Award Categories

Take a look at this year’s award categories

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Category Criteria

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Award Categories

Click on the name of each award below to see the specific category criteria.

View our full awards criteria here.

The BRILLIANT STEAM Excellence Awards

Recognising outstanding projects that inspire learners across science, technology, engineering, arts & design, and mathematics.

Open to schools only.

Primary Schools

  • 1. Curiosity & Inquiry

    How effectively the school fosters curiosity, questioning and hands-on investigation in science learning.

    2. Real-World Relevance

    Evidence that science is connected to real-world issues, careers or industry to make learning meaningful.

    3. Impact on Learners

    Clear outcomes showing improved engagement, understanding or progression in science.

  • 1. Meaningful Use of Technology

    How technology is used to enhance learning, not just replicate traditional methods.

    2. Digital Skills Development

    Evidence of building practical, transferable digital skills (e.g. coding, digital literacy, problem-solving).

    3. Innovation & Impact

    Demonstrable impact on teaching and learning, with creative or forward-thinking approaches.

  • 1. Problem-Solving Approach

    How pupils are encouraged to design, test and refine solutions to real or simulated challenges.

    2. Application of STEM Knowledge

    Evidence of integrating science, maths and technology into practical engineering contexts.

    3. Collaboration & Creativity

    Opportunities for teamwork, creativity and iterative thinking in engineering activities.

  • 1. Creativity & Expression

    How the school nurtures originality, imagination and individual expression.

    2. Integration with Wider Learning

    Evidence of arts and design being embedded across the curriculum, including links to STEM/STEAM.

    3. Impact & Inclusion

    Demonstrable impact on confidence, engagement and inclusion for all learners.

  • 1. Depth of Understanding

    How the school develops strong mathematical reasoning, fluency and problem-solving skills.

    2. Engagement & Accessibility

    Approaches used to make maths engaging, inclusive and accessible to all learners.

    3. Real-World Application

    Evidence of maths being applied in meaningful, real-life or cross-curricular contexts.

Secondary Schools

  • 1. Depth of Scientific Thinking

    Evidence of developing analytical thinking, experimentation and evidence-based reasoning.

    2. Real-World & Career Relevance

    Clear links to real-world challenges, industry or STEM pathways.

    3. Impact on Outcomes

    Demonstrable improvements in engagement, attainment or progression in science.

  • 1. Strategic Use of Technology

    Technology used to transform learning experiences, not just support delivery.

    2. Future-Ready Skills

    Development of skills such as coding, digital creation, data literacy or AI awareness.

    3. Measurable Impact

    Clear evidence of improved learning outcomes or student capability.

  • 1. Applied Problem Solving

    Structured opportunities for designing, building, testing and iterating solutions.

    2. Integration of STEM Disciplines

    Strong links between science, maths and technology in practical contexts.

    3. Employer or Industry Connection

    Engagement with real-world engineering challenges or partners.

  • 1. Creative Excellence

    High-quality outcomes demonstrating originality and technical skill.

    2. Cross-Disciplinary Integration

    Effective blending of arts with STEM or wider curriculum areas.

    3. Student Impact

    Evidence of improved confidence, engagement or creative progression.

  • 1. Mathematical Mastery

    Strong focus on reasoning, fluency and problem solving.

    2. Engagement Strategies

    Innovative approaches to making maths accessible and motivating.

    3. Real-World Application

    Clear examples of maths applied beyond the classroom.

The BRILLIANT Innovation in Learning Awards

  • 1. Innovation in Approach

    Creative or original methods that enhance how children learn.

    2. Effective Implementation

    Clear evidence of how the approach is embedded and sustained.

    3. Impact on Learners

    Demonstrable improvements in engagement, outcomes or skills.

  • 1. Transformational Practice

    Innovative approaches that significantly change teaching and learning.

    2. Scalability & Sustainability

    Potential to replicate or scale across departments or settings.

    3. Student Impact

    Evidence of improved attainment, engagement or future readiness.

  • 1. Innovation & Relevance

    Forward-thinking approaches aligned to future skills and industry needs.

    2. Delivery & Adoption

    Successful implementation across courses, faculties or cohorts.

    3. Outcomes & Progression

    Clear evidence of impact on student success, employability or progression.

  • 1. System-Level Innovation

    Innovative approaches implemented across multiple schools or settings.

    2. Consistency & Reach

    Evidence of effective rollout and adoption across the trust.

    3. Measurable Impact

    Improved outcomes, engagement or teaching practice at scale.

Recognising organisations transforming how young people learn through creativity, technology and new approaches to teaching.

Open to schools, colleges, universities, MATs and education partners.

The BRILLIANT Industry Engagement Awards

Recognising impactful partnerships between education and employers that bring real-world learning into the classroom.

Open to education providers and industry partners.

  • 1. Meaningful Partnership

    Quality and depth of collaboration between school and employer.

    2. Real-World Learning

    Opportunities for pupils to experience careers, industries or real challenges.

    3. Impact on Aspirations

    Evidence of increased awareness, motivation or ambition.

  • 1. Depth of Engagement

    Sustained, structured partnerships with clear purpose.

    2. Career Pathway Alignment

    Activities linked to skills, careers and progression routes.

    3. Measurable Impact

    Evidence of improved student outcomes, choices or readiness.

  • 1. Strategic Partnerships

    Strong, ongoing relationships with employers or industry bodies.

    2. Curriculum Integration

    Employer input embedded into teaching, projects or assessment.

    3. Employability Outcomes

    Clear impact on student progression, placements or employment.

  • 1. Trust-Wide Strategy

    Co-ordinated approach to employer engagement across multiple schools.

    2. Scale & Access

    Opportunities delivered consistently across the trust.

    3. Impact at Scale

    Evidence of improved outcomes, aspirations or career readiness.

The BRILLIANT Leadership Awards

Recognising organisations and individuals creating system-level impact across education.

  • 1. Vision & Strategy

    Clear, ambitious vision for STEAM across the trust.

    2. Implementation & Culture

    Evidence of embedding STEAM in curriculum, teaching and culture.

    3. System-Level Impact

    Demonstrable improvements in outcomes, engagement or opportunity.

  • 1. Alignment to Future Workforce Needs

    Clear focus on emerging skills, industries and technologies.

    2. Innovation in Delivery

    Creative approaches to curriculum design and learning experiences.

    3. Learner Outcomes

    Evidence of improved employability, progression or career readiness.

Criteria

Work must have taken place between January 2024 and July 2026

Projects may be entered into multiple relevant categories.

All entries must demonstrate clear impact and measurable outcomes.

Judging is fair, transparent and led by an expert panel.

NOTE: To maintain fairness, these awards are closed to submissions from previous awards cycles.

Key Information

Final Entry Deadline: 25 September 2026

Shortlist Announced: 13 October 2026

Awards Ceremony: 10 November 2026

Venue: Exhibition Centre at Liverpool Experience Campus

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