This Award is designed to support schools in the continued development of their primary Spanish provision. It provides a structure and criteria against which schools can assess progress and an external validation of the quality of the learning in Spanish.
It also recognises and celebrates good and outstanding practice. Such an award was requested at a secondary Headteachers’ meeting.
The Award is divided into 5 categories at three levels:
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
Read the criteria for each level.
39 schools have achieved the Award as of July 2025
Gold Award: Parkwood, William Patten, Orchard, Southwold, Hoxton Garden, Sebright, Daubeney, Lauriston, Mossbourne Riverside Academy
Silver Award: Gainsborough, Grasmere, London Fields, St Paul’s with St Michael’s, Kingsmead, St John and St James, Millfields, Grazebrook, St Mary’s CE, Woodberry Down, Shacklewell, Benthal, Mossbourne Parkside, St John of Jerusalem
Bronze Award: Harrington Hill, Holy Trinity (2017), Queensbridge, Randal Cremer, Shoreditch Park, St John the Baptist, St Scholastica’s, Oldhill, Rushmore, Baden Powell, Princess May, Halley House, Mandeville, Gayhurst, St Monica’s, Jubilee
The Spanish Subject Leads from the Gold level schools will be playing a significant role in modelling good practice and supporting other teachers.
At any time in the year, a school can request a half day monitoring visit to verify that the criteria have been met. This will be carried out by an MFL Consultant and a Spanish Subject Leader from another Hackney school. The half day consists of:
- Observations of 2 Spanish lessons
- An interview with a group of pupils
- Scrutiny of the evidence against all the criteria at the appropriate level
Successful schools will receive a written report and certificate, plus the logo to use on the school letterhead and displays. Secondary schools will be informed so that they can feel confident about the externally-verified quality of the primary provision.
Contact Bernadette.clinton@hackney.gov.uk to arrange a date for a visit.
The Award is endorsed by the British Council and the Spanish Embassy Education Department.