Back with new categories, this year’s 12th ENAs will highlight excellence, world-class achievements and improvement across the University, HE, FE and Sixth Form sectors in the North of England.
The awards are judged by an esteemed panel of industry leaders and experts.
The judging involves a rigorous two-stage process including pre-scoring to determine shortlists and a judging meeting where entries are discussed and evaluated in detail to decide the winning entries.
Former Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean at Manchester Metropolitan University and Executive Dean at University of Chester, Professor Ruth Ashford has over 25 years of teaching and learning experience in HE. Ruth was also former Chair of Academy of Marketing (AM) and former Chief Examiner for Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) for many years, as well as serving on the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) panel responsible for Business and Management Benchmark Statements and this has a provided wealth of experience in managing teaching quality.
Professor Lawrence Bellamy | Executive Dean for Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business | Staffordshire University | Linked In
Dr Catherine Boyle | Operational Excellence Coach | Invest Northern Ireland | Linked In
With a primary degree and PhD in Chemical Engineering, Catherine has more than 15 years’ experience of working in the pharmaceutical industry and the automotive sector. She has held a wide range of technical roles including manufacturing, design, process safety, distribution, project management and managing a technical team. Catherine has been working for Northern Ireland’s economic development body, Invest Northern Ireland for the past 6 years. She is an Operational Excellence Coach, supporting businesses across Northern Ireland in the implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles and Continuous Improvement practices in their processes through a combination of training, advice, mentoring and coaching. Catherine is an active STEM ambassador, promoting STEM subjects in schools, and she sits on the STEM Education NI Advisory Panel.
Rachel Candler | Freelance Producer | The Lowry
John Cater CBE DL | Chair, Unite Foundation and Former Vice-Chancellor | Edge Hill University |
John was first appointed as Vice-Chancellor of Edge Hill University in 1993 until 2025. During his 32 years as Vice-Chancellor John has led Edge Hill from a college to a University, gaining Degree Awarding Powers in 2006. As a social geographer, he has published extensively on race, housing, economic development and public policy and co-authored major research studies for the Social Science Research Council, the Commission for Racial Equality and their successor bodies.
Professor Nicola Curtin FMed Sci | Emerita Professor | Newcastle University
Nicola Curtin is Emerita Professor at Newcastle University, having retired in 2024 after 40 years at that institution. She is an elected Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences since 2022. With the royalties she received for the development of an anticancer drug, she established a charitable fund with the Community Foundation North East, of which she is now a patron, to support people who have been disadvantaged to realise their potential through education and training. She is currently Editor in Chief of Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, consultant for pharmaceutical companies and serves on review panels for Cancer Research UK and the Academy of Medical Sciences. As a former winner of a Lifetime Achievement award by ENA in 2023 she has enjoyed participating in the judging panel for awards and continues to be impressed by their high standard.
Wendy Ellis | Principal and CEO | Franklin Sixth Form College
A qualified accountant, Wendy began her journey at Franklin Sixth Form College teaching accounting part-time to adult learners before becoming Finance Director, a position she held for two years before becoming an Assistant Principal. She continued to progress in her career, becoming Vice Principal then Deputy Principal before taking on the role of Interim Principal. Wendy is now Franklin's Principal and CEO and has been fundamental in the college’s transformation over the last half-decade, including achieving the college's highest ever Ofsted Grade of Outstanding.
Jamie Griffiths | Group Content Director (Capital and Smooth Radio) | Communicorp UK | Linked In | Website
Phil Harris | Emeritus Professor & Chair of the Judging Panel |
Phil Is Professor Emeritus at the University of Chester and was previously Executive Director of the Business Research Institute, a Dean of its Business Faculty and held the Westminster (Grosvenor) Chair in Marketing and Public Affairs. He is Professor Extraordinarius at the University of South Africa. He is a past Chairman of the Marketing Council (UK) PLC, Board member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Professor of Marketing at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand and Founding Director of the Centre for Corporate and Public Affairs at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he led one of the largest business start-up and support initiatives in the North. Prior to becoming an academic he held positions in the international chemical, and foods industries with ICI and RHM and has chaired or been a board member of the American Marketing Association, Academy of Marketing, and the Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy. Phil has advised government on Medium Sized Businesses and Small Business and helped found the Educate North Awards in 2015 and University Enterprise Challenge in 2016. He is recognised for his work in developing high quality entrepreneurs regionally and internationally both in the not for profit, private and public sectors. He serves on a number of boards, trusts and holds visiting positions and professorships in China, Germany, India, New Zealand and South Africa.
