Designed to celebrate tutors who make a lasting impact on their learners through outstanding teaching and support, this award recognises individuals who go above and beyond to transform confidence, skills and life chances. This year’s winner is Andrew Johnson, whose innovative approach to health and social care education is creating meaningful, real-world impact.
Andrew Johnson is a highly committed health and social care educator at Redcar and Cleveland College who consistently delivers learner-centred, innovative teaching that leads to exceptional outcomes.
The 35-year-old's approach combines his own real-world experience from his ten-year history of working within the NHS, prioritises employer engagement, and offers immersive learning to ensure students not only achieve academically, but also develop the confidence, empathy, and professionalism required for careers in health care.
Creating meaningful learning experiences
Many learners entering health and social care courses can experience disengagement from traditional educational settings, often lacking confidence and an understanding of career pathways. Plus, for specific units such as end-of-life care, the subject matter can feel emotionally complex without appropriate, sensitive delivery.
As such, Andrew recognised the need to create meaningful and practical experiences – both inside and outside of the classroom – that both engage learners and build their practical skills and knowledge at the same time.
A bespoke approach to delivering care
To address this, Andrew designed and implemented an innovative, employer-engaged project in partnership with Teesside Hospice and local hospital palliative care teams.
Learners were challenged to design and deliver comfort packages for individuals receiving end-of-life care. This project provided a powerful opportunity for students to connect theory with practice, requiring them to consider dignity, compassion, and individual needs.
Through this initiative, learners created over 50 care packages tailored to patient comfort and wellbeing. The collaboration with healthcare professionals ensured authenticity, while Andrew’s guidance helped learners navigate sensitive topics with maturity and respect.
In addition to this project, Andrew delivers immersive T Level teaching, including mock ward rounds and realistic clinical scenarios. These sessions simulate the demands of healthcare environments, helping learners build confidence, communication skills, and readiness for industry placements.
Bethany Manning, Course Lead in Health and Social Care at Redcar and Cleveland College, says: “Andrew’s teaching does not simply prepare learners to pass assessments; it prepares them to become compassionate, reflective, and confident future professionals.”
Having a lasting impact
The results of Andrew’s approach have been transformative. The comfort package project, which was led by Andrew, gained significant regional media attention, highlighting the positive impact of vocational education and strengthening connections between education providers and healthcare employers.
Reflecting on the project, Andrew said: "The main drive behind the project was that death and dying is such a taboo subject for our 16- to 18-year-olds. It was about asking myself, how can I break that barrier down? I wanted to get them actually out there in industry and engaging with palliative care end of life services. My learners were absolutely amazing."
This project also received positive feedback from both the recipients of the care packages and their families, informing him and the students of the difference that the packages made at such a sensitive and emotional time.
Beyond this, Andrew’s learners have demonstrated significantly increased engagement, improved confidence and communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the emotional and practical aspects of care.
Many who had previously struggled in education have become active, motivated participants, developing both the subject-specific knowledge and essential employability skills to go on and thrive in the next steps of their careers.
PICTURED: Andrew and a student deliver care packages to the Zetland Ward at Redcar Primary Care Hospital
A truly innovative educator
Andrew’s colleagues recognise him as a collaborative and reflective practitioner who continuously contributes to curriculum development. His inclusive teaching style creates a supportive learning environment where all students feel valued and empowered to succeed.
Bethany adds: “What truly sets Andrew apart is his ability to combine innovation with compassion. He understands his learners as individuals, many of whom face personal, social, or educational barriers.
“Through his teaching, he creates safe, supportive spaces where learners feel valued, heard, and capable of success. His practice embodies the principles of inclusive education and demonstrates how vocational learning can transform lives.
Andrew Johnson exemplifies outstanding practice in health and social care education. Through innovative projects, strong employer partnerships, and immersive teaching methods, he ensures learners are fully prepared for progression into the healthcare sector, equipping them not only with knowledge, but with empathy, resilience, and a strong sense of professional purpose.
Congratulations Andrew! To read more inspirational stories from this year’s award winners, visit our Aspiration Awards 2026 page.
