The IHE Awards are our annual celebration of the innovation, impact and distinctive strengths of independent higher education providers, rewarding quality across the full breadth of IHE Member activity.
We received some exemplary entries this year, and those shortlisted showcase how IHE Members are responding to some of the most significant opportunities and challenges facing higher education today.
We are grateful to our awards sponsors – Anderson Quigley, Coole Insight, evasys Student Experience Intelligence, Pearson, SEER and UCAS – for choosing to champion the outstanding work of our members through their generous partnerships and support.
Our thanks also go to our independent panel of 19 judges, drawn from across the higher education community and supporting organisations, for dedicating their time and expertise to reviewing this year's nominations.
IHE Awards 2026
Award categories: Member institutions
EMPOWERING STUDENT VOICE
Recognising IHE Members who are empowering students to use their voice to effect change and make a positive difference, either in their institution or the wider community.
SHORTLISTED
During Futureworks’ transition from 18 years with UCLan to a new validating partnership with The Open University, we placed student voice at the heart of every stage of change. Students were not simply consulted; they became genuine partners in planning, decision-making and implementation. Through Student Partners, open forums, steering groups and roundtable discussions, students directly influenced programme design, academic regulations, learning resources and support services. Their contribution was recognised by The Open University, resulting in a commendation during the approval process. Most importantly, this work created a lasting culture of partnership, demonstrating that students can actively shape institutional strategy and the future of higher education.
Study Group puts student voice at the heart of decision-making, giving students meaningful opportunities to shape their experience, influence policy and create change. Students have helped develop initiatives including the Student Assistance Programme, influenced Study Group’s AI policy and played a role in shaping its Academic Strategy. Representation is embedded from International Study Centre level through to Council and Senate, supported by Student Advisory Boards and an inclusive student representative scheme designed to bring diverse voices into decision-making. This approach is reflected in student feedback, with Study Group’s most recent student voice survey achieving 82% satisfaction, compared with a 77% national benchmark.
Kindly sponsored by
GLOBAL GRADUATES
Recognising IHE Members who are embedding global skills, perspectives and experiences into their UK programmes to produce world-ready graduates.
Kindly sponsored by
SHORTLISTED
Through ESCP's integrated multi-campus model, students study in at least two countries, learning in multicultural teams while tackling real-world business challenges through consultancy projects, internships and industry-led live case studies. In London, ESCP hosts over 1,250 students from 80+ nationalities, encouraging different market and cultural perspectives to co-create their learning experience. Supported by 150 university partners across 50 countries, internationally diverse faculty and engagement with global employers from day one, ESCP prepares graduates for careers without borders, as evidenced by 34% of MIM graduates working outside their home country and 92% of MBA graduates working in an international environment.
Global Institute of Sport (GIS)
GIS prepares students for international careers through stadium campuses across three continents, global industry partnerships and practical learning experiences. With students from over 50 countries, GIS connects its global community through shared guest speaker sessions, Global Sports Summits and mentorship, providing access to expertise from across international sport. Students also benefit from fully funded internships in Jamaica and paid opportunities in the USA. Regional Industry Advisory Boards help keep learning aligned with global workforce needs, while GIS's international industry connections were recognised by SportBusiness, which ranked GIS #1 globally for industry network in 2025.
SP Jain London School of Management
SP Jain London School of Management champions global employability by embedding international mobility and cross-cultural learning into its degree programmes. Through interconnected campuses in London, Dubai, Singapore and Sydney, alongside an innovative online learning platform (ELO), students gain exposure to diverse business environments, cultures and international career opportunities. The Professional Readiness Programme and international internships further develop the skills, confidence and adaptability needed to succeed across borders. By connecting academic learning with practical industry experience and engagement with global employers, SP Jain prepares globally minded graduates to navigate diverse labour markets, embrace international opportunities and build successful careers in an increasingly interconnected world.
INDUSTRY COLLABORATION
Recognising IHE Members who demonstrate innovative, strategic and sustainable approaches to building and maintaining links with industry.
INSPIRING COURSE
Recognising IHE Members who are transforming the learning experience of students and delivering impact through innovative course design, content and delivery.
SHORTLISTED
ICMP - Institute of Contemporary Music Performance
ICMP’s MA Vocal Studies reimagines contemporary vocal education by placing each student’s unique voice at its centre. Through inclusive, evidence-informed teaching, students explore connections between voice, body, story and communication, drawing on vocal science, psychology and creative practice. Expert contributors reflect the breadth of today’s profession, while practice-led research invites students to question assumptions and develop original approaches. Graduates become adaptable, ethical professionals working across diverse contexts. Their research shapes practice internationally, including culturally authentic Gospel Vocal Practice in London choirs, Female Vocal Leadership in Germany, and Embodied Vocal Coaching in universities in India. Students are encouraged to think curiously, question deeply, research widely and lead passionately, helping make vocal practice more sustainable and human.
Kindly sponsored by
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP
Recognising IHE Members who have developed inspiring collaborations with education, community or industry partners outside the UK that deliver meaningful impact.
