Aimhigher London is delighted to announce the winners of the 2026 Practitioner Awards.
These awards celebrate not only excellence in the past year, but the sustained commitment, collaboration and innovation that underpin our shared mission.
Explore the winners stories below
Caitlin is an exceptional and passionate practitioner who responds and innovates to meet student needs large and small. She responds to every request with creativity and positivity and always goes the extra mile to ensure that students from every key stage have the opportunity to learn about higher education and be inspired to succeed.
“I’m always happy to go the extra mile because our partnership makes a real difference for young people, it’s such important work and it’s a pleasure working with Aimhigher London staff and supporting students through these opportunities.”
With thanks to: Caitlin Atha, Student Recruitment Coordinator
The Quest Academy model best practice and work hard to engage every key stage in our work. They are particularly inclusive of those with learning differences and are unfailingly ambitious for their success. Their engagement includes both on-campus and in-school events and they consistently embody the values of widening participation and accessibility.
“The experiences our students have had this year have been incomparable, when they go to the events, they always come back wanting more! We would not be this position without Aimhigher London’s support.”
With thanks to Josh Henry, Assistant Principal and Melba D’Mello – Deputy SENDCo, The Quest
Frankie is a regular ambassador on our events, including at her former school (Quest), she’s contributed to our careers webinar online and provided an inspirational video. She has also supported multiple campus visits, including residentials, and is always popular with students from our partner schools.
“It feels like a full-circle moment, going from being supported by Aimhigher London to inspiring future students through my own journey.”
Heps contributed to our Careers in Law and to our parents’ webinars this year and has supported learners at multiple Aimhigher London and St Mary’s taster days. Evaluations have demonstrated the impact she’s made on the learners. She embodies making higher education accessible to all.
“I believe every young person should have the opportunity to access higher education, regardless of their circumstances. It’s an honour to work with Aimhigher London and support such important work.”
Meg is dedicated to ensuring access for all through collaborative programmes with Aimhigher London, in particular hosting the 2026 Care-Experienced Student Advisers conference, and previous similar events. She is a regular attendee at the Care Experience Working Group, generously sharing higher education knowledge and expertise to benefit care experience local authority practitioners and young people with experience of care.
“It is a privilege to work alongside Aimhigher London, supporting learning with SEND and experience of care, together we are committed to ensuring every young person has access to opportunities and support to succeed.”
With thanks: Megan Andersson-Bastable, Access and Participation Manager
The widening participation team at St Mary’s are constantly evolving and innovating to meet student’ needs. This year alone, among many other events, they developed an exceptional Shakespeare workshop and multiple innovative holiday projects. They are a valued partner and a dedicated, inclusive and creative team, committed to furthering the ideals of fair access.
“We are proud to work with Aimhigher London to create innovative opportunities that engage, inspire and support young people.”
With thanks to: Nancy Bentley, Widening Participation & Outreach Manager, Mandip Birk, Senior Widening Participation & Outreach Officer and Megan Simmons, Widening Participation & Outreach Officer
Roehampton University are extremely responsive to collaboration with us and other partners throughout the whole year for large and small events. They are always willing to collaborate to meet students’ needs, for instance, partnering with us and the Become charity to deliver an introduction day for care experienced young people.
“Working together creates valuable opportunities for young people, and it is wonderful to have that partnership recognised.”
With thanks to: Marilyn Holness OBE, Dean of Students and Caitlin Atha, Student Recruitment Coordinator
Tracey has provided outstanding support to Aimhigher London, enabling care-experienced learners to access programmes and opportunities and sharing best practice. Through leadership of the Care Experienced Working Group, Tracey demonstrates unwavering commitment to equity and widening participation.
“I’ve always been excited to work with Aimhigher to promote access to higher education because it’s something I believe passionately in.”
With thanks to: Penelope Ward Office Manager Virtual School, Lisa Mash Administrator Virtual School and Tracey Lewis, Advisory Teacher, Lead for Post 16
The University of Roehampton is an exceptional partner, consistently responding with positivity and supporting schools through campus visits, webinars and academic engagement across faculties. Their sustained commitment to equity and widening participation sets a leading standard.
“Widening participation is at the heart of what we do and working with Aimhigher allows us to be part of something bigger than ourselves. The difference we make together is evident in the success of the students we support.”
With thanks to: Professor Jean-Noël Ezingeard, Vice-Chancellor, Marilyn Holness OBE, Dean of Students, Caitlin Atha, Student Recruitment Coordinator, Esther Ivens, Student Recruitment Manager and Nimrah Butt, Head of UK Recruitment
Ricards Lodge High School ensures every key stage accesses Aimhigher London opportunities, from multi-institution taster days on campus, to in-school engagement with academics and ambassadors. They consistently model best practice, high ambition for all students and a deep commitment to widening participation.
“This award reflects the commitment of our school team and our partnership with Aimhigher London to creating opportunities and raising aspirations for every student.”
With thanks to: Kate Page, Head Teacher, Henrike Wilford, Assistant Head Teacher and Jitka Zenatova, Pupil Premium Enrichment Lead
Congratulations to all our award nominees who include: Mandip Birk, Amandeep Phull, Alison Pigott, Mairead Watson, Melba D’Mello, St Mary’s University, University of West London, Goldsmiths University, Roehampton University, Carshalton Boys Sports College, Greenford High School,
Interested in working with Aimhigher London – get in touch to be part of next year’s success.
Our learners are at the heart of our work, following their stories through school, college, university and into the world of work demonstrates the impact engagement with Aimhigher London events can have on the young people we have met over the years. There are so many stories to share, here is a small selection.
Many Aimhigher London learners go on to become Student Ambassadors, supporting the next generation of students to discover, explore and navigate university. Sharing stories and advice based on their own lived experiences.
Your Future, Your London, a creative opportunity for young people with experience of the care system across London to share what the future means to them – in their own ways.
Your future might feel exciting. It might feel uncertain. It might be full of plans or still taking shape. However it looks or feels, your perspective matters.
What is it?
Your experiences, ideas, ambitions are unique to you. This is the opportunity to: Share your vision through a photograph, taken by you
It could be: a dream, a goal, a place or feeling.
How your work will be valued: Every entry will be treated with care, respect and appreciation.
We want to celebrate what matters to you!
This is not about professional skill or having the “best” technique. What matters is that your work reflects you.
The competition is now closed – winners to be announced here very soon!
