Edward Alleyn Award
Our Founder, Edward Alleyn, was passionate about making a lasting difference to the lives of others in his community. His generosity and vision created a legacy that, 400 years later, continues to benefit organisations and individuals from different generations and backgrounds across London.
The Dulwich Estate established the Edward Alleyn Award in 2023, to celebrate Alleyn’s legacy through the recognition of young people’s achievement. Created through a close collaboration between the beneficiary school heads and The Dulwich Estate, the annual award recognises students who uphold the Alleynian virtues at the heart of his founding vision.
A Modern Expression of Founding Principles
Edward Alleyn established the College of God’s Gift with a clear purpose: to nurture young people who would use their talents in service of others and contribute meaningfully to society. The Edward Alleyn Award continues this legacy by celebrating students who demonstrate values that still hold true in schools today:
- Creativity — original thinking, artistic expression and imaginative problem‑solving
- Enterprise — initiative, leadership and the courage to pursue new ideas
- Philanthropy — compassion, generosity and a commitment to community
Recognising Outstanding Achievement
Each year, a student from each of the seven Dulwich Estate beneficiary schools, is nominated by teachers to receive the Edward Alleyn Award. These students are nominated not only for their accomplishments, but for the character and spirit they bring to their school communities.