Irchester Field School wins MJ Achievement Award for Innovation in Public Private Partnerships

20 June 2025

Three people standing together at an award ceremony. One person holds a large 'MJ' trophy, another holds a certificate labeled 'Achievement Award MJ Winner,' with a modern, purple-lit event space in the background.

North Northamptonshire Council is celebrating today after its Irchester Field School won a prestigious accolade at the MJ Achievement Awards 2025, a national award recognising excellence in local government.

The Innovation in Public Private Partnerships Award highlights the strength of the partnership between the Council’s Chester House Estate, Northamptonshire’s Archaeological Resource Centre (ARC) and the University of Leicester.

The Irchester Field School was described by the MJ Awards as “a powerful example of place-based engagement, a project that connects communities with history and archaeology – improving wellbeing, education, and public health.”

Winning this national award is a significant achievement and a clear reflection of the strength of the Irchester Field School partnership. It demonstrates how collaboration between North Northamptonshire Council, academic institutions, and heritage organisations can deliver real value to our communities across North Northamptonshire.

I’m proud of everyone who has contributed to this outstanding project – congratulations to all involved. Their work is helping to connect people with our rich local history in new and meaningful ways, and it’s fantastic to see that recognised at a national level.”

I’d also like to say a huge well done to our other finalists – our Rising Star nominee, a Project Manager for Adults, Health Partnerships, and Housing and the Hi Street team for their brilliant work supporting our town centres. Their passion and commitment are a credit to North Northamptonshire Council, and I’m delighted to see their efforts recognised.Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of the Council.

Further information on all three of North Northamptonshire Council’s MJ Achievement Award finalists, including the winning Irchester Field School, our Rising Star nominee in Adults, Health Partnerships and Housing, and the Hi Street team supporting town centres, is available in our earlier press release.

The MJ Achievement Awards were announced in London on Friday 20 June, celebrating the very best in local government across the UK.