Coaching School & Community Awards

Celebrate the impact you are making on communities

Our Awards recognise the organisations and individuals integrating coaching principles within their work.

Two ways to be recognised

Coaching School Awards

The Graydin Coaching School Awards celebrate schools at various stages of integrating a coaching culture - to start we will only award schools within the Graydin network with the potential to open this up to schools working with other organisations. Each award recognises progress and commitment to coaching principles aligned with Graydin’s coaching values.

Our application form will first ask what award the organisation is applying for and then it will have questions based on that specific award. Awards are provided to schools that can prove they meet the criteria of each award.

Coaching community Awards

The Graydin Coaching Community Awards celebrate Certified Start with Heart Facilitators who are not associated directly with one school and thus driving coaching initiatives and making a significant impact within and beyond schools. These awards recognise progress and commitment to coaching principles aligned with Graydin’s values, measured by the number of participants they engage.

Our application form will first ask which award the individual is applying for, followed by questions tailored to that specific award. Awards are provided to individuals who can demonstrate they meet the criteria of each award.

CURIOUS TO LEARN MORE?

Download our comprehensive guide to explore the key details for the award scheme.

Coaching School Awards

The Seed Award

This award is awarded to schools that are training and embedding coaching within the teaching staff.

  • A school must be able to demonstrate the following:

    • Facilitated Activities: Evidence of 25+ teachers participating in foundational and advanced coaching courses.

    • Implemented Practice: Evidence of implementation of basic coaching practices within classrooms, including regular coaching conversations through testimonials or video content.

    • Supportive Structures: Evidence of support structures for ongoing professional development such as coaching circles, peer coaching through trios or pairs.

    • Community Engagement: Evidence of involving the wider staff community in the coaching journey like running a full staff INSET or giving a short talk at a staff meeting. 

The SPROUT Award

This award is awarded to schools who are expanding coaching to include students and peer mentors.

  • A school must be able to demonstrate the Seed criteria along with the following:

    • Facilitated Activities: Evidence of student participation in coaching initiatives (e.g., training peer mentors, student-led coaching sessions).

    • Implemented Practice: Evidence of feedback from students and staff about the coaching experience and its impact on learning.

    • Supportive Structures: Evidence of established programs where trained students support their peers through coaching.

    • Community Engagement: Evidence of involving multiple year groups in the coaching journey by facilitating a large workshop or sharing principles during an assembly with all students.

The TREE Award

This award is awarded to schools who are incorporating parents into the coaching framework.

  • A school must be able to demonstrate all previous criteria (Seed & Sprout) along with the following:

    • Facilitated Activities: Evidence of coaching workshops or information sessions for parents.

    • Implemented Practice: Evidence of collaboration between parents and teachers in fostering a coaching culture.

    • Supportive Structures: Evidence of strategies for gathering feedback from parents on their involvement and the impact of coaching on their children, along with systems to sustain the coaching culture through ongoing parent engagement.

    • Community Engagement: Evidence of efforts to engage the local community in understanding the benefits of coaching.

The FOREST Award

This award is awarded to schools who are sharing coaching skills with local state school educators.

  • A school must be able to demonstrate all previous (Seed, Sprout & Tree) criteria along with the following:

    • Facilitated Activities: Evidence of partnerships with local state schools to share coaching practices (e.g., co-facilitated workshops, mentoring).

    • Implemented Practice: Evidence of active advocacy for coaching culture in education at community meetings or educational conferences.

    • Supportive Structures: Evidence of long-term sustainability strategies for maintaining and expanding coaching practices beyond the school.

    • Community Engagement: Evidence of impact of coaching on the broader educational community (e.g., testimonials from state school educators).

READY to apply?

Our application will guide you through every step. The process simple and straightforward. Register your interest to get started.

Coaching Community Awards

The SPark Award

For individuals who have ignited coaching practices in any setting impacting at least 25 individuals.

  • An individual must be able to demonstrate the following:

    • Facilitated Activities: Evidence of facilitating workshops or courses for 25+ teachers or staff members.

    • Supportive Structures: A plan for expanding coaching activities.

    • Implemented Practice: Initial feedback from participants highlighting the impact on their practice.

The FLame Award

For individuals who have increased their impact to engage at least 100 individuals, including students, parents, or young people.

  • An individual must be able to demonstrate all previous criteria (Spark) along with the following:

    • Facilitated Activities: Evidence of initiatives involving 100+ participants, including teachers, students and parents.

    • Supportive Structures: Testimonials or data showing positive changes in learning outcomes and wellbeing.

    • Implemented Practice: Demonstrated efforts to embed coaching practices.

