Students and staff across United Learning joined together to honour the national winners of this year’s Best in Everyone Awards at The Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 

The annual awards celebrate students and staff from across the Group for their exceptional contributions to school and community life. This includes recognition of academic success, accomplishments in sport, music and the arts, and dedication to leadership and service.  

This year, schools carried out their own in-school Best in Everyone awards ceremonies throughout the summer term. Over 1,000 school winners were presented with glass trophies in celebration of their achievements. Standout winners from this highly accomplished group were then put forward as nominees for the national awards. 

Taking home two of the evening’s most prestigious awards were Ruth Robinson and Peter Mulholland, who each received a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their outstanding careers as teachers and school leaders. 

Ruth, who served as Principal of Swindon Academy until February of this year, said: 

“It was a wonderful surprise to be nominated and receive this lifetime award.  It has been a huge privilege to lead Swindon Academy and serve the communities of Penhill and Pinehurst for the past 11 years. I have loved watching our pupils flourish and achieve under the care of an incredible senior leadership team, dedicated teachers and committed support staff..” 

Gisele Kadesire, a student at Sheffield Springs Academy, was named Young Hero of the Year for the work she has done to speak on behalf of young carers and the wider contribution she has made to school life. Speaking of her win, Gisele said: 

“I feel so grateful to have received this award. It is an incredible experience to be at the national awards.” 

As well as a live awards ceremony in Birmingham, videos announcing the winners were posted on United Learning’s Twitter account for peers, colleagues and families at home to enjoy.