recognition that all settings are different, and that student needs and school resource differ significantly, the award specification has been written with the intent that participating schools can apply the guidance and meet the requirements, but that the level of challenge or difficulty is tailored to appropriately stretch all participants, without being exclusive or emphasising pre-existing gaps. The nature of what is delivered will be appropriate to the location.

The Cumbrian Award is supported by and delivered with WELL and is recognised as an enriching and inspiring opportunity for young people in Cumbria. The Cumbrian Award is working, through WELL, with Nottingham University, in partnership with The Centre for the Use of Research and Evidence in Education (CUREE) who are evaluating the project as action research, to include a key focus on leadership and curriculum impact of participation.

Ultimately The Cumbrian Award aims to enrich the experiences and lives of the students who participate. It aims to enhance the skill set and give students the opportunity to apply such skills in a range of environments – whether that be navigating a Lakeland fell, negotiating a boardroom meeting or performing on a theatre stage… and beyond.

I am thrilled that you have enabled your school to join us, and for your students to begin their Cumbrian Award journey. You will find much useful information on this website. I look forward to hearing stories of the many adventures, enterprises and cultural endeavors that are to come.

Thank you

Daniel Gee

Director of The Cumbrian Award

October 2021