English Lecturer Receives Highly Commended Award at BBC Ceremony

Loughborough College Group is celebrating the success of Stephenson College based English Lecturer, Patty Thebe, who was presented with a Highly Commended trophy in the Great Neighbour category at the BBC Make a Difference Awards.

The awards, held earlier this month at Curve Theatre in Leicester, recognise individuals who go above and beyond to make a positive impact in their communities.

The Great Neighbour award highlights those people who make their neighbourhood a better place to live and work, which is reflected in Patty’s decades of dedication to education, both in the UK and abroad.

Having started her teaching journey in Zimbabwe in 1984, Patty then moved to Leicester, where she worked in ESOL teaching and community literacy projects. She later joined Stephenson College - now part of Loughborough College Group - supporting apprentices and adult learners in achieving vital English qualifications.

Following the awards ceremony, Patty appeared on BBC Radio Leicester’s morning show with presenter Ady Dayman where she reflected on her Highly Commended award and shared her story and passion for teaching Functional Skills English.

Patty said: “I feel honoured to have been nominated as one of the four finalists in the Great Neighbour category. It was a great privilege to accept the award on behalf of all the educators who not only teach but go over and above to make a difference in the lives of young people.”

Siobhan Howard, Head of Curriculum for Maths and English at Stephenson College, praised the achievement, sharing: “Everyone who knows Patty knows how truly deserving she is of this commendation. She is an inspirational colleague and friend, and we are all so proud of her.”