ABOUT THE CATEGORY: For a person or group who have excelled academically in anyway shown a passion for learning or helped others succeed in their educational journey. This award honours those who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, a passion for knowledge, resilience in overcoming challenges, and a commitment to personal growth. Whether excelling in academics, mastering a skill, or pursuing innovative educational activities, their achievements inspire others and highlight the transformative power of learning.
Find out more about our 2026 winners below.
Chloe Juke's mam recieves her award on her behalf
Winner: Chloe Juke
Chloe is an exceptionally brave and determined young woman who has faced challenges that would overwhelm many. Living with anxiety, autism and anorexia, she began receiving home tuition support while in Year 10. At that time, even being seen by another person caused overwhelming distress, so lessons took place through a doorway - worksheets passed around the door while her tutor taught gently from the hall. Despite this unusual arrangement, Chloe worked hard, stayed engaged and built trust.
As GCSEs approached, she swung between high ambition and deep self-doubt, yet she never stopped trying. With patient encouragement from her mum, grandma and a specially arranged invigilator, she took a huge step by managing face-to-face contact for her exams. Her courage shone through: she achieved outstanding results, including grade 8s in both English Literature and Language, double 5s in Science and a very strong 4 in Maths.
Over the summer, Chloe began reconnecting with friends, welcomed visitors and even invited her tutor in. Now studying A Levels in Psychology, Politics and English, she has already topped her class in an assessment and volunteers weekly at a local church group. From isolation to independence, Chloe's journey is inspiring, hopeful and extraordinary.
Highly commended: Michael Hornsby
Michael's story is one of steady progress, renewed confidence and a young person discovering his strengths for the first time. His early experience in mainstream education was difficult; he struggled to engage, and despite support to sit exams, he left school without qualifications. His confidence was low, his future felt uncertain, and he wasn't sure what direction to take.
Everything changed when his carers arranged a trial with a respected Sunderland tradesman, a Master Fitter specialising in carpets and vinyl. Michael seized this chance with both hands. He attended every day, showed reliability, listened carefully and worked hard to learn new skills. His attitude was so impressive that he was offered a formal apprenticeship - an incredible achievement for a young man who once doubted his abilities.
This opportunity has transformed Michael. He has found a career he genuinely enjoys, and his confidence has grown, his self-worth has flourished, and he now believes in his ability to succeed. Michael has discovered that learning doesn't only happen in classrooms, it thrives through hands on experience, encouragement and perseverance.
This award is sponsored by Sunderland College
This award is sponsored by Sunderland Collage. Sunderland College is one of the largest providers of further and higher education in the North East, offering A‑Levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, T Levels, adult learning and higher education. Part of Education Partnership North East, the region's top‑performing college group, it was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2024.