SHORTLISTED
ICMP - Institute of Contemporary Music Performance
The ICMP London and Belmont University Nashville partnership is now entering its fifteenth year. In involves a transformational trip each spring to a unique festival called ‘Tin Pan South’, where students from the UK and USA are brought together to share in their passion for song craft. Whilst in Nashville, ICMP students have played at internationally famous venues, met the world’s top songwriters, and even written hit songs which launched their careers.
Richmond American University London
Richmond American University London (RAUL) established a partnership with China Education Group (CEG), one of the largest, private higher education providers in China, in 2021 after identifying a clear shared opportunity. CEG was seeking a trusted UK higher education partner to provide access to high-quality transnational education and internationally recognised qualifications for its students. RAUL was seeking to develop sustainable international partnerships that would widen educational access, strengthen global engagement and support our long-term strategic development. By bringing together these complementary priorities, a partnership was forged based on shared values and a commitment to delivering an outstanding student experience with globally employable graduates.
Kindly sponsored by
SOCIAL IMPACT
Recognising IHE Members who show strong leadership through practical, evidence-based initiatives.
SHORTLISTED
At ESCP's London Campus, sustainability and social impact are integral to teaching, operations and community engagement. The School is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 55% by 2030, embedding sustainability education across all programmes and working with local communities and businesses on sustainability-driven initiatives. ESCP's annual Social Impact & Sustainability Festival connects students directly with industry partners, with 95% of surveyed students in 2026 reporting new perspectives on sustainability and responsible leadership. Beyond the Festival, recent partnerships with Think & Do London, Depaul UK and Camden Council have supported local biodiversity, young people experiencing homelessness and local youth wellbeing.
Institute for Equity, University Centre
The Institute for Equity, University Centre is shortlisted for driving systemic change in equity, diversity and inclusion across education and public services. Through its Inclusive Curriculum Framework Inventory (ICFI©), sector-leading research, training and institutional support, the Institute has helped organisations create fairer and more inclusive learning environments, strengthen governance structures, improve workplace cultures, and enhance outcomes for learners and communities.
SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS
Recognising IHE Members who take proactive approaches to supporting students throughout the student journey.
SHORTLISTED
3SC's Neurodiversity Coaching Programme supports apprenticeship learners with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, dyspraxia and other neurodiverse needs to overcome barriers and achieve success. Delivered through specialist one-to-one coaching, the programme provides personalised strategies tailored to each learner's apprenticeship, workplace and individual circumstances. Support includes organisation, time management, confidence building, study skills, self-advocacy and assistive technology. To date, 80 apprentices have benefited from the intervention, with internal data showing learners receiving coaching outperforming their peers by 35%. The programme empowers learners to develop independence, confidence and lifelong strategies that support achievement, progression and future employment.
University of the Built Environment
The Integrated Retention Intervention Programme (IRIP) reflects the University of the Built Environment's commitment to ensuring that the flexibility of online learning does not mean isolation. By combining learning analytics with proactive, personalised interventions, IRIP identifies students who may be struggling and connects them with support before challenges become barriers to success. Designed for an online community of predominantly mature, working and part-time learners, IRIP has significantly improved engagement, retention and achievement. Beyond the data, IRIP demonstrates the impact of a whole-university commitment to student success, bringing academic and professional services teams together to help students overcome barriers, build confidence and achieve their goals.
Kindly sponsored by
TECHNOLOGY ENHANCED LEARNING
Recognising IHE Members who are evolving their use of technology to enhance the learner experience.
SHORTLISTED
ESCP is transforming technology enhanced learning through innovative digital delivery and responsible AI integration. As the first European partner of OpenAI to deploy ChatGPT Edu at scale, ESCP has expanded access to over 10,500 users across six campuses, supported by institution-wide AI literacy training and 200+ innovation projects. In London, faculty developed personalised AI learning companions, including a collaborative AI team member in Entrepreneurship, where 94% of students reported significantly increased understanding, and a Socratic AI tutor for French language learning, where average final examination scores increased from 60% in the pre-intervention 2023/24 cohort to 76% in 2025/26.
The National Design Academy's AI for Interior Design (AI 4 ID) course introduces students to the practical, creative and ethical applications of artificial intelligence within contemporary interior design. Developed to complement traditional design education and established digital software training, the course demonstrates how emerging technologies can enhance creativity, streamline workflows and strengthen professional capabilities. Through practical demonstrations and industry-focused teaching, students learn to integrate AI responsibly into their design processes whilst retaining essential creative and technical skills. The initiative reflects NDA's commitment to innovation, accessibility and preparing students for an increasingly technology-driven professional design industry.
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE IHE COMMUNITY (PROVIDER)
This award IHE member institutions at an organisational level that have demonstrated a strong commitment to the IHE community and actively supported our work as a representative body.
There is no shortlist for this category. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony.
Award categories: Individual
RISING STAR
Recognising individuals whose sustained engagement, collaborative spirit and growing influence within the IHE community enrich member experience and support the practical delivery of IHE’s work.
SHORTLISTED
Hannah Collins | Finance Director, AD Education UK
Mike Speight | Executive Director, Strategic Enterprise, University of the Built Environment
This award recognises individuals whose leadership, advocacy, and long-term commitment have made a transformative impact on the IHE community and its role in the wider higher education sector, leaving a lasting legacy.
There is no shortlist for this category. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony.