Categories
Please see the following descriptions for information on each category.
You can view the criteria for each of the categories by clicking “More Info”.
If you are unsure whether your institution qualifies for a particular category, please contact the team before submitting your entry.
For more information on how to enter click here.
Campaign / Project Awards
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Apprenticeship Award
The Apprenticeship Award is for the organisation and/or apprenticeship provider or programme that can demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to developing apprenticeships and widening participation amongst education institutions in the North. Entrants must be able to detail their how apprenticeships fit into the wider strategy of their organisation and the steps in place to create a diverse team of apprentices. Judges will be looking for details of the full programme from recruitment strategies through to post placement support.
Business Engagement, Award – HE/FE Sector
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This award recognises higher or further education institutions and/or projects that are building quality partnerships to benefit the region and its people. This can be focused on students, the community, innovative teaching, the economy, and the environment. Applicants should detail how they engage with their employers and create suitable learning interventions that meet business’s workforce development needs. Judges would like to see how the institution or academic team are working with one or more businesses for commercial success, e.g. through knowledge transfer, commercial consultancy services, development of patents, collaborative use of facilities and knowledge and skills development and sharing.
Business Engagement Award – University Sector
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This award recognises universities that are building quality partnerships to benefit the region and its people. This can be focused on students, the community, innovative teaching, the economy and the environment. Applicants should detail how they engage with their employers and create suitable learning interventions that meet business’s workforce development needs. Judges would like to see how the institution or academic team are working with one or more businesses for commercial success, e.g. through knowledge transfer, commercial consultancy services, development of patents, collaborative use of facilities and knowledge and skills development and sharing.
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Campaign of the Year
This award is to celebrate an external relations campaign (excluding business and employer engagement, which are covered in other awards) delivered by a remarkable higher or further education institution, that has achieved demonstrable impact on success. Nominations could cover a specific area (e.g. student recruitment, alumni relations, marketing, fundraising, community engagement) or multiple areas within the same institution in the North of the United Kingdom. Judges are looking for entries to detail a clear account of the campaign’s execution and implementation, as well as evidence that the campaign achieved its desired outcomes during 2025 – 2026. You must include a full evaluation of the campaign’s results and success to include impact, reach and coverage.
Charity/Third Sector Award
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This award will recognise the outstanding achievements of charities, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises across the North that are making a significant difference in caring for people and supporting communities. The category celebrates those demonstrating exceptional leadership, compassion, and impact in improving lives and fostering positive societal change. The judges will also be looking for evidence of innovation, particularly the transformational use of digital technology within the charity and voluntary sector, and projects that exemplify creativity, collaboration, and measurable outcomes in service to others.
Community Engagement Award – HE/FE Sector
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This award is to recognise higher and/or further education institutions that are playing an integral role in the development of their individuals through community led projects. Judges are seeking nominations that demonstrate performance in all areas of community engagement including, economic and social impact data, levels of student engagement, the sustainability of their programmes and the level of community support.
Community Engagement Award – University Sector
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This award is to recognise university institutions that are playing an integral role in the development of their individuals through community led projects. Judges are seeking nominations that demonstrate performance in all areas of community engagement including, economic and social impact data, levels of student engagement, the sustainability of their programmes and the level of community support.
Digital and AI Innovation Award
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This award seeks to celebrate an outstanding example of the use of digital technology and artificial intelligence to improve the student experience or engage with the wider community in the digital age. This may involve innovative applications of AI or technology to enhance teaching and learning, streamline assessment and feedback, improve institutional efficiency, or strengthen engagement with communities and key stakeholders.
Entries should clearly outline the background of the project or initiative, the technologies developed or adopted, and how these have successfully addressed challenges, increased productivity, enhanced inclusivity, and created measurable impact across education and development.
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Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award
The Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Award seeks to recognise both a project, individual and/or an organisation in the education sector that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering the promotion and implementation of effective and supportive EDI. This could be aimed at supporting the outcomes of school pupils, students in further or higher education and mature learners. The judges are especially interested in entrants that can demonstrate evidence of impact from within the North of United Kingdom.
Game-Changing Education Award
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This award recognises the most innovative and transformative use of playful learning across the North during 2025–2026. Entrants should demonstrate how games-based learning or gamification have enhanced teaching and assessment, improved student engagement, motivation and performance, or introduced new methods for skills development. Submissions may also include evidence of research and impact, cross-sector collaboration, international reach, and sustained innovation in playful pedagogy and educational practice.
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Heart Creative Arts Award
This award is open to all creative and performing talent groups, institutions or individuals, in the North, from across the creative departments including drama, music, dance, film and TV, animation, art. The judges will be looking for outstanding achievement in a variety of areas including student participation and success in competitions and the organisation of concerts and shows. Successful applications will illustrate that their institution, talent group or as an individual, has active innovative involvement in community programmes, promoting music and the arts appreciation in the community. The alumni achievements and influence may also be presented through the presence of international collaborations and exchange programs to show global reach and influence.