Dr Penny Haughan | Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost | Liverpool Hope University
Penny is Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at Liverpool Hope University. She has strategic responsibility for a range of aspects of the Life of the University. Her portfolio includes Student Pastoral Care, Student Records and Data, Learning Resources and Learning & Teaching. She also has responsibility for the Executive Deans and the academic Faculties. Penny has overall responsibility for Quality Assurance & Enhancement. She is responsible for oversight of the University’s interactions with external bodies such as the OfS and compliance with their requirements. She has a particular interest in the Student Experience and is responsible for the major University events such as graduation. Penny’s academic background is in Biochemistry and she spent several years as Dean of Sciences and Social Sciences at Liverpool Hope. She has previously worked at the University of Liverpool and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. As DVC Penny is a member of the senior leadership team and reports directly to the Vice- Chancellor & Rector. She has recently led a university-wide initiative to address challenges associated with Women in Leadership. In the last academic year Penny took responsibility for a move from academic schools to Faculties which involved a restructuring of the academic areas of the university. She is currently leading a project overseeing significant changes in the University’s academic framework. The term ‘Provost’ which is added to the DVC title reflects Penny’s responsibility for the international relationships and partnership working. Penny is also Governor at three external institutions including a local primary school in Warrington, a University in London and an FE College in Merseyside.
Professor Chris Headleand | Head of the Staffordshire Games Institute | University of Staffordshire | Linked In | X Profile
Professor Chris Headleand is Head of the University of Staffordshire Games Institute and a National Teaching Fellow, recognised internationally for his work in games education, immersive technology, and digital innovation. With a background spanning computer science, media, design, and entrepreneurship, he has led multiple national award-winning education initiatives in employability, digital learning, and student engagement, including the StaffsVerse metaverse campus and the 1UP placement scheme. A frequent keynote speaker and media contributor, Chris’s work bridges academia and industry, championing creativity, inclusion, and innovation across the global games community.
Professor Stephen Kelly | Head of the School of Humanities | Liverpool Hope University
Stephen Kelly is Head of the School of Humanities and Professor of Modern Irish History and British-Irish Relations at Liverpool Hope University. He is the author of several monographs, including Gerald Boland: A life (2024); Margaret Thatcher, the Conservative Party and the Northern Ireland conflict, 1975-1990 (2021); ‘A failed political entity’: Charles Haughey and the Northern Ireland question, 1945-1992 (2016); and Fianna Fáil, partition and Northern Ireland, 1926-1971 (2013). Stephen's latest book, 'The Broken Emerald': Edward Heath and the early years of the Northern Ireland Troubles, 1968-1975, will be published next year (2026).
Dr Shahina Yasmin Khan | NHS GP Partner and GP Trainer | The Village Surgery, Altrincham, Manchester
Shahina qualified from Manchester University Medical School in 2001 and went on to complete her Surgical Training Programme and postgraduate surgical exams in the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. She then specialised in the area of Plastic Surgery and Burns. Following meeting her husband, Shahina retrained and moved into General Practice and has not looked back since! Shahina enjoys the complexity and vast range of work that General Practice brings and uses her knowledge and expertise in caring for the local population she serves. She has a particular interest in Menopause and has ran education and support sessions for Menopuse Matters in the Bolton area. She is very interested in teaching and is a GP Trainer supervising ST3 GP Trainees for their last year of training, portfolio and postgraduate exams. She loves this role as she enjoys teaching and supporting training and the fact she is able to incorporate it into her daily work. Shahina is also convenor and chairwoman for the Trafford Trainers Group. Over the last 2 years she has also been supervising her Advanced Care Practitioner to complete her Masters with the University of Salford on the Apprentice scheme. She lives in Chorlton, Manchester and is a mum to two teenage girls. She has a passion for running, especially hill and fell running. Her greatest running achievement this year has been the Manchester marathon in April 2025 as well as lots of half marathons and currently trying to complete the European Superhalves!
