New for 2025, the Primary Futures Recognition Scheme is a national badge of recognition for primary schools who spark curiosity and excitement about jobs children could do in the future.
It celebrates schools that put real energy into bringing the world of work to life for pupils, so they can see new possibilities and imagine bright futures.
Why the scheme exists
Children start forming ideas about their futures in primary school – often shaped by the people and opportunities they see around them. For some, this can mean their ambitions are limited before they’ve even had a chance to explore.
The Primary Futures Recognition Scheme celebrates schools that change this story.
Those that give children opportunities to explore a wide range of jobs, meet inspiring role models and take part in activities that help them dream big and aim high.
Why be part of it?
- Inspire pupils – help children meet diverse role models and imagine exciting futures.
- Be recognised – earn Bronze, Silver or Gold awards that highlight your school’s commitment to inspiring pupils.
- Easy to take part – log activities in minutes with our straightforward online process.
- Build lasting impact – the two-year cycle gives space to plan meaningful activities while keeping career learning on the school’s agenda.
- Community engagement – showcase your success with parents, governors and the wider community.
- Encourage and involve staff – build momentum together as you work towards your award.
How it works
- Join the scheme
- Run activities that open pupils’ eyes to the world of work – from fun themed days and creative classroom resources to meeting volunteers in person or virtually!
- Share what you’ve done – upload photos, short descriptions, or pupil reflections to our simple online form.
- Earn points for each activity:
- 1 point – short, simple activities (eg. themed days, watch career videos, printable worksheets)
- 2 points – more in-depth engagement (eg. staff CPD, newsletter features, multiple volunteer sessions)
- 3 points – whole-school activities or embedded projects with measurable impact
- Achieve your award:
- Bronze = 1 point
- Silver = 4 points
- Gold = 6 points
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6. Celebrate your success!
Receive a certificate to display in school and a digital badge of recognition of status to proudly share your achievement.
Start your journey today and be recognised for the amazing work you do inspiring the next generation.
How to join the Recognition Scheme
- Register your school with Primary Futures (if you haven’t already)
- When you log in to Primary Futures, click the Recognition Scheme button on your homepage to join
- Plan and deliver activities that inspire pupils about jobs they could do and futures they could have
💻 Introduction webinar (15 minute watch)
This short, practical intro brings the Recognition Scheme to life and explains the benefits for your school.
We show how simple the scheme is (as we’re not about adding workload!) and outlines the steps to achieving Bronze, Silver or Gold status. You’ll also very quickly hear from Lucy from a primary school about why their school joined. Included at the end are some core Q&As.
📅 Watch the introduction webinar.
Frequently asked questions
You can submit photos of your activities in action or provide a short written summary describing the career-related learning opportunities your pupils have experienced. More information is provided when you join the scheme.
You can submit evidence for activities that have taken place in the current or previous academic year – eg. a teacher who applies for an award in January 2026 can submit any activities as far back as September 2024.
An employer encounter is when children meet and learn from someone who shares insights about their role. This can be either in person or online.
Activities that your pupils participate in are awarded points based on the effort and impact of the activity (either 1, 2 or 3 points).
The total points for all your activities then determines your award:
Bronze = 1 point
Silver = 4 points (must include at least one employer encounter)
Gold = 6 points (must include at least one employer encounter)
Photos are stored internally only.
For a full list of FAQs, see our Frequently Asked Questions Sheet here.
About Primary Futures
We connect schools with people from a huge variety of jobs and life experiences – from scientists to shopkeepers, apprentices to artists. These volunteers, alongside our resources and activities, help pupils see that their future is full of exciting possibilities and that there’s no limit to what they can aspire to.
Watch our 1-minute video to see the impact.
Here to help
- Call us on 0207 566 4880
- Email us enquiries@inspiringthefuture.org
- Or join one of our webinars to find out how to get started or for specialist topics such as how to link career-related learning to subject topics.