Shortlisted nominees announced
The National Education Opportunities Network (NEON) has unveiled the shortlist for its prestigious 2025 Awards, set to take place on Thursday, 5th June at the iconic Palace of Westminster. Hosted by Adam Thompson MP, the ceremony will shine a spotlight on the individuals and initiatives driving forward social mobility and expanding access to higher education across the UK.
Now in its twelfth year, the NEON Awards honour those making a real difference in the field of educational equity. Each year, around 100 nominations are submitted across seven award categories, which include:
– Widening Access Initiative (Outreach) Award
– Widening Access Initiative (Retention and Progression) Award
– Student of the Year Award
– Contribution to Widening Access Award
– Higher Education Institution of the Year Award
– Widening Access Partnership Award
– School or College Widening Access Award
Among the standout nominees are the NEON Student(s) of the Year, celebrating remarkable students who have gone above and beyond to champion access to higher education. Their stories highlight the powerful, transformative impact of widening participation efforts.
More than just an awards ceremony, the NEON Awards aim to elevate the profile of access and participation work within the education sector – encouraging greater recognition, support, and momentum for initiatives that foster a more inclusive and equitable future for all learners.
The shortlisted nominees include:
NEON Contribution to Widening Access Award
Krisha Bainham (University of Derby)
Dr Melanie Bottrill (Imperial College London)
Joni Chase (Kent and Medway Progression Federation)
NEON Higher Education Institution of the Year Award
Northumbria University
The University of Sheffield
University of Kent
NEON School or College Widening Access Award
Foxford School and Community Arts College
Newham Sixth Form
St Thomas More Catholic Academy
NEON Student of the Year Award
Fabian Murray (University of Law)
Nadin Hawwash (The University of Manchester)
Olayemi Abe (Imperial College London)
NEON Widening Access Initiative (Outreach) Award
Future Vet (Harper Adams University, Keele University, Harper and Keele Veterinary School, Higher Horizons)
Jumpstart (University of Leeds)
Curriculum Enhancement Through University Partnership (University of East London)
NEON Widening Access Initiative (Retention and Progression) Award
Contact and Engagement Service (Nottingham Trent University)
Lancaster Success Programme (Lancaster University)
The Plus Programme (University of Leeds)
NEON Widening Access Partnership Award
The University of Sunderland and The Aldrin Family Foundation
University of Derby and Chatsworth House Trust’s Learning and Engagement Team
University of Exeter, Exeter College, Yeovil College, Truro and Penwith College
The University of Sheffield and The Skills Builder
