Three Teachers from The Bedford College Group Recognised at National Awards

The Bedford College Group is delighted to announce that three teachers have been recognised within the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards 2025.

 A Central Bedfordshire College lecturer in Maths, Lavanya Yanamala was awarded Bronze in the FE Lecturer of the Year category for her innovative approach to teaching, using a student-centred approach when teaching. Her mentorship skills and caring nature towards students, colleagues and teaching assistants, is exceptional.

At The Corby Sixth Form, Shona McFadyen, Teacher of Biology (A Level) has won Silver for the Outstanding New Teacher of the Year 2025 award.    

 After both Jess and Shona met with the judges in May to talk about their work, the full list of Bronze and Silver Winners was announced on National Thank a Teacher Day on Wednesday 18 June 2025.  

 Moreover, in November 2025, category Gold Winners will be announced at the Pearson National Teaching Awards UK Ceremony and Dinner, attended by all Silver Winners including Jess and Shona.

Richard Cook, Course Leader for Outdoor Adventure said:

“I have worked alongside Jess since she started with the College back in 2019. In every role Jess undertakes, she brings her all, always innovating and engaging, always developing, always supportive and always focused on the students and their individual aspirations and needs. Jess is a truly unique and inspirational educator, always striving to better herself and working for the benefit of her students.

 “Jess would be such a worthy winner of this award or any recognition of her dedication to be honest; she would be very humbled and in denial too probably; as she doesn’t believe that she goes above and beyond as much as she does or more than anyone else. Her levels of devotion and expertise are without question, irreplaceable. She would be very deserving of winning this award.” 

 As a Group, we are extremely proud to be showcasing our staff and high quality of teaching standards at a national level. We wish both Jess and Shona the best of luck at the November 2025 category gold ceremony.