QPA 2025: The Winners

Sponsored by Strata

Judges Comments

“The breadth of the team’s impact – from making sure they’re being paid correctly to improving achievement rates – should be commended. Their focus on placing learners at the heart of everything they do stands out, recognising the role compliance plays in quality outcomes.”

Sponsored by SDN

Judges Comments

“Ben’s impact on learners is core to what he does. His solutions consider all stakeholders, and he uses his experience working with students to ensure that whatever he puts in place works for his colleagues across the business.”

Sponsored by Lockhart Hawkins

“Oye works innovatively across multiple levels in her organisation, combining both compliance and quality. In an employer-provider environment, where apprenticeships are a small part of internal stakeholders’ busy days, she has driven an improvement culture. The concept of the “Coffee & Compliance” drop-in sessions is both refreshing and brilliantly named!”

Sponsored by S Knights Recruitment

Judges’ Comments

“Lee is an exceptional talent who has made remarkable progress in a short space of time, going from no prior experience in quality assurance to leading QA operations across 14 subcontractors on a £2.5 million contract. Lee communicates with real clarity and kindness, earning the trust of colleagues and partners alike.”

Sponsored by UVAC

Judges’ Comments

“In her role as Quality Coach, Katie has driven high performance through the art of useful, targeted, and meaningful CPD for staff. This empowering approach has led to impactful collaboration both internally and externally to the college, including a network of Quality Champions. Her deep understanding of learning strategies is used effectively to help the people she coaches achieve new levels in their delivery.”

Sponsored by Aptem

Judges’ Comments

“Maria demonstrates exceptional commitment to supporting vulnerable students. She integrates digital tools from day one to overcome language barriers, foster inclusion, enhance engagement, and swiftly identify learning needs. Her dedication creates a welcoming sanctuary, significantly impacting student settling and confidence.”

Sponsored by Aptem

“Michelle consistently delivers successful outcomes for the people she supports into employment. She cares deeply about the individuals she works with, encouraging and celebrating the steps they take on their journey. Her work to improve inclusive recruitment practices stood out as something employers can learn from.”

Sponsored by Mindful Education

Judges’ Comments

“Rachel’s style of leadership is empowering, enabling LCG to remain learner-centred throughout all their operations and activities. She has a fantastic track record with some outstanding results. She is a lamplighter for her team and colleagues, taking them on a journey of continuous improvement, keeping staff motivated, and setting the bar high.”

“This exciting development programme is designed collaboratively to align with organisational values and an evolving education sector. Highlights include its grounding in the Excellence Framework, a tailored CPD model, a cultural shift towards valuing CPD, protected development time, and the promotion of creativity and autonomy. It is underpinned by a commitment to investing in staff.”

“The SEND Flexibilities initiative responds to the requirement to adapt to new approaches that ensure individual learner needs and barriers are explored and supported successfully. HIT Training has invested significantly in dedicated support, resources, and staff skills as a demonstration of its commitment to advancing learners with SEND into meaningful employment.”

“The inter-college competition is a fantastic example of how working together, rather than in competition, has benefited learners who are firmly at the heart of this collaboration. There is a real passion for seeing what people can achieve when you believe in them and allow them to shine and develop. This project is not about winning; it’s about the benefits of taking part.”

“The partnership between a large multi-academy trust and a renowned career development specialist addresses two key challenges directly: helping schools explore innovative recruitment methods, and empowering returning parents or carers by building their skills and confidence to secure meaningful employment. It has strong potential to be scaled and replicated nationally.”

“The team plays a critical role in driving a relentless culture of continuous improvement, underpinned by strong collaborative partnerships with peers across the group. The outcome of this is impressive. What stands out is that, first and foremost, they are self-reflective of their own practices.”

“The team has successfully integrated quality and compliance functions to operate as a seamless unit, using data innovatively to improve attendance, achievement, and learner progression. Their model of continuous improvement, grounded in empathy, collaboration, and data, has become a benchmark for excellence in adult education.”

“As a result of the transformation of the provision through a relentless programme of improvement, where no stone was left unturned to change their fortunes. They are an example of what can be achieved with a whole organisation approach.”

“The CI Team continues to be a leader in the employment support sector for their structured and ambitious approach to driving change that positively impacts the people the organisation works hard to support. The ongoing expansion of their accredited Continuous Improvement Academy courses is a model for industry good practice.”

Highly Commended

• Samiha Mabrouk, WM College
• Kate McKay, University of Chester
• Michelle Marriott, Bauer Academy
• Deborah Sherman, The Bournemouth & Poole College
• Compliance Team, NIS Group
• Manchester Metropolitan University
• Bishop Auckland College & The Open University
• Billy Auty, NCFE
• Tina Lynam, Hull College
• Diane Ward, Craven College
• Deborah Johnston MBE, LSBU
• Quality Team, Leeds College of Building
• Skills Quality Team, Education Development Trust