The Stirling School of English is excited and very honoured to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) among other 281 charities across the UK and Channel Islands.

The award is equivalent to an MBE, the is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK. Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the Award has been recognising the outstanding work of volunteers for over 20 years. His Majesty The King pledged to continue the Award to ensure that volunteers from across the UK are recognised for the services they provide within their communities Nominations are received from all across the UK. Following eligibility checks, nominations are assessed locally and then nationally, before a shortlist is presented to His Majesty The King for approval and awards announced on 14th November. AVS Awardees are invited to attend a presentation event with the Lord Lieutenant from their county, where they receive a signed Certificate from His Majesty The King and a KAVS Crystal to display. In January 2024 the school was assessed by Mr Alan Simpson, Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Jacquie Fingland, (Deputy Lieutenant) and Mr Robin Iffla (Deputy Lieutenant) from the Stirling & Falkirk Lieutenancy.

A huge thank you to those who have nominated us for the award. While the award and the achievement are a huge honour, the school relies on grants and donations for its existence and donations are very welcome. Volunteers-you rock! Thank you for all you do and for going the extra mile.