Building schools that champion their communities
We train a member of your staff to become your school’s Community Champion, the person who builds and sustains the community partnerships and referral pathways your pupils need. A year of practical development, a national award, and a network of schools doing the same.
Founded by Joel Dunn and Chris Leslie · Delivered with Inside Out Support Wales
It is about turning community engagement from something schools do into something they can demonstrate, develop and be recognised for.
Recognising the schools that make a difference beyond the classroom
Schools are at the heart of their communities. Every day, staff build relationships with families, connect with local organisations, support vulnerable communities and create opportunities that reach far beyond academic outcomes.
CCSA exists to recognise, strengthen and celebrate that work.
In the voluntary sector, a partnerships and referrals officer is considered essential infrastructure. Schools do not have that role, and most do not have the skills to replace it. CCSA trains someone in your school to do exactly that job.
The Community Champion School Award provides a structured programme of professional learning, practical development and recognition for schools committed to building meaningful relationships with their communities.
Train. Award. Belong.
A complete journey from professional learning to recognised achievement and a community of like-minded schools.
Train
Develop the knowledge and confidence to make community engagement purposeful.
Six evidence led modules that train your designated Community Champion, typically a DSL or a member of the pastoral team, delivered online at the pace of a busy school year.
Award
Turn meaningful work into recognised achievement.
A national award mark and certificate. A public signal to families, inspectors and partners that your school takes community seriously.
Belong
Join a community committed to making a difference.
CCSA brings schools together around a shared purpose, creating a sense of belonging and connecting professionals who believe schools can play an even greater role within their communities.
The work is already happening. CCSA helps make it visible, purposeful and recognised.
Across the UK, schools are already doing extraordinary work with families, communities and local organisations.
But much of that work can happen quietly.
CCSA provides a framework for schools to step back, reflect on their approach, develop their practice and gain recognition for the difference they are making.
- A clearer framework.
- A stronger practice.
- A recognised achievement.
Be part of the first CCSA cohort
We are inviting just 25 schools to become CCSA Founding Partner Schools for the inaugural programme.
This is an opportunity to help shape the first cohort, develop your school’s approach to community engagement and become part of the foundations of a new national award programme.
One-off Founding Partner programme fee, save £1,850
Includes your first year of membership. £850 a year thereafter to maintain your award.Prices shown are the total payable. CCSA Education Ltd is not VAT registered, so no VAT is charged.
- 25 Founding Partner Schools
- Applications close 31 October 2026
- Programme begins January 2027
Built on experience and evidence
Founders
Joel Dunn & Chris Leslie
Evidence
Informed by education policy and evidence
Community
Supported through a growing network of community and education partners
Ready to champion your community?
Whether you’re exploring what CCSA could mean for your school or you’re ready to become one of the inaugural Founding Partner Schools, we’d love to start the conversation.
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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© 2026 Community Champion Schools Award. All rights reserved. · Privacy notice · FAQ
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.