The Bedford College Group is celebrating a night of outstanding achievement after two exceptional members of staff were honoured at the Northamptonshire Education Awards on 28 November.
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Paul Hamblin, King’s Trust Senior Team Leader at Tresham College, recognising his remarkable 25 plus years of service working with The King’s Trust across Northamptonshire.
Paul has spent three decades transforming the lives of young people who face significant barriers to education, employment and training. Drawing on a life shaped by service, from his time in the Parachute Regiment during the Falklands conflict to his lifelong commitment to helping disadvantaged communities, Paul has supported more than 1,500 young people aged 16 – 25 through The King’s Trust programmes, achieving an exceptional 80% success rate.
His unwavering belief in the potential of every individual, coupled with a unique ability to instil confidence, discipline and renewed purpose, has changed not only lives, but local communities. Many former learners remain in touch with Paul years later, a testament to the impact of his work and the respect he inspires.
The Group also proudly celebrated Shona McFadyen, A Level Biology Lecturer at The Corby Sixth Form, who won the STEM Award, sponsored by HORIBA UK.
Shona’s journey into teaching is nothing short of extraordinary. After overcoming life-threatening illness during university, including liver failure and cancer, she now uses her story to inspire resilience and ambition in her students. Since joining The Corby Sixth Form at its opening in 2023, she has shaped an engaging, forward-thinking science curriculum that blends academic challenge with compassion and real-world relevance.
Her lessons bring biology vividly to life, from hands-on investigations into microbes to field-based ecological studies in local parks. Shona’s work extends beyond the classroom too, fostering social responsibility through student-led fundraising, community initiatives, and partnerships with universities and STEM professionals.
Yiannis Koursis, CEO of The Bedford College Group, said:
“These awards shine a spotlight on two remarkable educators who embody everything we stand for as a Group, opportunity, transformation and community impact. Paul and Shona’s dedication to their students is exceptional, and we are incredibly proud to see their achievements recognised.”
For The Bedford College Group, the evening marked not just individual success but a celebration of the life-changing work happening every day across its campuses and communities.