The torch Award

For individuals who have led initiatives that impacted at least 250 individuals across multiple schools or educational settings.

  • An individual must be able to demonstrate all previous criteria (Spark & Flame) along with the following:

    • Facilitated Activities: Evidence of efforts impacting 250+ educators or school leaders in multiple schools.

    • Supportive Structures: Data or testimonials demonstrating significant improvements in educational environments.

    • Implemented Practice: Workshops, conferences, or networking events promoting coaching.

    • Community Engagement: Long-term partnerships with schools to foster coaching culture.

The Beacon Award

For individuals who have advocated for systemic change, positively impacting at least 500 individuals through coaching across schools and educational networks.

  • An individual must be able to demonstrate all previous criteria (Spark, Flame & Torch) along with the following:

    • Facilitated Activities: Evidence of initiatives that have engaged 500+ individuals, including educators, students, and parents.

    • Implemented Practice: Demonstrated influence through conferences or educational networks.

    • Supportive Structures: Development of scalable coaching models that promote sustainability and widespread impact.

    • Community Engagement: Involvement in policy advocacy or regional initiatives promoting coaching as a key educational strategy.

How to Apply

Eligibility

Schools and independent Certified Start With Heart Facilitators can apply for the appropriate award based on their current stage in the coaching journey as long as they meet the listed criteria.

Submission Requirements

A structured application form that requires schools to detail their achievements, evidence and impact in relation to the criteria outlined above. Supporting documents such as testimonials, photos of events and training materials.

Evaluation Process

Applications will be evaluated by a panel of judges, including members of the Graydin team and external educators, who will assess the submissions against the defined criteria.

attend the awards ceremony

Coaching Day 2025

Join us to celebrate and recognise outstanding contributions to the coaching community at our Awards Ceremony. Coaching Day is an annual, community-centred event that explores the transformative effect of coaching on schools. This year’s theme, Great Things Start Small, invites you to discover how a single, well-timed question, a quick five-minute check-in, or a moment of true presence can spark powerful shifts.

awards FAQ

  • If you’re a part of a school that has embedded coaching and have put initiatives in place to sustain a coaching culture, the Coaching School Awards are for you.

    If you’re an independent Certified Facilitator who isn’t based within a specific school and you are spearheading coaching initiatives in your wider community, the Coaching Community Awards are for you.

  • We welcome you to apply on behalf of your school and as an individual. If you are involved in coaching initiatives within the school setting and in your wider community, we are happy to review two applications. You will, however, need to satisfy the criteria for each Award you apply for in full.

  • Winners will be notified in the first week of March 2025.

    The awards will be presented at Coaching Day 2025 on March 7th.

    If you are unable to attend we will ensure you receive your award shortly after the ceremony.

  • In all instances, your first point of contact is our Operations Manager, Amy Cusack. She will be able to assist with any of your queries in a timely manner.

  • By participating in the Graydin Coaching Awards, applicants agree to the following terms and conditions:

    Eligibility

    1. The awards are open to schools, educators, and other educational institutions who demonstrate a commitment to embedding coaching principles in their practices.

    2. Applications must be submitted by an authorised representative of the school or individual.

    3. Applicants must have implemented coaching-related initiatives within their school or community.

    Application Process

    1. All applications must be submitted by the stated deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.

    2. Applications must be complete, accurate and truthful. Incomplete or misleading submissions may result in disqualification.

    3. Supporting materials (e.g., photos, testimonials, videos) must have the necessary permissions for use.

    Selection Criteria

    1. Applications will be evaluated based on their alignment with Graydin’s values, measurable impact, creativity and commitment to fostering a coaching culture.

    2. Decisions made by the Graydin selection panel are final and not subject to appeal.

    Awards

    1. Winners will be announced the week leading up to Coaching Day 2025 on March 7th.

    2. Award recipients will receive a certificate and statue as recognition.

    Use of Information

    1. By submitting an application, participants agree to allow Graydin to use their name, school name, and submitted materials for promotional purposes, including on Graydin’s website, social media, and other marketing channels.

    2. Confidential or sensitive information will not be shared publicly without explicit permission.

    Responsibilities of Recipients

    1. Award recipients are encouraged to share their practices and insights with the Graydin community through events, articles or other contributions.

    2. Winners must ensure the accurate use of the award title in any personal or school communications.

    General

    1. Graydin reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions or cancel the awards at any time.

    2. Any disputes related to the awards will be resolved at the sole discretion of Graydin.

    3. By applying, participants confirm they have read and understood these terms and conditions and agree to abide by them.