Anastasia Konstantopoulou | | GBS
Professor George Lodorfos | Dean of Leeds Business School | Leeds Beckett University
Professor George Lodorfos is an electrical and electronic engineer by first degree, he holds Masters degrees in Automation and Control as well as in Innovation and Technology Management, and a PhD in Strategic Management of Research and Development. In addition, he has supervised to completion and he has examined many PhDs both in the UK and Europe and is an external examiner for two UK universities. He has extensive practical and academic experience in the field of Strategic Management, R&D and Adoption of New Technologies and Innovation. In addition, he has done extensive research and enterprise work in the areas of buyer behaviour with particular interest in online purchasing and the use of technology to enable the sustainable growth of businesses. Furthermore, he has done extensive research and enterprise work in the areas of Small Businesses Development and Growth. Teaching Experience George is a Principal Fellow of the HEA and has more than fifteen years of teaching experience at all levels, in areas including, Business Strategy, Business Planning, International Business, Managing Innovation and Change, Entrepreneurship, and others. Research Interests Professor Lodorfos' research interests are in the broad thematic areas of Innovation, Enterprise and Change, and Consumer Behaviour. Particular research themes include: • Organisational changes in the form of mergers, acquisitions, demergers and divestments and the effect that they have on organisations' performance. • The management of research and development in technology intensive industries. • The factors that enable SMEs' sustainable development. • The factors that affect consumer behaviour in the food and drinks industry. • The focus of his research and enterprise work, and therefore the impact of his work is on how to "boost" business growth for enterprises.
Eliza Mill | Students' Union President | Liverpool Hope University | Linked In | Instagram
As the Liverpool Hope Students’ Union President, I work to enhance the student experience with opportunities, events and initiatives on sustainability. Having spent almost four years living in Liverpool completing a Business Management and English Language degree, I have developed an appreciation for the city. I have enjoyed travelling, including a year studying in Canada, and have been capturing my experiences through photography and film.
Greg Morrison | Assistant Headteacher | Burnage Academy for Boys
Greg has worked in education in both France and in England, with 15 years at his current school Burnage Academy for Boys. Alongside teaching languages, Greg has managed a short-term alternative provision, but in his current role oversees all external work related to the school, including marketing, partnerships, community work, and transition from primary school. He has overseen a significantly increased number on roll, and secured a number of national and regional awards on behalf of the school, including two at the ENAs 2024. He holds an MA in Education which focused on student identity, and is one of the founding members of Manchester City of Languages, offering an open forum to discuss issues relating to multilingualism across the city.
Helen Nellist | Deputy Principal | Cheshire College - South & West | Linked In | Website
Helen is the Deputy Principal and Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Cheshire College South and West with a focus on managing Apprenticeships, Employer Engagement, Partnerships, International Recruitment and Provision, Schools Liaison and Marketing/Communications, Estates and Health and Safety for the College. Helen is also a Governor at Upton High School and a Director of the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber. Helen is also on the Board of Directors for Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS where she aims to actively contribute to addressing mental health issues in the benefit of the service users.
Jackie Njoroge | Chief Strategy & Data Officer | University of Salford | Linked In
Dr Shobana Nair Partington | Academic Director of Accreditations | Manchester Metropolitan University Business School | Linked In
Dr Shobana Nair Partington is the Academic Director of Accreditations at Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, one of the elite institutions globally holding Triple Accreditation (AASCB, EQUIS and AMBA). In this strategic role, she leads the accreditation portfolio to ensure it reflects the School’s commitment to quality, values, and global impact. Her work supports continuous improvement, strengthens international partnerships, and enhances recognition of their excellence in teaching, research, and impact. She is a Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) Certified Management and Business Educator (CMBE), and a member of the CABS Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Committee. Previously, she served as Head of the Department of Operations, Technology, Events and Hospitality Management, and held other senior roles, including Head of the School of Tourism, Events and Hospitality Management, and Associate Dean for Student Experience at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee | Aerospace Engineer | BAE Systems | Linked In | Instagram
Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee is a multi-award winning Chartered Aerospace Engineer and STEM Ambassador who works at BAE Systems, she also creates engineering content on social media and owns her own small business, AviateHer. She studied Aerospace Systems Engineering at the University of the West of England and became the first engineer in her family. She is passionate about encouraging and inspiring more young people to consider STEM careers.
Dr David Perrin | Deputy Head of Division | Chester Business School, University of Chester
David has a background as an academic and writer on political and economic theory, though over the last two decades has developed expertise in academic credit and accreditation of prior learning issues in Higher Education, now running one of Europe’s largest HE accreditation frameworks for adult learners in work, while publishing extensively in this field. David currently works part-time for the University as Deputy Head of Division in Chester Business School and Framework Leader of Work Based & Integrative Studies (WBIS), which has nearly 1,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students across the University. He has also been Director of the Centre for Work Related Studies at Chester and was appointed as an Associate Professor. He has worked closely with large public sector organisations and has operated as a consultant on behalf of the University advising organisations that have included the Cabinet Office, RAF, Department of Work and Pensions and a range of private-sector providers. He currently sits on the Executive Education Committee of the Chartered Association of Business Schools.
