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2026 Award Winners
A HUGE thankyou to all our sponsors for supporting our awards and the time given to looking through all nominations and selecting our winners.
VTCT, HABIA, NHBF, City & Guilds, MATAKKI, Stylebook Directory/Stylebook Education & Andrew Barton - ABLE
Award 1 Supporting the Training of Apprentices to Achieve a Successful Outcome
Sponsored by: VTCT
Winner: Kleek Apprenticeships
Panel Comments:
Demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that priorities inclusivity, wellbeing, and the integration of current technologies, alongside consistently high completion outcomes. This is further strengthened by the SEND platform, which effectively captures learners’ individual needs, adaptations, and support strategies, enabling educators to personalise delivery and providing real-time access for all staff involved in the learner journey.
Award 2 Outstanding Employer Engagement.
Sponsored by NHBF
Winner: Kleek Apprenticeships
Panel Comments:
Recent surveys demonstrate strong employer engagement, as 95% of employers rated the programme as good or outstanding, delivery. Training is provided through a model led by employers, with learning plans developed
collaboratively to meet specific business requirements.
Award 3 Individual working behind the scenes
Sponsored by HABIA
Winner: Amanda Curry Newcastle College
Panel Comments:
Learners receive substantial extra support, with the unintentional but powerful use of sign language which helps boost their confidence.
Award 4 Outstanding Individual Tutor/Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by City & Guilds
Winner: Steve Clark Kleek Apprenticeships
Panel comments:
Demonstrates exceptional ability to transform learner confidence, resilience, and ambition through industry leading teaching and deeply compassionate pastoral support, including life changing guidance for learners facing profound personal challenges. Unwavering commitment to safeguarding wellbeing, raising aspirations, and delivering consistently outstanding outcomes is clear evidence of exemplary education, with influence extending far beyond the classroom.
Empower
Growth
Award 6 Exceptional student of the year
Sponsored by Andrew Barton
Winner: Lee Wright Newcastle College
Panel Comments
Focused, courageous, resilient, with passion. Involved in lots of shows, many competitions. Volunteers – haircuts for the unemployed. Supports his peers. A major strength of his learning journey is his exceptional competition
involvement.
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AHT Special Recognition Award
This person has served with the AHT for three decades, holding the positions of regional chair for 27 years, and National chair from 2012 - 2014. As regional chair, they played a key role in expanding memberships within their region, contributing to its growth from five colleges to nineteen. Their commitment and enthusiasm, especially when it comes to competitions, is truly amazing. Her dedication, professionalism, and positive influence make her a worthy
recipient of the AHT special recognition award 2026.
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Winner Lindsay Gaskill
Award 5 Effective team collaboration
Sponsored by MATAKKI
Winner : Hair & Beauty team, The Manchester College
Panel Comments:
The team communicate daily, share best practice, align curriculum delivery, and problem solve together to ensure every learner receives the same high quality support regardless of location, they have developed an extensive network of respected employer partners that extends beyond the immediate teaching team, spanning local regions, the wider UK, and international connections.
Overall Winner
Sponsored by Stylebook Directory & Stylebook Education
Winner: Hair & Beauty team, The Manchester College
Panel Comments
I truly believe that when educators work together it creates the best possible environment for learners to succeed. When staff support each other and share the same goal of helping students achieve their ambitions.
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