The Fashion Team at East Riding College’s Beverley campus, part of the TEC Partnership, has been named a Silver Winner in the Further Education Team of the Year category at the 2026 Pearson National Teaching Awards.
The national award recognises the outstanding work of the college’s Fashion Team, whose innovative teaching, industry connections and unwavering commitment to student success have helped transform the confidence, skills and aspirations of learners across the region.
The team, made up of Sarah Rands, Lyndsey Kemp, and Amanda Harvey, was recognised for creating an inspiring learning environment where students are encouraged to develop both their creative talents and professional skills. Through a combination of industry-focused projects, real-world experiences and personalised support, the team has helped students progress to higher education, employment and successful careers within the creative industries.
Their success comes shortly after students and staff played a central role in Hull & East Yorkshire Fashion Week, showcasing the talent, creativity and ambition of the next generation of fashion professionals. Through their involvement, students gained valuable experience working alongside industry professionals and participating in one of the region’s most exciting celebrations of fashion and creativity.
Nicola Adams, Interim Campus Principal at East Riding College, said:
“This national recognition is a testament to the passion, creativity and dedication of our Fashion Team. Sarah, Lyndsey and Amanda consistently go above and beyond to create opportunities for students, helping them develop the confidence, skills and industry experience needed to succeed. We are incredibly proud to see their hard work recognised on a national stage.
“Fashion and the wider creative industries play an important role in our region’s future, and our team works tirelessly to ensure students can see a clear pathway from education into exciting and rewarding careers. This award is thoroughly deserved.”
The achievement is part of a wider success story for the TEC Partnership in this year’s Pearson National Teaching Awards.
Jaqui Graham, of East Riding College, Hull campus, was awarded Bronze in the Lifetime Achievement category, while Emma Wray (East Riding College), Emma Stephens (Grimsby Institute), James Thundercliffe (Grimsby Institute) and Amanda Harvey (East Riding College) all received Highly Commended recognition.
These awards celebrate the exceptional educators who go above and beyond to support learners, inspire ambition and help students achieve their goals.
Ann Hardy, CEO of the TEC Partnership, said:
“We are incredibly proud of all our colleagues who have been recognised through this year’s Pearson National Teaching Awards.
“To have a national Silver Award winner, a Bronze Award winner, and four Highly Commended recipients across our TEC Partnership colleges is a fantastic achievement and reflects the exceptional talent, commitment and professionalism of our staff.
“Every day, they make a real difference to the lives of students, helping them to build confidence, develop skills and achieve ambitions they may never have thought possible. Their impact extends far beyond the classroom, and it is wonderful to see that recognised nationally.”
The Pearson National Teaching Awards celebrate excellence in education across the UK and recognise the individuals and teams making a lasting difference to the lives of learners.