Dr Michelle Phillips, PhD | Head of Enterprise (Academic) | Royal Northern College of Music | Linked In | Website
Michelle is Head of Enterprise (Academic) and a Senior Lecturer in Music Psychology at the Royal Northern College of Music (Manchester, UK). Her research interests include entrepreneurship and freelance careers, audience response to live and recorded music, and music and Parkinson’s. Michelle’s research on ‘what makes live music special?’ was recently featured in UK Research and Innovation’s series ‘101 jobs that change the world’. Michelle was Principal Investigator on the ‘StART Entrepreneurship Project’, funded by an award of £902,153 from the Office for Students and Research England between 2020 and 2022, with partners the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and University of the Arts London. The project sought to develop new initiatives in entrepreneurship and enterprise training, with a particular focus on the creative industries. The RNCM was named Times Higher Education Outstanding Entrepreneurial University 2023 and was awarded 3rd place in the ‘Young Entrepreneurial University of the Year’ category in the international Triple E Awards 2023. Michelle has served as a Director of the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship and is a Fellow of Enterprise Educators UK. Michelle has appeared on BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5 Live, ITV News, BBC News online and ITV Granada Reports. She recently worked with the Science and Industry Museum to co-design their ‘Turn It Up: The Power of Music’ exhibition.
Professor Steven Rhoden | Dean | University of Lancashire Business School | Linked In | Website
Steven Rhoden is Professor of Business Engagement and the Dean of the University of Lancashire Business School. He is Past President of EuroCHRIE and serves on the council of the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and the Preston Business Improvement District committee.
Professor Yasmin K. Sekhon Dhillon | Professor in Luxury Marketing, Associate Dean (EDI) | University of Southampton | Linked In
Dr Yasmin works at the University of Southampton, as a Professor of Luxury Marketing/Associate Dean (EDI). Yasmin’s research centres on consumer research and the cross-cultural factors that shape the meaning and experience of luxury. Yasmin is also the recipient of the University of Southampton Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching, recognising her excellence in education and student engagement. Yasmin continues to expand her work on identity, consumption, and children’s relationship with luxury through conference participation and journal publications and her most recent publication, Luxury, and the Senses (forthcoming, Bloomsbury, December 2025). Yasmin has worked in education for over 20 years, with a focus on educational engagement, innovation, and inclusion.
Julian Skyrme | Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement | The University of Manchester
Julian Skyrme is the Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement at The University of Manchester. Manchester has been unique in UK higher education for making social responsibility foundational to its strategy and is one of the world's leading institutions for impact towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Julian has three degrees from The University of Manchester: a BA in Political Philosophy, Economics and Social Sciences (first-class honours); an MA degree in Social Research (distinction); and a Doctor of Education (EdD) in educational policy and philosophy. After qualifying as a teacher, Julian spent his early career as Head of Social Sciences and Assistant Vice-Principal in a large inner-city Sixth Form College. He later became The University of Manchester's first Head of Widening Participation in 2004 and its first full-time Director of Social Responsibility in 2012. Julian is the first person in his family to benefit from university and is passionate about its social purpose and accessibility. He contributes to local, national and international policies, initiatives and networks to enhance the social engagement of higher education. He contributes to: Manchester City Council's Strategic Education Partnership Board; Greater Manchester's Civic University Board; the Board of Manchester's Loreto Sixth Form College; the Board of Trustees at MACC – Manchester's voluntary, community and social enterprise support organisation; and Business in the Community's (BITC) North-West Leadership Board. He's also a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts, keen guitarist, everyday cyclist, Manchester United and Wales fan, and father to two children.
Michael Thompson | | Education Consultant. Formerly Head Master of a Leading UK Grammar School
Clare Webster | Director of Apprenticeships and Skills | St Helens College | Linked In | Website
Clare is an experienced educator who has a passion for driving change and skills development. Working alongside education and industry professionals Clare actively promotes the importance of digital equity amongst the sector and the positive impact this has in teaching, learning and assessment. With emerging technologies, ever increasing needs for effective and efficient delivery models, successful integration of technology can maximize success in so many ways for learners and educators. Clare truly believes that the right technologies can transform pedagogical practice and immersive learning environments truly can inspire teachers and learners, developing skills over and above the courses being studied.