Innovation Award
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The Innovation Award recognises a further or higher education institution (or a specific team) that is demonstrating innovation in the sector. Judges will be looking for examples of original and creative initiatives which have enhanced the performance and/or reputation of the institution/ department and contributed to the economy within the United Kingdom. Entrants must be able to detail how this addresses a specific challenge and the positive outcomes achieved through the initiative. Projects may still be ongoing, however demonstrable impact must be evidenced within the submission.
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Liverpool Hope Prize; Outstanding Achievement for Social Mobility
The Liverpool Hope Prize; Outstanding Achievement for Social Mobility will celebrate an institution, individual or programme from the FE or Sixth Form sector which have championed, encouraged or engaged in promoting social mobility, diversity or attainment to Higher Education for students (of any age) from lower or fixed income backgrounds. This will also include students from families who have never previously engaged in or experienced education in the University or Higher Education sector in the North of England or United Kingdom.
This award, which will offer a cash prize of £1000 and a unique ENA trophy, will promote and encourage actions, schemes or outstanding initiatives by individuals or organisations to encourage, promote and practice social mobility from the Sixth Form and FE sectors. The nominees will reflect the ethos of Liverpool Hope University and focus on evidence of commitment to change and in particular, a wider commitment to improve the experience and life of students through access or attainment into tertiary education.
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Mental Health and Wellbeing Award
This award is to recognise the promotion of positive mental health and wellbeing within the culture of an education institution. Entrants must demonstrate a commitment to addressing issues and creating mental health and well-being interventions in support of staff, students and their community. Judges will be looking for ways in which these initiatives have been implemented as part of a long term strategy, within day to day learning for all stakeholders. Ongoing projects or those that have launched prior to 2024 will be accepted, however demonstrable impact should be evidenced during 2025-2026.
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Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Initiative Award
The STEM Initiative Award celebrates individuals, organisations and STEM programmes working to inspire people in science, technology, engineering, and maths. We particularly want to recognise those initiatives which make a real impact, sparking enthusiasm for STEM subjects and paving the way for careers and developments which foster our future and society via the positive application of science and learning. This may involve working in groups, linking to technology businesses, and or fostering science and associated knowledge in colleges and schools across the North.
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Student Experience Award - HE/FE Sector
This award is to recognise a further or higher education institution who put students at the heart of their institution delivering outstanding value and exceeding expectations for those studying. This award will cover a specific area (e.g. careers services, social mobility, disability support, sports) or multiple areas to create an overarching initiative within the same institution in the North. Entrants should detail the background of their initiative or approach and its success during 2025-2026 through meeting its desired outcomes including demonstrable impact reports and data. Judges will be looking for evidence of innovation, engagement, support and an exceptional student experience within the North.
Student Experience Award – University Sector
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This award to recognise a university institution or department who put students at the heart of their institution delivering outstanding value and exceeding expectations for those studying. This award will cover a specific area (e.g. careers services, social mobility, accommodation, disability support, sports, student’s unions) or multiple areas to create an overarching initiative within the same institution in the North. Entrants should detail the background of their initiative or approach and its success during 2025-2026 through meeting its desired outcomes including demonstrable impact reports and data. Judges will be looking for evidence of innovation, engagement, support and an exceptional student experience within the North.
Sustainable Green Initiative
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The Sustainable Green Initiative Award celebrates the achievements of students, staff, and institutions in promoting environmental and social responsibility and making a difference to our climate. It reflects the regeneration and renewal of our planet and others across the North. It is an award that recognises an exceptional project or individual from within a higher or further education institution or university, which has had a significant impact field in renewing and regenerating communities and people.
Institution / Individual Awards
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College or FE Student Achievement of the Year
An award to recognise an outstanding student who has illustrated excellent achievements during their time at college, demonstrated in one or more of the following areas: 1. Leadership and Initiative - A leadership role in academic or extracurricular activities and/or the creation of initiatives that have positively impacted the college or FE community; 2. Community Engagement - A high level involvement in community service or volunteer work and/or an outstanding contribution to local or global community projects; 3. Personal Development - Proof of phenomenal growth in personal skills and competencies and/or ability to demonstrate personal challenges overcome to achieve academic and personal goals; 4. Peer Recognition - Endorsements from peers or faculty members and/or recognition by student bodies or academic departments; 5. Special Achievements - Awards or recognitions received from external organisations and/or notable achievements in sports, arts, or other extracurricular activities. Please note - entries should be created and submitted by institutions, leaders or teachers who wish to nominate students who meet this criteria.
University Student Achievement of the Year
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An award to recognise an outstanding student who has illustrated excellent achievements during their time at university, demonstrated in one or more of the following areas:
1. Leadership and Initiative - A leadership role in academic or extracurricular activities and/or the creation of initiatives that have positively impacted the university community;
2. Community Engagement - A high level involvement in community service or volunteer work and/or an outstanding contribution to local or global community projects;
3. Personal Development - Proof of phenomenal growth in personal skills and competencies and/or ability to demonstrate personal challenges overcome to achieve academic and personal goals;
4. Peer Recognition - Endorsements from peers or faculty members and/or recognition by student bodies or academic departments;
5. Special Achievements - Awards or recognitions received from external organisations and/or notable achievements in sports, arts, or other extracurricular activities.
Please note - entries should be created and submitted by institutions, leaders or teachers who wish to nominate students who meet this criteria.
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PHD Student Achievement of the Year
An award to recognise PhD alumni or students who have illustrated outstanding achievements from their PhD studies. Nominations for students should demonstrate outstanding research and innovation through the student’s participation in outstanding research projects or academic conferences. Judges are looking for students who have achieved outstanding publications or presentations in academic journals or conferences. Students should also be able to present an innovative project or solution, addressing real-world problems which have received external recognition. Please note - entries should be created and submitted by institutions, leaders or teachers who wish to nominate students who meet this criteria.
Leadership and Innovation Award
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Businesses need dynamic entrepreneurs. The education sector has a high percentage of these alongside innovative organisations which are leading societal change and developing the next generation of initiatives, inventions and people. Many have high profiles, whilst others prefer to work tirelessly behind the scenes to motivate students and staff. The next generation of medicines, products, processes and treatments are being developed across the North and this award recognises these people and their organisation.
The candidate should be an outstanding leader who leads by example and good governance. The candidate could be from the academic community, a governor, or a manager from within an associated organisation or an innovator leading an organisation that is making a positive contribution to meet the needs of citizens. This could be an engineer, entrepreneur, inventor, researcher or scientist that is making a difference for now and the next generation.
The judges want to recognise these special people and their organisations. They could be an unsung hero of a team, a founder, CEO or CTO, or someone who takes more of a supporting role.
Business School of the Year
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This award recognises the leading Business School in the North with evidence of exceptional performance during 2025-2026. The category is open to all business schools in the North of the UK, including those within universities. Judges will be looking for evidence of impact on the business community and organisations through the school’s work. Entries should detail key business partnerships, innovation and an ongoing commitment to development of teaching and student experience.
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Further Education College of the Year
This award honours the leading further education institution or sixth form within the North. Judges are seeking nominations that can demonstrate outstanding performance in the areas of teaching, student experience, innovation and economic impact with statistical evidence. Entrants must be able to detail key student support across a number of factors (eg. general advice, careers support, course provisions, innovative teaching methods, initiatives with organisations, facilities) and the successful outcomes through data and statistics.
Law School of the Year
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This award recognises the leading Law School in the North with evidence of exceptional performance during 2025-2026. The category is open to all law schools in the North of the UK, including those within universities. Entrants should be able to demonstrate outstanding achievements in some of the following areas; innovative curriculum through cutting edge courses or the integration of technology and practical skills training. Significant contributions to legal research and scholarship or faculty and student involvement in impactful legal research. Other elements may include community engagement, international collaborations with global reach and innovation in legal education through continuous evolvement.
Medical School of the Year
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An award to recognise the leading Medical School in the North with evidence of exceptional performance during 2025-2026. The category is open to all medical schools in the North of the UK, including those within universities. Entrants should be able to demonstrate outstanding achievements in some of the following areas: Innovative curriculum development across disciplines such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, nursing, and the allied health professions; Significant contributions to medical and clinical research, or faculty and student involvement in impactful health-related scholarship; Other elements may include excellence in clinical placements and partnerships, community and public health engagement, international collaborations with global reach, and innovation in medical education through continuous development.
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Lifetime Achievement Award
This is one of the singular most prestigious categories in the awards: it is presented to an academic, pioneer, executive or other who has made a superb contribution in their chosen career or field of study which has materially benefitted an institution, community, cause or society as a whole. Past winners have shown complete commitment to their areas of study or careers and also have displayed enormous innovation, generosity and unwavering support to their students, colleagues and partners. We will require clear evidence of not only outstanding commitment but displays of brilliance, high achievement and a lasting impact over a long period. Evidence of other national, regional or educational honours would be welcomed by the judges. Previous winners have included: Carol Ann Duffy, a literary icon whose words have shaped modern poetry, inspired generations of students, and enriched the world of education; John Cater CBE, the country’s longest serving university Vice Chancellor; Professor Nicola Curtin who helped to pioneer a successful anti-cancer drug and then donated her royalties to a new charity in the North East; and the late Professor Jim Keaton who helped the development of 3 universities in his lifetime and a pioneering school which linked a Premier League football club to pupils who had struggled with conventional educational approaches. We will require clear evidence of not only outstanding commitment but displays of brilliance, high achievement and a lasting impact over a long period. Evidence of other national, regional or educational honours would be welcomed by the judges.
University of the Year (by nomination only)
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Our panel of expert judges will study the sector and nominate institutions for this category.
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