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IFtL Staff Awards

Friday 03 July 2026 AT 18:30

Kentshill Park Conference Centre, MK07 6BZ

Headline Sponsor

Coming soon to inspiring lifelong learning initiatives.

We are pleased to share that a headlining sponsor for the IFtL Awards will be announced soon. This partnership reflects the growing recognition of the outstanding work and commitment demonstrated by colleagues across IFtL, and it will play a key role in enhancing this special celebration. Further details will be shared shortly, and we look forward to revealing the sponsor who will help us honour excellence, dedication, and impact across Our Trust.

 

Our Sponsors

MyNewTerm-Logo-1-1
Coming soon to inspiring lifelong learning initiatives.
Inspirational education and lifelong learning at IFtL.
Coming soon to inspiring lifelong learning initiatives.
Vibrant logo with colourful circles representing innovation in learning and education.
Coming soon to inspiring lifelong learning initiatives.
Plant growing symbolic logo representing inspiring futures through learning in education.
Coming soon to inspiring lifelong learning initiatives.

Introduction

Nomination Guidelines

  • Nominations can be submitted by colleagues, parents, or self-
    nomination.

  • Each nomination should include a brief description (max 250 words)
    highlighting why the nominee deserves the award.

  • Supporting evidence, video links, photo collage (pdf), examples, or
    references can be attached (optional).

  • Nominations must be submitted by 30 April 2026.

Scoring Criteria

Each nomination will be assessed on the following:

  • Impact: Measurable outcomes or influence on pupils, colleagues, or the
    community.

  • Innovation: Creativity and originality in approach.

  • Commitment: Dedication to role and responsibilities.

  • Values: Alignment with IFtL & their school values and ethos.

Award Categories

Teacher of the Year

Exceptional classroom impact and pupil outcomes.

Early Career Teacher (ECT)

Teacher in first 1–5 years demonstrating notable impact.

Subject Specialist Excellence

Exceptional contribution in a specific subject.

Early Years Teacher of the Year

Excellence in delivering high-quality early years education.

Teaching Assistant of the Year

Outstanding contribution to pupil learning and support.

SEND Teaching Assistant of the Year

Exceptional support for pupils with additional needs.

Midday / Play Supervisor of the Year

Dedication to pupil welfare and safe lunchtime environments.

Cleaner of the Year

Ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming school environment.

Site Manager / Caretaker of the Year

Excellence in maintaining school facilities and operations.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Business Manager of the Year

Outstanding contribution to the operational and financial management of the school. 

_____________________________________________________________________________

 Receptionist / Office Operations Excellence  

Exceptional professionalism, communication, and organisational skills that ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the school office including finance ops. 

_____________________________________________________________________________

 

Award Categories

Outstanding Pastoral Care 

Exceptional support for pupils & adults wellbeing and mental health.

 Inclusion and Diversity 

A person or team promoting inclusivity, equity, and anti-bullying initiatives. 

Designated Safeguarding Lead of the Year 

Exceptional leadership and dedication in safeguarding and protecting pupils. 

Creative Arts / Projects 

Celebrating the person or team for their excellence in arts, music, drama, or creative projects. 

ICT / Digital Innovation 

Celebrating Innovative use of technology to enhance learning. 

ITT Trainer / Mentor of the year

Celebrates outstanding colleague who provide exceptional guidance, support and mentorship to trainee teachers, contributing significantly to the development and success of the next generation of educators.

School Nurse & First Aider of the Year

A school nurse or first aider who goes above and beyond to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of pupil.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Sustainability champion 

Celebrating the person or team or Initiatives that promote environmental awareness and sustainability in school. 

_____________________________________________________________________________

Governor / Trustee of the year

Outstanding governance and contribution to school and or IFtL strategy, oversight and community engagement.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Lifetime Contribution Award 

Celebrating long-term dedication to the school community. 

_____________________________________________________________________________

 

Our hosts

Phili Jones
IFtL’s Marketing Manager

Outside IFtL Phili has various interests like fashion design, MC, DJ and performing arts particularly dance. audiences can look forward to a high energy fun evening while bringing IFtL values to life.

Co-host
Details coming soon 

Details of the co-host will be shared as soon as a confirmed host has been secured for the IFtL Awards Ceremony. Once finalised, we will communicate this information promptly so colleagues and guests have a full picture of the event lineup and can look forward to an inspiring and memorable evening.

Click here to nominate

For inquiries contact marketing@iftl.co.uk or call us on 07909 257779

Independent Judges

Smiling woman in a classroom helping students learn and grow.

Dr Fiona Aubrey‑Smith is a highly respected education leader, academic, and advocate for pedagogy-first approaches to digital learning. She is the Founder of PedTech and Director of One Life Learning, where she partners with schools, trusts, EdTech companies, and professional development providers.

An Associate Lecturer and Consultant Researcher at The Open University, she supervises PhD students and teaches on postgraduate and undergraduate education programmes.

Fiona is the co-author of From EdTech to PedTech: Changing the Way We Think About Digital Technology, a global best-seller that reflects her belief in putting pedagogical purpose before technology

Bald man in suit with bookshelf background at IFtL inspiring futures through learning.

John Murphy served as Chief Executive of Oasis Community Learning, one of England’s largest multi-academy trusts, leading 52 academies and over 32,000 pupils across disadvantaged communities. Over his nine-year tenure, the proportion of Oasis schools rated “good” or better by Ofsted rose dramatically — from just 27% to 87%. He also oversaw major trust growth, including onboarding 41 schools and opening several free schools.

With more than 36 years in education, John previously worked as a headteacher in primary, secondary, all-through, and special settings. He is also a founding CEO of the National Institute of Teaching, helping shape national leadership and teacher development programs.

John stepped down as CEO in late 2023 to focus on mentoring and supporting leaders across the education sector.

Smiling woman with warm background, representing educational growth and inspiring futures.

Adele Wylie is the Chief Executive of North Northamptonshire Council, a role she began in January 2024 following her unanimous appointment by Full Council.

A trained lawyer, Adele joined the council in November 2020 as Executive Director of Customer & Governance. She has also served as the council’s Monitoring Officer and interim Deputy Chief Executive.

Before her time at North Northamptonshire, Adele held senior leadership positions at Rutland County Council and Melton Borough Council, including Director of Governance & Regulatory Services.

Diverse woman with glasses smiling, representing inspiring learning at IFtL.

Marilyn Hubbard MBE is the Chair of the Board of Trustees at Inspiring Futures through Learning (IFtL). She has over 30 years of experience in school governance and was instrumental in establishing IFtL in 2016. In recognition of her long-term, high-impact service to education, she was awarded an MBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours.

Marilyn is a business leader in Milton Keynes, overseeing legal and financial operations for a manufacturing company that she helped grow from a start-up to a multimillion-pound enterprise.

She also served as a National Leader of Governance, mentoring chairs, headteachers, and governance professionals to strengthen governance across schools.