The award is judged by a panel of young people and sector experts on four areas: voter registration; knowledge of democracy; student participation; and student-led social action.

We believe it is critically important that young people begin to engage with democracy from a young age, whether that is voting for their representatives on the school council or getting involved in social action campaigns. The award is funded by Cabinet Office and supported by HM Government. The award celebrates and shares the success of schools that go further in equipping their students with the skills and knowledge to play a full and active part in society, through high-quality teaching, student voice and social action projects.

The award is judged on four themes and against 11 specific criteria: