On Thursday 26 April, the Educate North Awards saw Newcastle University win four awards, including Best External Relations Team, the Student Experience Award, 2018 Students’ Union of the Year, and 2018 University of the Year.
The Educate North Awards is a prestigious event that celebrates, recognises and shares excellent practice among the Northern education sector. With this year’s event taking place in the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel in Manchester, hundreds of academics, students and professionals attended.
This year was expected to be highly competitive, with entries increased by 40% from 2017. Nevertheless, Newcastle University achieved great success, and the Students’ Union was commended for its extensive volunteering opportunities and contributions to student experience.
Other institutions nominated included Huddersfield, Leeds Trinity, Liverpool Hope and the University of Chester.
[pullquote]By hosting this event every year, these firms assist in the recognition and promotion of the region’s thriving education sector[/pullquote]This year’s success is a continuation of how Newcastle has fared in the past: at the 2017 Awards, it won an award for business collaboration and was highly commended for its links with environmental industry.
NUSU President, Ronnie Reid, said: “We are thrilled to receive this recognition for all of our efforts and success achieved for our students this year. We are committed to empowering our students to reach their full potential and this award is powerful evidence of our effectiveness this year.
“It is a measure of the exceptional efforts that all of our students and staff put in every hour of every day, making Newcastle a great place to teach and learn.”
Marc Lintern, Director of Employability and Student Success, said: “Winning the Student Experience Award for our University Employability and Enterprise Strategy is a great reflection of the commitment and work of colleagues in the Careers Service, as well as staff across the University.”
A total of 17 categories were awarded, with the presentation of the University of the Year rounding off the evening.
Judged by a number of leading industry experts and professionals in education, leadership, business and marketing, Educate North sought to celebrate a variety of outstanding achievements, from entrepreneurship and industry collaboration, to social mobility and environmental protection.
The awards extended beyond universities and encompassed other educational institutions, with Wigan & Leigh College winning Further Education College of the Year, and Birkenhead Sixth Form winning Sixth Form of the Year.
The Educate North Awards was delivered in association with RM Production, Don’t Panic Events and Prolific North, and was sponsored by a number of marketing firms, radio partners, recruitment agencies and entrepreneurial schemes.
By hosting this event every year, these firms assist in the recognition and promotion of the region’s thriving education sector.
