Celebrating the Success of Marketing in Further Education

The FE First Awards celebrates the achievements of marketing teams and individuals in colleges and sixth forms from across the country. The prestigious event, highly regarded in the sector, is the only awards to solely celebrate marketing in the further education arena.

When? Monday 2 February 2026, 9am-4.30pm
Where? Eastside Rooms, Birmingham City Centre

Entry opens: May 2025
Award entry deadline: 14 November 2025
Finalists announced: w/c 8 December 2025

FE First Awards 2026 categories:

  • Low Budget Campaign Award (Budget £2000 or less)
  • Internal Impact Award
  • Events Management Award
  • Social & Digital Media Impact Award
  • Website Development Award
  • Innovation & Creativity Award
  • Communications Campaign Award
  • Targeted Recruitment Campaign Award
  • Prospectus Award
  • Sustainability Impact Green Marketing Award
  • Rising Star Award*
  • Apprentice Star Award*
  • Marketing Superstar Award*
  • Marketing Team of the Year (Large Team – 6 FTE members or more)*
  • Marketing Team of the Year (Small Team – 5 FTE members of less)*
  • Best of the Best 2026**

* These categories are only open to colleges in current membership of the CMN at the time of the awards.
** Judged from the winners in each category.


How to Enter

Entry forms and details of how to enter will be announced in May 2025.


FE First 2025

Check out all the photos from the FE First Awards 2025


Header Image: Showcase Your Business. Support Marketing Excellence in Further Education

Award Sponsorship

The FE First Awards celebrates the very best of marketing in the further education sector. Sponsoring an award provides your business the opportunity to be seen by, and engage with, marketing professionals from colleges and sixth forms from across the UK.

The FE First Awards is held on the same day as our conference where there is also opportunity to network with delegates by exhibiting and/or hosting a workshop.

If you’re interested in finding out more, please email: emma@m-network.org