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Aspiration Awards 2026: Open for nominations now!
Behind every success, there is aspiration
Our Aspiration Awards honour the success of learners, apprentices, educators, support staff and educational organisations across the UK.
We believe that there isn’t just one definition of success. Throughout our 175 years in this sector, we've seen it in many forms – from going above and beyond to exceed expectations, to overcoming obstacles to achieve the unexpected, to finding new and innovative ways of working to help others achieve.
Submit your nominations now
Do you know an NCFE or Active IQ learner, educator, centre, or colleague who is making a difference?
We’re looking to celebrate the incredible achievements of learners, educators, centres, and colleagues from across the past year – and we’d love to hear your stories.
Enter a nomination into one or more of our six categories by clicking 'Enter now' below:
Nominations are now open!
Submit your nomination now before our deadline of 27 February 2026
T&Cs and top tips
Read the terms and conditions for entry to the 2026 Aspiration Awards
Discover our top tips for drafting a winning nomination here
Meet our 2025 winners
It was incredibly hard for our judges to choose our 2025 winners following nominations for so many inspiring learners, educators and centres. Discover more about our winners by clicking on their images below, or discover our full list of 2025 winners here.
Learner of the Year: Isabelle Fazackerley, Shipley College
Apprentice of the Year: Carly Tait, Learning Curve Group
Against All Odds: Anya Clair, Wolverhampton College
Watch Anya Clair's story
Against All Odds winner – Anya Clair, Wolverhampton College
Anya Clair’s education was put on hold after a car accident left her with severe physical and cognitive injuries. After originally joining the City of Wolverhampton College in 2022, her path was tragically interrupted aged 17 when driving with her friends, but she has now been inspired by those who cared for her.
Watch her video to learn how she overcame the challenges she faced.
CACHE Outstanding Achievement Award winner: Sara Louise Gilpin, Southern Regional College
Support Staff of the Year 2026 winner: Andrew Firth, Leeds City College
Educator of the Year winner: Caroline Kerr, Southern Regional College
Centre of the Year winner: The Public Services Department at Leeds City College
The Public Services Department at Leeds City College supports learners with their journey towards a career in Uniformed Protective Services. They have earned the Centre of the Year award for their dedication to learner success and exceptional public service.
Tom Griffiths, Head of Department, shared: “Our alumni have gone on to further apprenticeships with local Uniformed Protective Service organisations, or taken on a Policing, Criminology, or Law path at university. We are proud to have taught members of the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, HM Prison Service, and the Armed Forces in our department.”
Find out how the department achieves high student success and makes a difference in the local community.