Today, we are pleased to announce the shortlisted entries for the 2025 Natspec Innovation Awards. These awards recognise and celebrate innovative practice in specialist FE colleges. They shine a light on initiatives that have clearly resulted in improved outcomes for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
The shortlisted entries in the seven categories will now go forward to be considered by our independent panel of experts, chaired by Jim Aleander.
Clare Howard, Natspec’s Chief Executive said:
“At Natspec we are keen to celebrate the innovative practice within our colleges that makes a real difference for learners. There was a wealth of inspiring practice in the entries, with colleges making their case for why their project was innovative. Many congratulations to the 18 shortlisted projects and their colleges!”
We will be announcing the winners in an online ceremony on Thursday 27 March from 1:30pm–3:00pm. All are welcome to attend.
Shortlist:
Curriculum innovation
Petty Pool Vocational College – Petty Pool launch new digital pathway partnerships
Phoenix College – Local Offer (Subject)
The Orpheus Centre – Who Am I?
Treloar College – Let Me In
Innovative interdisciplinary working
Condover College – Integrated Therapy
St Piers College – Learning for Life: A Holistic Approach to a Life-Centred Curriculum for Students with PMLD
Innovation in student voice
The Deaf Academy – Innovative road safety campaign by Deaf students with additional needs results in success
St Piers College – St Piers College Values
The Orpheus Centre – Student Safeguarding Ambassadors
Innovative specialist/mainstream partnership working
National Star College – National Star at The Heart of Worcestershire College
Ambitious College – Unaccredited Learning routes to mainstream courses
Innovative approach to equality, diversity and inclusion
Petty Pool Vocational College – Petty Pool Launch Neurodiversity in Work Conference
Innovative approach to mental health and wellbeing
Catcote Futures – Cultural Delights Wellness Programme
Chadsgrove Educational Trust Specialist College – Cultivate and promote an environment of positive mental and emotional well-being for students through the medium of sound therapy
Portland College – Tough Talks – a peer support group for male learners
Innovative routes into employment
Digital Independent Specialist College (DISC) – Digital Advantage
Petty Pool Vocational College – Petty Pool College x BEPO – Breaking down barriers through All Inclusive Fashion
The Orpheus Centre – Unexpected Leaders