Staff and students at United Colleges Group (UCG) are celebrating success in this year’s Pearson National Teaching Awards.
We have been named a Silver Winner for our Transformational Use of Digital Technology and are now in the running for Gold, to be announced later this year.
The award recognises the system we’ve built over the past six years, which guarantees every learner access to the technology they need to be industry-ready for their chosen career.
Highlights include:
Congratulations are also due to UCG’s Dr Azmol Hussain, Teaching Learning & Assessment Development Coach and Naheed Aslam, Business Development Lecturer. Dr Hussain was Highly Commended and Ms Aslam received a Certificate of Achievement in the Awards’ FE Lecturer of the Year category. What a way to kick of National Thank a Teacher Day!
Stephen Davis, CEO and Group Principal of UCG, said:
“Our investment in technology has always been aimed at breaking down barriers to opportunity for our students, and to support them on their learning journey. We believe it is working. We see improved engagement and stronger achievement every day, with students and staff alike feeling more confident and empowered. Today’s award marks a culmination of many years of hard work and I congratulate all our colleagues who’ve worked with such creativity and determination towards it.
“In addition, everyone at UCG is proud of our incredible colleagues, Azmol Hussain and Naheed Aslam, who have been deservedly recognised by the award judges for their work making a clear and impactful difference for our students.”
Davida is a Level 3 Health and Social Care student at our Paddington campus. She said:
“The VR headsets in my Health and Social Care class were such a lifesaver. We got to practice super tough moments, like telling a patient’s daughter that her dad was dying, in a safe space. It meant I could rehearse those difficult conversations again and again until I felt ready. By the time I started my placement, I felt so much more prepared and calm for whatever came my way, even before I stepped into a real hospital.”
Sir Michael Morpurgo, author and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said:
“I am especially proud to congratulate this year’s Silver award winners. In a world that moves quickly and demands so much, you have chosen to invest your time, energy and passion into future generations, and that is something truly worth celebrating.”
Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, said:
“This year’s Silver Winners represent the amazing dedication and brilliant work that goes on in classrooms across the country and we’re delighted to be celebrating them today.”
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
