Build teamwork & independence in your classroom

The Shape Your Skills Award is an accredited skills development award for ages 7-11.

Try a free taster resource

A skills award for life and learning

  • The award uses play-based learning to build communication, teamwork, organisation, problem solving, resilience and leadership skills.
  • Developed and accredited by the Leadership Skills Foundation, building on 40 years of skills development.
  • Practically apply popular skills frameworks such as Skills Builder and meta-skills through fun leadership opportunities.
  • Choose a curriculum pathway through PSHE or PE, or deliver flexibly across your timetable or after school.

Layla, age 9, Woodmancote Primary

“At the start of the award my confidence wasn’t that good. Over time, my confidence grew and grew.”

Paul Adkin, Year 6 Teacher, Woodmancote Primary

“It’s very, very easy to deliver. The resources are very high quality. It’s easy to fit the award into the curriculum areas we teach.”

Gary Tucker, Head Teacher, Woodmancote Primary

“The Shape Your Skills Award enabled children to develop a set of skills that the normal taught curriculum doesn’t really cover.”

Get them ready for anything

  • Builds resilience and independence to help pupils navigate challenges in school and in all aspects of their lives.
  • Promotes teamwork to help foster stronger bonds and a more supportive learning environment.
  • Supports self-reflection and self-awareness in pupils.
  • Accredited award recognises personal progress in 7-11 year olds, no matter starting ability.

Teach with confidence

  • Comprehensive resources and session guides allow you to deliver without planning.
  • Gamified learning resources keep children engaged, including animations, passports and stickers.
  • Designed to support your PSHE and PE curriculums, or deliver flexibly across your timetable or after school.
  • Provides evidence of your school’s commitment to the personal development of pupils.
Preview teaching resources

See the impact

“From a Curriculum for Excellence point of view, it fits perfectly with what we’re trying to do. Skills development has to be there alongside literacy and numeracy.”

Karen MacKechnie, Headteacher, Kirklandneuk Primary

Read the full school case study.

“Having the real focus makes it more meaningful to children…Make it hands on, make it practical. These children need these skills later on in life, they need to be able to apply those skills to the big wide world.”

Teacher, Berkeley Academy

“Less conflicts, better problem solving, taking on other’s feelings. They’re taking on the responsibilities themselves. Taking turns is better, active listening is better, and working as a group. Less conflicts at playtime and therefore has had less impact in the classroom afterwards so we get 30-40 mins more learning time. They’re being leaders!” 

Teacher, William Hulme’s Grammar School

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from

£295

Includes year-long licence for your school, plus printed resources for 30 learners.

Additional printed resources available from £30.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much time does the award take to deliver?

The Shape Your Skills award takes approximately 15 hours, and can be delivered weekly over a full term, or condensed into a couple of days.

How does the award fit into my timetable / curriculum?

The award is designed to be flexible so you can choose how best to deliver in your setting. See our delivery scenario document for ideas. Further guidance is provided in the teaching resources.

PHSE – The award fits neatly into weekly PSHE lessons, focusing on essential personal and social skill development.

PE – Many schools choose to deliver through PE time, using the fun, practical and physical activities to promote teamwork, communication and problem solving.

Extra-curricular – The award can be delivered off-timetable during school time and through after school clubs.

 

What ages / years is the award suitable for?

The Shape Your Skills Award is recommended for 7–11-year-olds.

Is there a summary sheet I can share with stakeholders and SLT in my school?

Please feel free to share this summary sheet with stakeholders and SLT in your school.

How can the award support with inspection criteria?

The Shape Your Skills Award supports inspection frameworks from across the UK. This includes areas considered by inspectorates such as: personal development; thinking skills and personal capabilities; meta skill development and recongition.

Full guidance is included as part of the resources.

Do I need to do any training to deliver the award?

All guidance and support materials are available as part of the award and remove the need for any training.

Can any member of staff deliver the award to our pupils?

Yes.

When will I receive access to the resources?

We aim to grant access a couple of days after you submit your school’s details.

When will I receive my printed resources?

We aim to send these out within 2-4 weeks of you submitting your school’s details.

I want to purchase the award for multiple schools – how do I do this?

For multi-site purchase and multi-academy trusts, please send us an email to sysa@leadershipskillsfoundation.org and we will create a tailored package for you.

I want to purchase the award for an international school – how do I do this?

For schools based outside of the UK, please send us an email to sysa@leadershipskillsfoundation.org and we will create a tailored package for you.

Who are the Leadership Skills Foundation?

We’re the Leadership Skills Foundation, and for over 40 years teachers have used and trusted our unique approach to developing and recognising leadership skills in young people.

Each of our awards and qualifications is designed with the learner at its heart, supporting them to develop life-changing skills through practical leadership opportunities that make a real-world impact.

Find out more at leadershipskillsfoundation.org