College Celebrates National Recognition with Prestigious Award Nominations

Staff and developments across College have been recognised nationally at three prestigious upcoming awards ceremonies, earning nominations in the Pearson National Teaching Awards, Craft Guild of Chefs Awards, and the Midlands Sustainability Excellence Awards.

GCSE Lecturer Zamzam Ali has been shortlisted for the FE Lecturer of the Year title at the Pearson National Teaching Awards, after being nominated for her exceptional teaching, warmth, and advocacy. Known for her innovative teaching and tireless support of learners, Zamzam’s impact has been widely celebrated, with student Nathan sharing: “She cares so much about her students, and she has made me believe I can succeed.”

The Sports department has also been recognised, making the shortlist for FE Team of the Year. The department has consistently delivered outstanding results both in and outside of the classroom, fostering a high-performance culture that supports both academic and athletic excellence.

Also celebrating is Dimitrios Tsokanos, Curriculum Manager for GCSE English, who has been honoured with a Special Commendation in the Unsung Hero Award category. This accolade celebrates his invaluable behind-the-scenes work in transforming English provision and driving student success, often without the spotlight.

The College’s excellence in culinary education has also been recognised on the national stage, as Darren Creed, Curriculum Manager for Hospitality and Catering, has been shortlisted for Chef Lecturer of the Year at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards. Widely regarded as the ‘chefs’ Oscars’, this nomination reflects Darren’s leadership, passion high standards achieved by his learners. Reflecting on his nomination, Darren said: “It’s a real honour to be shortlisted. It’s a job I love doing, and it’s a privilege to be nominated.”

Meanwhile, the newly established East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIoT) – a key part of the College’s ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability – has been shortlisted in two categories at the Midlands Sustainability Excellence Awards: The Sustainability Award and the Property and Construction Award.

Director of Estates and Sustainability at Loughborough College, Dale Richardson shared: “Being shortlisted for these awards really highlights the EMIoT’s forward-thinking design and sustainable development principles, as well as its strategic importance to the growth of green skills in the region.”

Winners of the Pearson National Teaching Awards will be announced later this year as part of a televised celebration, while the Midlands Sustainability Excellence Awards ceremony will take place in June.