Expert judging panel revealed for the 2025 Aspiration Awards

An impressive panel of education, skills, and media leaders has been assembled to judge the 2025 Aspiration Awards – a national celebration of those doing exceptional things in education. 

Created by leading educational charity NCFE, the Aspiration Awards are now in their eighth year and aim to honour the outstanding achievements of learners, apprentices, educators, and institutions across the UK. 

This year’s judging panel sees some of the most respected figures within further education, including Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL, Dr. Katerina Kolyva, CEO of the Education and Training Foundation, Emily Rock, CEO of the Association of Apprentices, Ben Rowland, CEO of AELP, and Catherine Sezen, Director of Education Policy at AoC.  

Their collective expertise spans key areas of apprenticeships, policy, and training, ensuring a well-rounded perspective in the judging process. 

Adding further depth to the panel are national journalists and broadcasters, including Anna Fazackerley, Education Journalist for The Guardian and Observer, Jane Hamilton, Journalist at The Times and The Sun, and Jojo Silva, Presenter at Capital Radio. Their collective experience in storytelling and media will help bring attention to the most inspiring achievements of this year’s nominees. 

David Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer of NCFE, said: “We are truly honoured to have such an esteemed and diverse panel of judges for this year’s Aspiration Awards. Their collective wealth of experience reflects the far-reaching impact of further education, showcasing the significance of celebrating those who go above and beyond in their contributions to the sector. 

“As we continue to recognise and reward the most deserving individuals and organisations, the dedication to education and expertise of our judges will play a vital role in supporting NCFE to shine a spotlight on the awards and their winners.” 

This year will also see the addition of a special, one-off award in celebration of the 80th anniversary of CACHE qualifications in 2025. The CACHE Outstanding Achievement award will celebrate learners, educators and frontline workers in education and early years and health and social care who have gone above and beyond to help others, found new and innovative ways of working, or shown incredible dedication to their profession. 

The full list of judges for each category at the 2025 Aspiration Awards includes: 

Against All Odds 

• Charlotte Jones, Project Manager, Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network 

• Gavin O’Meara, CEO and Founder, FE News 

• Helen Ketteringham, Chief People Officer, NCFE 

• Isha Sachdeva, Head of Research and Insight, NCFE 

Apprentice of the Year 

• Kasim Choudhry, Multicultural Apprenticeship & Enterprise Ambassador for Pathway Group 

• Jane Hamilton, Journalist, The Times/The Sun 

• Emily Rock, CEO, Association of Apprentices 

• Leanne Poole, Head of EPA, NCFE 

Centre of the Year 

• Alice Eardley, Interim CEO, Get Further 

• Anna Fazackerley, Education Journalist, Guardian and Observer 

• Mahreen Ferdous, Project and Partnerships Manager, Ufi VocTech Trust 

• Michael Lemin, Head of Policy, NCFE 

Educator of the Year 

• Dr. Katerina Kolyva, CEO, Education Training Foundation 

• Parisa Shirazi, Director of Standards, WorldSkills UK 

• Andria Zafirakou MBE, Arts and Textile Teacher, Alperton Community School 

• Dr. Rebecca Conway, Director of Research and Innovation, NCFE 

Learner of the Year 

• Rachel Johnson, CEO, PiXL 

• Ben Rowland, CEO, AELP 

• Catherine Sezen, Director of Education Policy, AoC 

• Jojo Silva, presenter, Capital Radio 

• David Gallagher, CEO, NCFE 

Support Staff of the Year 

• Shane Chowen, Editor, FE Week 

• Andrew Foster, Director of Programmes and Impact, Newcastle United Foundation 

• Vic Goddard, Exec-Principal, Passmores Academy 

• Jacqui Jones, Head of Operations and Governance, The Exams Office 

• Brian Queen, Head of Customer Support, NCFE 

Nominations for the 2025 Aspiration Awards are open until Friday 21 February.