Education Partnership North East celebrate two wins at the Educate North Awards

Leading college group Education Partnership North East (EPNE) is celebrating after winning two categories at the 2024 Educate North Awards.

Peter Monaghan, EPNE’s Strategic Lead for SEND, won the Leadership and Innovation Award and EPNE was honoured with the Student Experience Award for its exemplary work in the Cultural and Social Capital Project within the Creative, Digital, and Computing Faculty at Sunderland College. 

The winners were announced at a special 10th anniversary ceremony hosted by BBC radio presenter Connor Phillips in April at the Hilton Hotel Deansgate which celebrated the world class achievements across the University, HE, FE and Sixth Form sectors in the North of England. 

Upon receiving his award, Peter said: “Winning the leadership and innovation award at Educate North left me humbled and honoured. It’s a testament to the collective effort of our staff and learners, who work tirelessly to foster inclusivity and accessibility across our campuses. This recognition underscores the value of our supportive and forward-thinking leadership at EPNE, where addressing SEND is not just a duty but a passion. 

“The achievement involved collaborating with leaders and managers to implement the SEND promise, which now permeates every aspect of EPNE’s operations. Our SEND champions have played a pivotal role, offering invaluable knowledge and support to both staff and learners, bridging gaps from curriculum to business functions. 

He added: “For EPNE, this win signifies another stride towards exceptional in inclusivity. It reassures parents, carers, and stakeholders that individuals with additional needs are not only supported but empowered to thrive within our community. 

“Winning this award is not just a recognition of past efforts; it’s a reaffirmation of our commitment to creating an environment where everyone can flourish.” 

Winning both awards underlines EPNE’s commitment to excellence and innovation in education. 

The Educate North Awards promote excellence, advancement and improvement across the North of England’s University, Higher Education and FE/Sixth Form sectors.  

The event continues to attract over 400 education professionals from Further and Higher Education institutions from across the North, together with a range of suppliers to the sector including financial institutions, professional services providers, IT and infrastructure providers and construction and property firms.