Following a visit by Judges from Heritage Education in Summer 2009 Fishbourne Roman Palace have been awarded a Sandford Award.

Suzanne Evans Head of Learning at the Palace collected the award from Earl of Wessex at  a reception at Windsor Castle. 

Other award winners included the National Trust, Chilton Open Air Museum, Lullingstone Roman Villa - over 50 museums received awards.

The Roman Palace is very proud of its learning programme and during 2009 over 700 workshops were presented to almost 23,000 pupils from 600 visiting school groups.  

A short extract from The Sandford Award report states ' Learning very clearly has a major role in the planning that is undertaken at Fishbourne.  Based securely on archaeological and academic evidence, the programmes of study offered to visitors are enhanced by friendly, well-informed and enthusiastic members of the Education Staff.  This is no mere talking shop; as well as viewing the preserved and explained archaeolgical remains, visitors are able to handle artefacts found on the site (and learn to interpret them under expert guidance), and meet and interact with 'Roman' characters who are skilled in recreating life within the Palace in its heyday.  Those who are fortunate enough to undertake the Fishbourne experience will forever appreciate the building skills and technical abilities of the Romans in Britain.

If you are interested in finding out more about learning opportunities at the Palace telephone 01243 785859