Awards
Rewards System
Our rewards system is rooted in the school’s core values and is designed to promote:
- An excellent attitude to learning
- Community involvement
- A desire for self-improvement
Gillingham School Awards System
Ties in Year 7-11
Students work towards Bronze, Silver, and Gold Ties in three categories:
- Learning
- Community
- Skills
They will ‘graduate’ through the levels and as soon as they are awarded their first tie, they start collecting for the next.
Ties are awarded in assemblies and replace the standard school tie.
From Left to Right: Standard School Tie, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Creative Arts & Sports
Award Categories & Criteria
- Points are tracked via EduLinkOne and accumulate through to Year 11.
Students need 150 points to earn each tie, with an additional 30 points available across any of the listed categories. Final eligibility will be reviewed by the Year Team, considering any individual targets the student may be working towards.
Achieving the Gold Tie is a prestigious recognition of sustained commitment over several years. To qualify, students must meet the required points threshold and consistently demonstrate role model behaviour — reflected in their A2L, attendance, and conduct.
Students who qualify before Year 10 must submit a letter of application to their Head of Year, outlining why they deserve the award. Once awarded, the Gold Tie should be worn with pride.
Gold Tie recipients are encouraged to take on leadership roles and work towards earning the Hart Award.
Working towards the Hart Award Year 10-13
After receiving the Gold Tie, students can begin to collect evidence and work towards the prestigious Hart Award. This award is based on achievement across four strands; My Challenge, My Community, Employability Skills (From Year 10 only) and My Studies.
*Students must complete work experience in Year 10 before receiving the full award and Hart Tie. Upon completion, they are issued a certificate detailing their achievements, which can be used as supporting evidence in applications to Sixth Form, colleges, and apprenticeships.
Students are encouraged to take initiative and actively engage in all strands, providing evidence of their contributions through photographs or written documentation signed by a staff member.
Creative Arts Faculty Awards:
There are two levels of recognition within the Creative Arts Faculty:
- The Badge is awarded for excellence and effort in Art, Drama, or Music — whether in lessons or through contributions around the school.
- The Tie is awarded to students who go above and beyond, demonstrating exceptional creativity, initiative, and enthusiasm both in school and through their involvement in the arts outside of school.
While it is usual for students to receive their badge before applying for the tie, exceptional cases may be considered. We’re looking for students who show genuine enthusiasm for the subject, produce ambitious class and homework, and actively seek opportunities to get involved — whether that’s through group work in Drama, attending Art Club, playing in the orchestra, making films, or other creative activities.
Your class teacher is the most likely person to nominate you and will be happy to discuss your eligibility.
Sports Department Awards:
There are two levels of recognition in Sports:
- Junior County Colours Badge awarded for outstanding achievement and commitment at the junior level.
- Full County Colours Tie awarded to students who demonstrate excellence and dedication at the highest level of school sport.
To be eligible for these awards, students must meet two key criteria:
- Represent the county in their chosen sport (this can be a county other than Dorset).
- Demonstrate a positive attitude and strong work ethic (A2L) across school, local club, district, or county environments.
If the student’s sport is part of the school’s extra-curricular programme (e.g. football, hockey, netball, rugby), they are expected to represent the school regularly. For sports without a clear school pathway — such as karate, equestrian, or dance — applications will be reviewed individually to ensure fairness and consistency.
Please note: All school awards, including the County Colours Tie, may be withdrawn if a student fails to act as a role model or does not wear their tie with pride.
Sixth Form Awards System:
The Sixth Form operates a separate recognition system from the lower school, and previous awards do not carry over. Students can work towards two key awards:
- Platinum Award – awarded to students who demonstrate leadership, high achievement, or strong engagement within the Sixth Form.
- Outstanding Achievement Award – given to students who show exceptional effort across a wide range of fields throughout their time in Sixth Form.
These awards celebrate commitment, initiative, and excellence at the highest level.
