The Tes FE Awards 2020 are officially open for entries.
The prestigious awards turn the spotlight onto the achievements of the FE sector, and recognise outstanding individuals and institutions in FE, from the best specialist providers to colleges going the extra mile in the community; from an amazing apprenticeship programme to excellent use of technology in teaching.
With the awards night to be held once again at the glamorous Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, London, the event will celebrate the very best of the further education sector.
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This year, there are two new categories to apply for. The first celebrates the work of those involved in WorldSkills – the international competition that sees talented 16- to 24-year-olds compete to be named the best in the world at their chosen skill. Entries for the WorldSkills Unsung Hero Award can be made on behalf of individuals or teams who work for providers, employers and other organisations supporting WorldSkills participants. These roles could include training managers, team leaders, teachers, lecturers, assessors, support staff and coaches.
The second new award will pay tribute to a college’s outstanding GCSE resits provision. The government’s GCSE resits policy has seen colleges across the country adopt innovative and effective approaches to drive up the performance of students retaking English and maths GCSE. The Outstanding GCSE Resits Provision Award is open to a team or teams at any further education provider, and covers the year 2018-19.
Education secretary Gavin Williamson said the awards were a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of the sector.
"Further education and skills are a big priority for me. As a former FE student, I also know how important it is that we all continue to work together to raise the profile of the sector. The Tes FE Awards are a fantastic opportunity to do just that by recognising and celebrating all the fantastic work that is being done across the country," he said.
Tes FE editor Stephen Exley said: “The Tes FE Awards shine a light on the exceptional work of everyone in further education. Everyone involved in the sector works incredibly hard, despite being up against some tough challenges. The event offers us a chance to pay tribute to that hard work and reward the best of the best.”
The categories
- Outstanding support for learners
- Outstanding use of technology for improving teaching, learning and assessment
- Best employer engagement initiative
- Best teaching and learning initiative
- Outstanding contribution to the local community
- WorldSkills unsung hero (new award)
- Outstanding GCSE resits provision (new award)
- Teacher of the year
- FE leader of the year
- Professional services team of the year
- Adult and community learning provider of the year
- Apprenticeship programme of the year
- FE college of the year
- Specialist provider of the year
- Training provider of the year
- Sixth-form college of the year
- Overall FE provider of the year
- Lifetime achievement
How to enter
The deadline for entering the Tes FE Awards is 1 November. Entry is free and open to all further education establishments in the UK. Tell us in 500 words why you should win before midnight on that date. The shortlist will be announced in Tes magazine on 10 January. The winners will then be announced at a glittering awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London, on 20 March. For more information about the awards, their sponsors and further details on how to enter, click here.
