Today, we are pleased to announce the shortlisted entries for the 2026 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 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:
“With policy changes and uncertainty currently affecting specialist colleges, it is more important than ever to recognise and celebrate their innovative work. The entries to this year’s Natspec Innovation Awards have shown that, despite external pressures, specialist colleges continue to use innovative ways to ensure meaningful outcomes for learners. This year’s submissions showcased an impressive range of inspiring initiatives, with shortlisted colleges clearly demonstrating what makes their projects truly innovative. Congratulations to the 16 shortlisted projects and their colleges!”
We will be announcing the winners in an online ceremony on Thursday 26 March from 1:30pm–2:30pm. All are welcome to attend.
Shortlist:
Curriculum innovation
ESPA – Culture, Law & Liberty: London 25
William Henry Smith Specialist College – Rolling the Dice
Innovative interdisciplinary working
Mercury College – Transforming Lives Through Innovative Interdisciplinary Practice
Innovation in student voice
Derwen College – Confidence in the Community: Student Voice and the Purple Pound
Mercury College – Leading My Own Support
Innovative approach to equality, diversity and inclusion
Aurora Foxes – A Meal to Change Minds
Rotherham Opportunities College – Ulley Country Park: Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusion through Art and Nature
Innovative approach to mental health and wellbeing
Derwen College – Sleep Matters project
ESPA – Student-Led Wellbeing Action: Self-Care Gift Bags for Women’s Refuge
Portland College – The Transformational Impact of Donkey Assisted Therapy
Innovative routes into employment
Creating Tomorrow College – Embedding College Campuses, not just Work Experience, in Live Working Environments
ESPA – Metal & Punk Art: Battle Jacket & T-Shirt Enterprise Project
Pinc College – Creative Enterprise
Innovative use of technology
Activate – Switch-adapted technology transforming access to learning for PMLD learners
Beaumont College – Learner Voice – using technology to enable all
Creating Tomorrow College – Virtual Confidence: How BodySwaps Virtual Reality is Revolutionising Personal Development & Employment Outcomes