This award recognises an Initial Teacher Training provider or partnership which has embedded technology in a purposeful and impactful way to enhance the quality of training and the experience of trainee teachers.
The judges are looking for clear evidence that technology has been selected and used thoughtfully to strengthen trainee development, rather than applied as an add-on. Entries should demonstrate how digital tools or approaches have contributed to improved outcomes for trainees, such as stronger progress, increased confidence, enhanced subject or pedagogical knowledge or improved readiness for the classroom.
Judges will be interested in the impact of the approach including:
- How technology has been integrated across the programme (e.g. curriculum delivery, mentoring, assessment or quality assurance);
- The extent to which it supports high-quality training experiences in both centre-based and school-based contexts;
- Evidence of measurable or observable impact on trainee outcomes and/or mentor effectiveness;
- The scalability and sustainability of the approach across a provider or partnership.
This award recognises an Initial Teacher Training provider or partnership that has demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility within its provision.
The judges are looking for providers who are taking thoughtful, deliberate action to ensure that all trainees (particularly those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds, or those with additional needs) feel supported, valued and able to thrive.
Entries should demonstrate:
- A clear and embedded commitment to inclusive practice across recruitment, training, mentoring and assessment;
- How the provider creates an environment where trainees experience a genuine sense of belonging and psychological safety;
- Approaches to recognising and responding to a diverse range of needs, including SEND, wellbeing and wider barriers to participation;
- Evidence of innovation or intentional design in improving equity of access, experience and progression within ITT.
The Judges will be particularly interested in how inclusion is lived out in practice, not just described in policy. This might include:
- How mentors and schools are supported to deliver inclusive training experiences;
- How barriers are identified and reduced for trainees;
- How the provider listens to and responds to the trainee voice, particularly from underrepresented groups.
This award recognises an individual who provides exceptional administrative or operational support within an initial teacher training provider or partnership. It celebrates those whose work behind the scenes enables high-quality training to run smoothly and who make a tangible difference to trainees, colleagues and partners.
The judges are looking for evidence of outstanding contribution across the breadth of the role. Nominations should demonstrate how the individual:
- Supports the effective delivery of ITT programmes (for example, through co-ordination, compliance, communication or systems management);
- The extent to which they work collaboratively with colleagues, partner schools and trainees to solve problems and improve processes;
- How they enhance the experience of trainees, mentors and stakeholders through responsive, proactive and well-organised support;
- Maintains high standards, including accuracy, efficiency and attention to detail in key processes (e.g. placements, data, safeguarding or regulatory requirements).
This award recognises an individual mentor, or mentoring team, who has made an exceptional contribution to the development of trainee teachers. It celebrates those who go beyond expectations to provide high-quality support, challenge and professional guidance, helping trainees to grow in confidence, skills and identity as teachers.
The judges are looking for evidence of thoughtful and impactful mentoring practice. Nominations should demonstrate:
- How the mentor supports trainees to develop strong teaching practice, professional judgement and subject or phase expertise;
- The ways in which the mentor builds positive, trusting relationships that enable trainees to feel supported while also being appropriately challenged;
- How the mentor adapts their approach to meet the needs of individual trainees, including those requiring additional support;
- The mentor's contribution to a culture of high-quality mentoring within their school or partnership.
The judges will be particularly interested in mentors who:
- Model reflective practice and support trainees to engage critically with their development;
- Contribute to mentor development, collaboration, or wider programme improvement;
- Help to create a training environment where trainees feel a strong sense of belonging and are motivated to succeed.
This award recognises a School-Centred Initial Teacher Training provider that is delivering high-quality training and making a meaningful contribution to the education system. It celebrates SCITTs that combine strong practice with a clear sense of purpose, partnership and sector leadership.
Entries should show:
- A well-designed and effectively delivered programme that supports trainees to develop as confident, reflective practitioners;
- High-quality partnerships with schools, ensuring a consistently supportive and inclusive experience across different contexts;
- A clear commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and responsiveness to feedback.
The judges will be particularly interested in how the SCITT create environments in which trainees feel valued, supported and able to thrive. This may include approaches to mentoring, workload, pastoral support, inclusive practice and how different needs are recognised and met.
The judges will also consider the wider contribution your SCITT makes beyond its core provision. This might include:
- Supporting schools and mentors to build inclusive cultures and strong support for trainees;
- Contributing to local or regional teacher supply in a way that reflects and serves diverse communities;
- Playing an active role in collaboration and system development across the sector.
The judges are especially keen to understand how the SCITT's work reflects a deep sense of responsibility to the communities they serve and how this informs their approach to recruitment, training and partnership.
This award recognises a Higher Education Institution (HEI) Teacher Training provider that is delivering high-quality training and making a meaningful contribution to the education system. It celebrates HEI's that combine strong practice with a clear sense of purpose, partnership and sector leadership.
Entries should show:
- A well-designed and effectively delivered programme that supports trainees to develop as confident, reflective practitioners;
- High-quality partnerships with schools, ensuring a consistently supportive and inclusive experience across different contexts;
- A clear commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and responsiveness to feedback.
The judges will be particularly interested in how the HEI create environments in which trainees feel valued, supported and able to thrive. This may include approaches to mentoring, workload, pastoral support, inclusive practice and how different needs are recognised and met.
The judges will also consider the wider contribution your HEI makes beyond its core provision. This might include:
- Supporting schools and mentors to build inclusive cultures and strong support for trainees;
- Contributing to local or regional teacher supply in a way that reflects and serves diverse communities;
- Playing an active role in collaboration and system development across the sector.
The judges are especially keen to understand how the HEI work reflects a deep sense of responsibility to the communities they serve and how this informs their approach to recruitment, training and partnership.
This award recognises an individual who has made a meaningful and sustained contribution to the Initial Teacher Training sector. Entries should highlight a career or body of work that has had a lasting influence on the quality, reputation or development of ITT, whether at provider, partnership, regional or national level.
Nominations can be submitted by colleagues, partners or others who have worked with the individual. Please ensure the individual is aware of and happy to be nominated for consideration.
The judges are looking for compelling evidence of impact over time. Entries should outline:
- The nature and scope of the individuals contribution to ITT;
- The difference the individuals work has made to trainees, mentors, providers or the wider sector;
- How the individual has have demonstrated leadership, innovation, or commitment beyond their immediate role;
- Evidence of influence, legacy or sustained improvement attributable to their work.
As part of the entry, please include two supporting statements/testamonials from individuals who can independently comment on the individual's impact (for example colleagues, trainees, mentors or sector partners). These statements/testimonials should provide specific insight into why this individual stands out and the difference they have made.
"Really excellent line up of speakers from so many key aspects of the sector."
"Lots of knowledgeable and passionate speakers and some thought provoking seasons - there was so much for us to take away. There is so much that could be included that it could easily be a 3 day conference."
"Good selection of high quality speakers and all relevant to the current climate."
"It is difficult to sum up how uplifting it was to be part of our community for the day, to be able to reflect, listen, be challenge as well as inspired. Thank you"
"Thank you! The conference was incredibly valuable and very thought-provoking. It is so great to get the headspace with expert ideas on these topics."
"What a wonderful day! So well organised and the atmosphere was so positive."
"Very positive, engaging day allowing leaders time to take a step back from the day to day and reflect on the bigger picture."
"Thank you so much! The event was really well planned, BMA House facilities were fantastic and the speaker line-up was superb."
"Just thank you for a brilliant and amazing experience to be remembered!"
