Become one of the first 25 Community Champion Schools
We are selecting 25 Founding Partner Schools. Applications close 31 October 2026.
CCSA is launching its inaugural programme in January 2027.
Founding Partner Schools help establish the foundations of a new approach to community engagement and recognition. It is a permanent seat at the table of a national award.
Who we are looking for
Founding Partner Schools are chosen, not simply enrolled. We are looking for schools that already do good community work and want to do it better, that can name someone to be their Community Champion for the year, that have senior leadership behind them, and that are willing to share what they learn with the rest of the cohort. Primary, secondary, special, alternative provision or independent, anywhere in the UK.
- Already doing good community work
- Able to name a Community Champion
- Senior leadership behind the work
- Willing to share learning with the cohort
This is more than a place on a programme.
Founding Partner Schools will be among the first schools to complete the CCSA programme, earn recognition and become part of the CCSA community.
- Develop your school's approach to community engagement
- Take part in the inaugural CCSA cohort
- Complete the structured CCSA learning programme
- Participate in live cohort sessions
- Submit your evidence portfolio and earn the CCSA Award
- Receive the Founding Partner Award Mark
- Gain permanent Founding Partner recognition
- Become part of the CCSA community
Founding Partner Schools
The inaugural cohort is deliberately limited to 25 schools.
Keeping the first cohort small allows CCSA to create a focused learning community where schools can connect, share experiences and contribute to the development of the programme.
It also means your school will become part of CCSA from the very beginning.
25
Founding Partner Schools
31 October 2026
Applications close
January 2027
Programme begins
Everything you need to begin your CCSA journey
CCSA professional learning programme
Six structured learning modules
Three live cohort sessions
Opportunities to connect and learn alongside other participating schools
CCSA Award
Recognition upon successful completion
CCSA kitemark
A visible symbol of your school's achievement
Permanent Founding Partner status
Recognition that your school was part of the inaugural CCSA cohort
Annual membership
Continued connection with the CCSA community
One-off programme fee for Founding Partner Schools. Same programme, same award mark.
£2,750 Save £1,850
£1,000 off the programme fee, plus your first renewal year free, worth £850.
Secure your school's place
Applications close 31 October 2026. The programme begins January 2027.
No commitment required. Speak to the CCSA team to find out more.
| Founding Partner, cohort 1 | Standard rate, cohort 2 onwards | |
|---|---|---|
| Programme fee, one-off | £1,750 | £2,750 |
| What that covers | The full programme through to award, including your first year of membership | The full programme through to award, including your first year of membership |
| First renewal year after the award | Free | £850 |
| Annual membership after that | £850, held at that rate for two further years | £850 |
| Total saving | £1,850 | n/a |
Prices shown are the total payable. CCSA Education Ltd is not VAT registered, so no VAT is charged.
The journey ahead
Sept to Dec 2026
Enrol and onboard
An introductory call, a platform walkthrough and a planning session for your year.
January 2027
Programme begins
Live Cohort Session 1, community goals agreed and Module 1 opens.
Feb to July 2027
Work through the modules
Six modules, portfolio evidence and two further live cohort sessions.
30 September 2027
Submit your portfolio
Your evidence is submitted for independent verification.
October 2027
Award confirmed
Verification, award ceremony, and your Award Mark, certificate and digital badge issued.
Be proud to be a Founding Partner School
Your achievement shouldn’t disappear when the programme ends.
Founding Partner Schools receive permanent recognition of their place in the inaugural CCSA cohort.
Display the CCSA Award Mark.
Celebrate your school's achievement.
Show your community that your school is committed to being a Community Champion.
Ready to apply?
We are selecting 25 Founding Partner Schools, and applications close 31 October 2026.
If you’d like to explore whether CCSA is right for your school, we’d love to speak with you.
No commitment required.
A professional development and accreditation programme helping schools strengthen community engagement, recognise the work they do and build lasting connections beyond the school gates.
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CCSA is an independent programme. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by Ofsted, the Department for Education, the Education Endowment Foundation or the National Children’s Bureau. References to their published work are provided for context only.