Researching, writing and presenting ideas about a historical theme or period are skills that can support a young person’s educational development and personal wellbeing throughout their formal education journey.

The Historical Association (led by the Mid-Trent and Mercia HA Branch) in collaboration with the Spirit of Normandy Trust has organised a series of awards for outstanding history scholarship. Young people from Primary school age through Secondary school years are asked to investigate, analyse and write about history. The subject categories cover local history, the modern world and especially aspects of 20th-century history. 

These awards and the partnership of over 25 years hope to encourage and produce the historians of the future as well as engaging young people with meaningful historical questions and issues of local interest.

The winners for 2026 are:

Secondary age groups

Spirit of Normandy Trust Prize for GCSE/A Level students for individual work on any aspect of British involvement in the Second World War. 

• Seb Fryer, Highworth Grammar School, Ashford

Spirit of Normandy Trust Key Stage 3 for individual work on any aspect of British involvement in the Second World War

• Ayda Morris, Bedford Greenacre Independent School

GCSE First World War for individual work on any aspect of the First World War

• Niamh Owens, St Andrew’s RC High School, Kirkaldy
• Daisy Mathieson, Cokethorpe School, Witney

KS3 First World War for any individual work on the First World War                              

• Vira Malyna, Hammersmith Academy
• Janice Chung, Roedean School
• Poppy Chappell, Queen Elizabeth School, Wakefield

GCSE Modern World for individual work on any aspect of the post-1918 Modern World

• Costanza Mongelli, British School of Milan

Post-16 Local History for individual personal enquiries into Local History

• Seb Fryer, Highworth Grammar School, Ashford

GCSE Local History for individual work on a Local History theme                         

• Amy Woodley, Centre Academy, London SW11

KS3 Local History for individual work on a Local History theme    

• Noah Jacobs, JFS School, Kenton
• Inioluwa Shutala, Archbishop Blanch CE Comprehensive School, Liverpool

Best School History Magazine [sponsored by the Mid-Trent and Mercia Branch of the Historical Association]         

• St Albans School

Spirit of Normandy Trust General Martin Award (This is a special award for an entry that catches the attention of the judges)

• Nadia Gilliland, Durham Johnston Comprehensive School, Durham

Primary age groups

Sprit of Normandy Trust Primary for individual or group work on any aspect of British involvement in the Second World War

• Adam Saiyed, Eltham College Junior School

Primary Local History 

• Inaan Mohoboob and Alesa Giancola, Eltham College Junior School
• Sophia Allmond, Francis Holland Prep School

Primary Ancient Civilizations [sponsored by Classics for All] for individual or group work relating to an Ancient Civilisation

• Sophie Sharl, Eltham College Junior School
• Arianna Thind, Francis Holland Prep School
• Wilbury Primary School, Enfield
• Seal CE Primary School, Kent

Congratulations to all this year's winners and thank you to everyone who took part! Entries for next year's competition will open later this year.