Educate Awards has announced that entries for 2026 are now open, marking a milestone fifteenth year of shining a spotlight on education. 

Founded by Kim O’Brien in 2012, Educate Awards is the largest education awards in the North West, and celebrates the achievements of schools, colleges, multi academy trusts (MATs), and their teaching and non-teaching staff. 

With 21 categories to choose from, Educate Awards is open to all nurseries, primary and secondary schools, colleges, academies and MATs across the Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Lancashire. It is also open to independent private educational establishments, further education providers, and specialist schools and provisions. 

New for 2026, Educate Awards has introduced the Most Inspirational Nursery category to showcase the exceptional achievements of early years providers. The award celebrates nurseries that support children between the ages of 0 and 4, and is open to private, voluntary and independent (PVI) nurseries, maintained nursery schools and school-based nurseries.

With the addition of Most Inspirational Nursery, all 21 categories provide a unique opportunity to celebrate every aspect of school life, from exceptional teachers, remarkable support staff, and inspirational settings to the promotion of sport, arts, STEM, careers, and the environment. 

St Edward’s College in West Derby was the winner of the Most Impactful Communications Award, sponsored by CPMM Media Group, at last year’s awards. Principal, Mr Lee Anthony Fabia, said: “Winning the award was a tremendous honour for St Edward’s College, and being named a finalist for Most Inspirational Secondary School was equally rewarding. This recognition affirmed that our strategic and purposeful approach to engaging with our college community truly reflects and reinforces the values at the heart of our mission: ‘Let all that you do be done in love’ (1 Corinthians 16:14). 

“We would strongly encourage other schools to enter the Educate Awards. The process provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on your practice, celebrate your achievements, and showcase the positive difference your school makes within its community.”

It is free to enter the Educate Awards and there is no category limit, however, entries must be different and relate to the individual category’s criteria. Submissions should be 800 words maximum and accompanied by a 200-word summary. The deadline for entries is Thursday, 16 July 2026. 

Kim O’Brien, founder of Educate Awards, said: “For 15 years, Educate Awards has been shining a spotlight on the remarkable achievements within education across the region, and I’m delighted to announce that entries for this year are now open. 

“The awards are completely free to enter, and we encourage all Catholic nurseries, schools, colleges and MATs to take part, whether it’s their first or fifteenth year of entering. The Archdiocese of Liverpool’s schools have a tremendous track-record at Educate Awards and we cannot wait to celebrate their achievements this year.

“Educate Awards 2025 saw an exceptional standard of entries, with our judges noting how difficult it was to select a shortlist due to the calibre of standout entries, and we anticipate 2026 will be just as good, if not better!”

Joining Educate Awards’ independent judging panel this year is Helen Stevenson, co-founder of Satis Education, the sector’s leading executive recruitment organisation that provides expert support to trusts on the recruitment of CEOs, operational leaders, principals, headteachers, and staff at all levels. 

Born and bred in St Helens, Helen’s journey in education began when she trained as a modern foreign languages teacher. Since this time, she has been involved in academies and free schools programmes, and worked extensively across the MAT sector, holding positions within the Department for Education, local authorities and MATs. She co-founded Satis Education in 2017, before returning to her roots and taking up the position of CEO at Transforming Lives Educational Trust last year.

Helen said: “I am thrilled to join the Educate Awards’ judging panel and look forward to reading this year’s outstanding entries. Alongside my executive leadership roles, I have served as chair of a trust board, local advisory group and an outstanding Catholic sixth form college, and believe my experience and commitment to educational excellence will truly support my new role as Educate Awards judge.”

Alongside the esteemed judging panel, supporting Educate Awards 2026 is its valued associate sponsors: All About Futures, Angel Solutions, Apprenticeships at Liverpool Hope University, CER, CPMM Media Group, Frank Field Education Trust, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Careers Hub, LJMU, LSSP, Portakabin, Satis Education and SENDSCOPE. 

The glittering Educate Awards ceremony will return to the iconic Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on Friday, 13 November 2026 with a dazzling programme befitting its fifteenth anniversary. 

Director of Education at the Archdiocese of Liverpool, Joan McCarthy, added: “The Archdiocese of Liverpool is delighted to support Educate Awards 2026. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate the achievement, hard work, and dedication of the people working in our schools. 

“I would strongly encourage all schools to consider entering. It is fantastic to be shortlisted, and the event is always a great evening. Thank you to the team at the Educate Awards for their excellent work.”

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