Carol Ann Whitehead CMgr CCMI | Heritage Operations and Chair, Public Programme Committee | The Portico Library | Linked In | Website
Award winning Carol Ann is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Co-founder of The Zebra Partnership a publishing and creative agency. She is former Portico Library Trustee, joined the team to support the NHLF Reunited Project and lead Heritage Operations. With her Chartered Management Institute (CMI) credentials as CMI Regional Chair and Womens Board Deputy Chair she is also the library's Chief of Staff. She is Trustee for 50:50 Parliament also their EDI 2024/25 Campaign Lead for ‘Amplifying Muted Voices’ empowering northern women of colour to become Councillors or MP’s. In celebration of Black History Month October 2024 Carol Ann was awarded the ‘Citation of Honour’, from the GEWE Global Network (Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment) In November 2024 she won the Baton Award Political Figure of the Year for her tireless work empowering women into politics. In May 2025 Carol Ann received the special Constance Award from the Inspiring Women Awards for her dedication to ‘Queen Making’ and being a ‘Disruptor for Good’ Carol Ann is a monthly BBC Radio Manchester contributor since 2014, known as a ‘Trender’ discussing events, current affairs, heritage nationally and internationally.
Lisa Woodman | Executive Director of People, Culture and Wellbeing | Hopwood Hall College | Website
Lisa has worked in a variety of HR roles for over 35 years, mostly in the public or education sector. She ran her own HR consultancy for 2 years and this provided an opportunity to support a number of SME's in the private sector. In addition, Lisa has led a number of cross college teams in FE covering, customer services, student services, learning resource centers, safeguarding , wellbeing and equality, diversity and inclusion. In recent years Lisa has progressed into more senior leadership roles in FE and has led organisational, leadership development change management programmes leading to improved efficiency. Her current role is part of the senior leadership team at Hopwood Hall College, where she leads the HR, Safeguarding and Wellbeing and Equality Diversity and Inclusion teams. Lisa is passionate about the impact that education has on the lives of young people and the difference it makes in improving their future potential.
Stacy Vipas | Assistant Principal | Askham Bryan College | Linked In | X Profile
Stacy is an experienced educational leader with a track record of driving digital innovation, pedagogy, quality, and culture change across further and higher education. Most recently serving as Assistant Principal for Quality at Askham Bryan College, Stacy has led nationally recognised initiatives in teaching excellence, digital learning, and staff development. With experience across the sector and in various providers Stacy has held previous roles including Head of Digital Learning at Askham Bryan College, Teaching, Learning and Education Manager at the Heart of Yorkshire Group (Selby College) and Teacher education and teaching roles at DN Colleges group. Stacy has overseen major projects that transformed curriculum delivery, strengthened quality assurance, and empowered educators through professional development. Stacy is also a national conference speaker, writer, influencer and active contributor to sector-wide conversations and groups on leadership, pedagogy, and improvement. Known for combining strategic insight with a human-centred approach, Stacy is passionate about creating environments where both staff and students thrive. As a lifelong Fellow of the Education Training Foundation (ETF) Stacy has achieved QTLS, ATS, Chartered teacher status and actively collaborates with the ETF on new projects such as the Specialist status in Education for Sustainable Development (SSESD) and is a recent addition to the practitioner advisory group (PAG). Bringing this depth of expertise and a sharp eye for innovation, Stacy is delighted to join the judging panel and celebrate outstanding achievement
The Educate North Awards represent both an important high-point and aspiration for the North’s academics, institutions and indeed students. It provides a platform for sharing excellence and achievement. More importantly it encourages, promotes, and nurtures the sector and talent. Congratulations on reaching 10. Here’s to the next ten celebrations of what the education sector achieves.DR JOHN CATER CBE DL, FORMER VICE-CHANCELLOR EDGE-HILL UNIVERSITY
I was overwhelmed to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the Educate North Awards. It’s inspiring to see so many dedicated people being recognised for their important work across the educational sector and across so many disciplines. I hope the creators will build upon their own success and create more opportunities to showcase what education really means in the North of this country.PROFESSOR NICOLA CURTIN UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE
Seeing the Educate North Awards live for the first time was a wonderful experience. To bring an often disparate sector together is wonderful, to share best-practice is fulfilling and to see the superb standards from Sixth-Forms, Further Education and then HE in one room is often, breathtaking. We should embrace the ENAs more and drive it forward beyond this special 10th ceremony.SIR JOHN JONES EDUCATIONALIST
The idea sounded complex but exciting in 2015. Could the North create a showpiece which would harness the best of the talents we have in our educational sector? Would anyone even enter? Would we create a respected and highly motivated judging panel and find expert leadership for it? Would we also find room, as we did in the first 3 years, to debate the future direction and resources needed to increase social mobility and opportunities for all? Would we find new business ideas and young entrepreneurs as well with a willingness to test their ideas? The answer was yes, and the result is a wonderful parade of superb nominees who are helping shape and change the worlds they occupy. Long may Educate North continue.DR JOHN KENNEDY CBE, KSG, KMCO, DL. PATRON OF EDUCATE NORTH AWARDS
