As awards season continues, The Bedford College Group is delighted to be sponsoring and nominated for multiple awards ceremonies within the locality. The Group is always honoured to be recognised for its efforts within categories such as teaching practice, sustainability, best practice and the wider community.
Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards
The Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce sits at the heart of a unique network of businesses stretching across the whole county. Collectively, members employ in the region of one third of the entire county’s workforce which makes us one of the largest business support organisations in the region.
The Bedford College Group is a Platinum Partner of the Chamber and is sponsoring the Apprentice of The Year award at the Chamber’s 2025 Business Awards.
These awards are ‘a prestigious celebration of innovation, resilience, and business excellence across our thriving region’.
Finalists include:
- Hannah Deane – Kier
- Gemma Halifax – Trilogy Active Ltd
- Ryan Turnbull – ID Card Centre
We wish all finalists the best of luck on awards night!
The Northamptonshire Business Network Business Awards
NNBN is a membership organisation providing business support and mentoring, advertising and promotion, networking and making connections. The NNBN Awards are for businesses, charities and organisations based in Northamptonshire.
In October, Tresham College sponsored the North Northamptonshire Enterprise Award which was won by Hangar.41 and Sheer Edge
On behalf of The Bedford College Group, we would like to congratulate both winners.
All Things Business – Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards (Friday 21 November)
Community Project of the Year:
The Tresham King’s Trust Team has been entered for the Community Project of the Year award at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards. The team at Tresham College has delivered the Kings Trust programme for 27 years, supporting 16–25-year-old NEETs across Northamptonshire (NEET stands for individuals Not in Education Employment or Training). Their work helps young people access employment opportunities while contributing positively to their communities. The programme includes practical community projects, transforming schools, churches, community centres and green spaces, giving participants hands-on experience in making a tangible difference and encouraging personal development alongside community improvement.
Apprentice of the Year:
Stephen Pack has been entered for the Apprentice of the Year award and is confirmed as shortlisted, with Olivia able to confirm if he is a winner. A mature apprentice, Stephen transitioned from working as a paid machine operator at Tayto to pursuing a Level 3 Engineering Technician – Mechatronics Maintenance apprenticeship. Now in his final year at age 30, he is a single parent with dyslexia. Despite challenges, he has developed effective study methods, supporting himself and helping others with learning difficulties, demonstrating resilience, commitment, and leadership in both his studies and workplace.
All Things Business – Northamptonshire Education Awards (Friday 28 November)
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Paul Hamblin from Tresham College has been entered for the Lifetime Achievement Award. A former paratrooper who served in the Falklands War, Paul became a King’s Trust tutor in 1995, leading the Prince’s Trust programme in Wellingborough. Over 30 years, he has run 83 twelve-week programmes across Northamptonshire (88 including Bedfordshire), supporting over 1,500 NEET 16-25-year-olds(NEET stands for individuals Not in Education Employment or Training). With an 80% success rate-above the national average of 70%-Paul has helped approximately 1,200 young people access employment, training, or education, profoundly changing lives and demonstrating dedication, mentorship, and lifelong commitment to community and youth development.
Sports Award:
The Tresham Sports Academy has been entered for the Sports Award. The entry highlighted the Academy’s work in volleyball, football, and netball, focussing on reigniting young people’s interest in sport. Their programmes aim to develop physical skills, teamwork and confidence while encouraging participation across schools and communities. Through coaching, competitions and inclusive sports initiatives, the academy provides opportunities for young people to engage, stay active, and build social connections, supporting personal growth, fitness and the wider development of sporting talent in Northamptonshire.
STEM Award:
Shona McFayden has been nominated for the STEM Award. An exceptional STEM teacher, Shona overcame liver failure and cancer during university, receiving a life-saving transplant in 2022. Shona joined The Corby Sixth Form at its opening in 2023, shaping the science curriculum, fostering academic excellence, and creating a culture of compassion and social responsibility. Her personal journey enhances her teaching, making science engaging, relatable, and impactful. Shona supports students to overcome academic and personal challenges, building self-confidence and nurturing curiosity, resilience, and a love of learning in all who study under her guidance.
The Green Gown Awards
The Green Gown Awards recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the world.
With The Bedford College Group having won the 2030 Climate Action award in 2024, we also received a nomination for the same award this year for a different project.
For the 2025 entry, The Group was nominated for our Net Zero Carbon Refurbishment of The Corby Sixth Form building. Previously, the building was vacant for many years and in a dilapidated state of repair. This has been renovated into a modern sophisticated building and is net zero carbon in operation. This was achieved by implementing fabric first solutions and using the latest innovative technologies such as air source heat pumps, waste heat recovery systems and onsite generation through Solar PV panels. You can find out more about the nomination here.
Pearson National Teaching Awards
In July, two staff members of The Bedford College Group, Shona McFadyen and Jess Day were awarded Silver for the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards.
Jess received the Silver Award for FE Lecturer of the Year, while Shona was recognised as Outstanding New Teacher of the Year with the Silver Award.
Shona and Jess are now among a select group of just six Silver Award winners in each of their categories nationwide. As Silver recipients, both attended a Silver Winners’ Afternoon Tea in July. This is followed by the Pearson National Teaching Awards UK Ceremony and Dinner in November, where the gold winner will be revealed live.
We wish both Shona and Jess the best of luck with their nominations at the awards evening.
