Queen Sonja's School Award

Criteria for the award

The award is presented to a school that works actively to promote equality and inclusion and meets the following criteria:

• The school takes a long-term, systematic and knowledge-based approach in its efforts to ensure an optimum learning environment for its pupils.
• The school promotes inclusion and equality in such a way that each individual pupil feels appreciated in an environment that cultivates co-participation, security and community spirit.
• The school is characterised by the positive relationship between the pupils and the teaching staff, – and by the close cooperation between the school and the home.

Equality means that all students should experience being treated in an equal and dignified manner. Inclusion, which is a broader concept than integration, means that everyone should feel they are recognized participants in the school community.

The prize

The prize consists of a diploma, a cash prize of NOK 250 000 and a print entitled "Vekst" ("Growth") by Her Majesty Queen Sonja.

The award was established in 2005 at the initiative of Her Majesty. The Queen presented the award herself until 2021 – for the 15th time that year. In 2023, Queen Sonja passed the torch to Crown Prince Haakon who presented the award to Storhamar Upper Secondary School.

The award is administered by the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training. Candidates are nominated by the Office of the County Governor in each county.