Aspiration Awards 2026: Meet our winners!

Paula Schrader is highly commended for her dedication, professionalism and drive during her Level 3 personal trainer apprenticeship at Exeter College. She consistently delivers confident, supportive coaching, helping people of all abilities build confidence and progress in their fitness journeys.

Excelling academically and completing additional qualifications, Paula has shown a strong commitment to continuous improvement. Her positive mindset and passion for helping others make a lasting impact. “Paula’s determination makes her a standout apprentice,” says her tutor.

Take a closer look at Paula’s journey and see how she is inspiring others to reach their goals.

Courtney Siddall is highly commended for her exceptional resilience, progress and commitment during her Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship at Bolton College. She has overcome personal challenges to build confidence, achieve her qualifications and secure full-time employment in early years education.

She has made a meaningful impact in the workplace, demonstrating empathy, professionalism and a natural ability to support young children’s development. Valued by colleagues and trusted by families, Courtney has grown into a reliable and compassionate practitioner. 

Explore Courtney’s story to learn how she has turned determination into a rewarding career.

Blackburn College has been named Centre of the Year for its outstanding early years provision, delivering an ambitious curriculum supported by expert staff, innovative teaching and strong employer partnerships. Learners benefit from high-quality placements and clear progression into employment, apprenticeships and higher education.

The centre has made a strong impact through its Malawi project, where learners contribute to global early years development while building confidence, skills and cultural awareness. This commitment to excellence and social responsibility sets the provision apart. 

Read Blackburn College’s story to see how they're inspiring future early years professionals.

MIT Skills is highly commended for its outstanding commitment to transforming young people’s lives through sport and education. Combining academic study with professional football training, the centre creates inclusive pathways that help learners build confidence, gain qualifications and progress into meaningful futures.

As Harry Reilly, Sports Tutor at the Strachan Football Foundation, explains: “MIT Skills has consistently demonstrated excellence in delivering high quality study programmes for learners aged 16–19, providing inclusive opportunities across a wide range of sporting abilities.” 

Take a closer look at MIT Skills to see how sport and education are coming together to create lasting impact.

Andrew Johnson has been named Educator of the Year for his outstanding commitment, passion, and impact on learners at Redcar and Cleveland College. He has made a lasting difference to his learners, going above and beyond to support their development both academically and personally.

Bethany Manning, the Course Lead in Health and Social Care at Redcar and Cleveland College, says: “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."

Read Andrew’s story to learn how he's making a difference and shaping learners’ futures.

Jasmin Cooper is our highly commended Educator of the Year for her outstanding impact in adult maths education, helping learners overcome anxiety and rebuild confidence. Teaching Functional Skills and entry-level maths, she creates supportive, flexible learning environments where adults can succeed, often for the first time.

Through personalised support and accessible teaching, Jasmin empowers learners to achieve qualifications and progress into work. One learner shares, “Jasmin's determination to help me gave me confidence and helped me stay committed to my goals.”

Find out how Jasmin is transforming lives through education and helping adults realise their potential.

Lynn Baker is highly commended for her exceptional impact in English education, helping learners overcome barriers and rebuild confidence. Teaching Functional Skills, she engages students who have struggled with literacy, using personalised approaches to make learning relevant, enjoyable and meaningful.

Her innovative teaching and strong learner relationships lead to outstanding progress, with many students exceeding expectations and gaining confidence in their abilities. Her dedication also extends to supporting colleagues and championing professional development. As one colleague shares, “Lynn has an undeniable ability to connect with even the most scared and defensive learners.”

See how Lynn is transforming confidence and helping learners rediscover their potential through education.

Highly commended (adult): Amani Sobhi, CECOS College

Ela Burton is highly commended for her exceptional achievement and academic excellence in her Level 1/2 V Cert Technical Award in child development and care.

She has shown impressive growth, producing high-quality work and applying her learning with confidence and curiosity. Ela also supports her peers and contributes positively to her learning environment. 

Explore Ela’s story to see how she is pushing boundaries and shaping an ambitious future.

River Querelle is highly commended for her outstanding commitment and professionalism as a T Level health learner. From the outset, she has shown a clear passion for healthcare, producing high-quality work and applying her learning confidently in real-world contexts.

On placement, River has impressed with her compassion and strong work ethic, earning high praise from supervisors. As her placement supervisor shares, “River stands out with her passion, compassion and outstanding bedside manner.”

Discover River’s story to see how she is making an impact and building a future in healthcare.

Gulshan Bi has been named Support Staff of the Year for her outstanding dedication, compassion and impact as a careers adviser at Bradford College. Through personalised guidance and support, she empowers learners to build confidence, overcome barriers and make informed decisions about their futures.

She has made a significant difference to hundreds of students, delivering high‑quality careers advice, supporting UCAS applications and creating opportunities that broaden aspirations. Her inclusive, student‑centred approach ensures every learner feels heard, valued and supported. 

Learn how Gulshan is transforming futures and helping learners achieve their goals.