School presentation day awards guide

Match the award to the audience

School presentations cover many types of achievement: sport, academic, citizenship, leadership and the arts. A mix of medals, trophies, plaques and glass awards lets you recognise each one appropriately without overspending.

Medals for the many

Medals are the most affordable way to recognise a large group. They are popular for sports carnivals, house competitions, participation and finalists. Many school medals can carry your school crest or logo printed in full colour in the centre, and come with a ribbon in your school or house colours. Our ribbons come in a wide range of colours so you can match them closely.

Trophies for the champions

Trophies suit the major awards: sports champions, house winners, captains and top performers. Choose a larger size for the top award and smaller sizes for the others, so the step between them is clear.

Glass, crystal and plaques for the big honours

Dux, subject prizes and leadership awards often suit glass, crystal or an engraved plaque. These feel more formal than a sporting trophy and sit well in a family's home. See our glass and crystal awards and plaques and shields.

Perpetual trophies and honour boards

Many schools keep perpetual trophies and honour boards for dux, sport and leadership, so each year's winner joins the record. We can engrave perpetual plates each year, and make honour boards for the hall or foyer.

Timing and budget

• Order early. End of year is a peak time, and trophies can take up to two weeks.
• Send one list of names, with the spelling checked.
• Send your school crest early so we can set it up for the medals.
• If your budget is tight, use medals for most awards and trophies for just the major ones.