Hull College is celebrating national recognition after taking home two major awards at the 2025 Educate North Awards in Manchester earlier this month.
Now in their 11th year, the Educate North Awards shine a spotlight on excellence and innovation in education across the North of England. Hull College was proud to receive both the Sustainable Green Initiative Award and the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Award, having also been shortlisted in four other categories.
The awards ceremony, hosted by Good Morning Britain’s Ranvir Singh, brought together leading voices from across the education sector for a night of recognition and celebration.
Sustainability at the Forefront
Hull College’s win in the Sustainable Green Initiative Award category was thanks to its ambitious ‘Rising Tides, Rising Minds’ project. The initiative has trained over 2,650 students and 200 staff while working with more than 100 businesses to boost green skills in the region.
Judges praised the college’s commitment to sustainability, describing the project as a strong example of impact delivered in a region facing economic and environmental challenges. The development of a Green Energy Laboratory and a deep focus on green skills helped the college stand out.
Nick Marshall, Head of Department at the Institute of Digital and Advanced Manufacturing, said:
“Sustainability isn’t a bolt-on at Hull College — it’s part of who we are. This award reflects the dedication of everyone involved in the project, and we’re proud to be playing a leading role in building a greener future.”
Championing Inclusion Through Innovation
Hull College also earned the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Award for its ‘Silent Voices, Vivid Stories’ project — a digital storytelling platform created with the help of AI to highlight the lives and experiences of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students.
Judges described the project as an “ambitious and profound” approach to supporting underrepresented voices through creative means.
Tina Lynam, Head of Department at the Institute of Adult Foundation Skills, said:
“This project gave our ESOL students a powerful space to share their journeys. It’s about human connection and empowerment, and this recognition reinforces the importance of inclusive education.”
Celebrating a Broader Impact
Hull College was also shortlisted for four other categories: Campaign of the Year, Community Engagement Award (HE/FE Sector), Inclusion Award, and Leadership and Innovation Award, as well as the coveted FE College of the Year.
Principal and CEO Debra Gray MBE said:
“This is a proud moment for everyone at Hull College. These awards honour the dedication of our staff, the creativity of our students, and the inclusive, sustainable values that define our college. We are proud to be Hullraisers — fearless, driven, and ready to rise.”
