Askham Bryan College and University Centre win Student Experience Award at Educate North Awards 2026
13th May 2026
Askham Bryan College and University Centre win award for their Aspire Mentoring Programme for the category Student Experience Further and Higher Education Sector. Held on Thursday 7th May 2026, Askham Bryan College were also shortlisted as finalists for four other categories.
The Aspire Mentoring Programme is co- delivered with a university centre student ambassador and aims to help participants explore the benefits of higher education, as well as what they can expect from the university experience. It also aims to promote study in land-based subjects to under-represented or disadvantage young people.
Steven McLean, Widening Participation & Outreach Coordinator and Programme lead for Aspire Mentoring, said: “I am incredibly proud that the Aspire Mentoring Programme has been recognised as the ‘Best Student Experience.’ To me, this trophy is proof that authenticity matters in education. Every conversation we have and every barrier we break down, helps a student realise they aren’t alone. This win is for every student who ever doubted they belonged in higher education, you do.”
Yvette Foulds-Davis, Assistant Principal Higher Education and Academic Registrar, said: “This is such a great achievement for our small-scale project focused on raising aspirations to study land-based subjects at a higher level for students who may think higher education is not for them.”
The other categories Askham Bryan College and University Centre were shortlisted for were:
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Initiative Award for inspiring practical science learning across all disciplines and all levels.
- Innovation Award for evolving education with their Askham Bryan College Wildlife & Conservation Park launching as a Teaching Zoo.
- Game-Changing Education Award for learning without limits, simulated play, real world mastery.
- Apprenticeship Award for their Apprenticeship team teaching land based.