WHAT ARE THE ESU-RUTLAND ORACY AWARDS?
The English-Speaking Union and The Rutland Foundation are partnering to recognise and celebrate the exceptional efforts of educators who champion oracy in education, empowering young people with essential listening and speaking skills. In 2025, we are proud to present two awards:
- The ESU-Rutland Oracy Culture Award – To celebrate schools that have embedded a lasting culture of oracy in their settings and to recognise those that have fostered a thriving environment where speaking and listening are at the heart of learning and community life.
- The ESU-Rutland Oracy Teacher Award – To acknowledge the exceptional contributions of the teachers who lead impactful oracy initiatives within their schools.
These awards are open to primary and secondary schools across England and Wales. We especially encourage applications from teachers in low socio-economic areas and state-funded schools, where the power of oracy can truly transform educational outcomes.
Why Should I Apply?
Both awards celebrate the dedication and impact of those driving oracy forward in education, with winners receiving £500 and runners-up £250 cash prizes in recognition of their achievements.
All applicants, no matter the outcome of their application, will be invited to the ESU-Rutland Oracy Teacher Conference in October 2025. This is a highly valuable CPD opportunity to connect with fellow oracy champions, exchange best practices, and enhance your expertise in oracy education.
Winners and runners-up will also be invited to attend the prestigious Evelyn Wrench Lecture, where they will receive their awards and be celebrated for their outstanding achievements.
‘It’s not just about confidence or academic performance. It’s about social justice and empowering young people so that we can hear their voices, and so that they feel that they are engaged in the world.’
Joanna Young, winner of the 2024/25 ESU-Rutland award.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THIS AWARD?
To apply for this award, you must:
- Be a current primary or secondary school teacher in England or Wales.
- Have made efforts to develop oracy skills in your classroom above the standard curriculum teaching.
You do not have had to have been involved with the ESU or have paid for our programmes to enter.
What is the timeline for the award?
- Monday, 31 March: Applications open
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Friday, 5 September: Applications close
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Monday, 8 September: Pre-screening by the ESU Education team begins, followed by judging of the shortlisted candidates by our expert panel
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Tuesday, 7 October: Presentation of awards at Wrench Lecture
How will my application be judged?
The Education Team at the ESU will pre-screen and shortlist all applications. Shortlisted candidates will then be reviewed by our judging panel of experts in education, oracy, debating and public speaking.
Marking criteria for both awards:
- Technical: Evidence of how oracy interventions and strategies have been used to upskill students (Score 1-5)
- Inclusion: Evidence of improving oracy in students regardless of academic attainment or lack of engagement (Score 1-5)
- Community: Evidence of how oracy has positively impacted social skills and friendships (Score 1-5)
- Sustainability: Evidence of future planning for long-lasting interventions (Score 1-5)
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