Schools and Competitions

With branches across the globe, public talks, educational podcasts, mapping tools, and rich archives—including pension and medal records—WFA brings the First World War’s stories to life for students, teachers, and history enthusiasts alike.

Why it matters

The First World War shaped the modern world. By engaging with our projects, competitions and resources, pupils gain:

• A deeper understanding of the global impact of the conflict
• Opportunities to connect national history with their own local communities.
• Recognition for their curiosity, research, and creativity

The Western Front Association is here to support schools in helping young people discover, question and remember the Great War - ensuring its lessons are never forgotten.

Competitions for schools

The WFA supports the following annual competitions for schools:

1. The Malcolm Doolin Award

The Malcolm Doolin Memorial Award supports young researchers exploring the history of the First World War. Open to school pupils and students, the award encourages original work and fresh perspectives, helping to inspire the next generation of historians. Find out about his year's award and how to enter here.

2. The Colin Hardy Memorial Prize (for 16 to 18 year-olds)

The Colin Hardy Prize is presented annually for the best written work published in Stand To!. The award recognises excellence in First World War scholarship and commemorates the dedication of long-time WFA member Colin Hardy. Find out about this year's prize and how to enter here.

3. The Autumn Competition (for 12 to 14 year-olds)

This is an annual competition for secondary school students in the UK and ROI who are studying the First World War in their history lessons. It runs in the autumn term and the theme changes each year.  Past themes have been:

• The Unknown Warrior
• Animals a War
• Recruitment
• Advertising
• Newspapers

This year's competition is on The Forgotten Armies - the World's War. 

Other support for students

Grants for School

Due to a generous donation from one of our members, we re able to offer grants to schools to enhance and extend their provision for teaching and learning about the First World War.  We offer:

• Travel expenses for state schools invited to the annual WFA Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph.
• Small grants (3100-£500) to schools that have participated in WFA competitions and activities
• Exceptionally, we support special battlefield tours for groups of young people.

Schools eligible to apply for a small grant receive an invitation to apply in the summer term.

Some of the project we have supported with small grants have been:

• An artist supporting the creation of a memorial garden
• Living History workshop in school
• Purchase of artefacts for classrooms
• Transport to museums
• A contribution to a battlefield tour

We also supported Oak Grove College, a school for students with severe learning difficulties, on their battlefield tour as well as the Military Kids Choir with their visit to Ypres to sing at the Menin Gate as part of the centenary commemoration of the funeral of Sir John French. 

Supporting students at the Cenotaph

Each November, the Western Front Association is proud to play its part in the national Remembrance service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall. This deeply significant event honours the memory of all those who served and sacrificed during the First World War.

As part of our commitment to education and remembrance, we provide support for students to attend and take part in the ceremony. Their presence ensures that younger generations are actively involved in this important act of national reflection, carrying forward the duty of remembrance into the future.

By standing alongside veterans, families, and representatives from across the country, students gain a profound appreciation of the legacy of the Great War — and the enduring importance of remembrance in our national life.

How to get involved with the Cenotaph 

School attendance at the Cenotaph is by invitation only. The schools that are chosen have participated in one or more of our competitions or have been awarded the WFA Quality Mark for Teaching and Learning. Places are limited and it is a highly prized experience. We try to ensure that different schools are invited each year.