- History and Purpose
- The Cenotaph and Remembrance
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Schools and Universities
- Schools and Competitions
- Malcolm Doolin Award for local history research
- Colin Hardy Memorial Award
- Autumn project: with prizes for 12- 14 year-olds
- Schools Quality Mark
- University PhD Grant Scheme
- Our PhD grant winners
- Resources for University Students
- Online Course: Imperial Forces on The Western Front
- Support Us - Donations and Legacies
- Office Holders and Executive Committee
- Contact Us
- Our Team
- Policies and Guidelines
- Annual General Meeting: papers, registration and voting
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. Read more.
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. Read more.
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
Grants for schools
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.
What we offer
- Travel expenses for state schools invited to the annual WFA Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph
- Small grants (£100–£500) to schools that have participated in WFA competitions and activities
- Exceptionally, support for 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.
Types of projects we support
- Living history or virtual reality workshops in schools
- Artists supporting the creation of memorial gardens or commemorative work
- Purchase of artefacts for classroom use
- Transport to museums or battlefield sites
- Contributions to battlefield tours
Examples of projects we've supported
- Oak Grove College Ypres trip – a battlefield tour for students with learning difficulties
- Never Such Innocence: Military Kids Choir in Ypres – supporting the choir's performance at the centenary commemoration of Sir John French's funeral
- Holte School VR workshops – virtual reality sessions bringing the trenches to life for Year 10 and 11 students
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.