THE 2020 HEIST AWARDS WINNERS
1. Best Undergraduate Student Recruitment CampaigN
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Birmingham City University I AM BCU
Hartpury University The Heart of Hartpury Equine
Leeds Beckett University Clearing: A Student First Approach
London South Bank University LSBU Clearing 2019: Get What's Yours
Loughborough University LU - 2019 Clearing Campaign
Staffordshire University We See Your Potential: 2019 Clearing Campaign
Swansea University Swansea Uni Student Recruitment Campaign
University of Bradford This is Bradford
University of East London #BetheNext Recruitment Campaign
University of Greenwich Clearing 2019 - A Smarter Clearing Campaign
THE WINNERS
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Leeds Beckett University Clearing: A Student First Approach
The Judges Comments: “A campaign based on real world insight and a great focus on student needs and content, alongside slick technology and user experience to deliver excellent results. The team have clearly invested a lot of time into their Clearing strategy, and it's paid off massively.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Staffordshire University We See Your Potential: 2019 Clearing Campaign
The Judges Comments: “A well-executed and well-considered clearing campaign, that took into account the genuine challenges faced within a competitive landscape and used this to fuel a new way of positioning Staffordshire University. It was clear to the judges that a lot of work went into this campaign, which drove impressive results and made for a particularly compelling entry.”
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
Hartpury University The Heart of Hartpury Equine
The Judges Comments: “Hartpury University stood out to the judges for demonstrating great strategic thinking and excellent creativity with this entry, which delivered extremely positive results for them that have been transformational for the institution. Brilliant stuff, Hartpury!”
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Birmingham City University I AM BCU
The Judges Comments: “A simple and powerful campaign, the judges loved the genuine authenticity behind this campaign that focused on the stories of real students and generated a great sense of pride in the process.”
HIGHLY COMMENDED
University of East London #BetheNext Recruitment Campaign
The Judges Comments: “This was a multi-faceted, powerful campaign that cut through a competitive space. It drove incredible results with conversions up 330%, showing the strength of the #BeTheNext message.”
2. Best Postgraduate Student Recruitment Campaign
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Edinburgh Napier University Thinking Differently About Teaching
Henley Business School Henley Postgraduate Recruitment Campaign
Queen's University Belfast QUB - A fully integrated approach to PGR Recruitment
Ulster University Best Postgraduate Recruitment Campaign
University of Aberdeen See Law From Different Perspectives
University of Sunderland Take Your Next Step
THE WINNERS
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Henley Business School Henley Postgraduate Recruitment Campaign
The Judges Comments: “This is a memorable and stand-out campaign.
Henley Business School used bold, original and clever creative to appeal to their target audience and it paid off.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
University of Aberdeen See Law From Different Perspectives
The Judges Comments: “A well-executed and solid integrated campaign, with strong design and a clear narrative which captures the imagination of staff and students and aligned perfectly with the values of the school.”
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
Queen's University Belfast QUB - A fully integrated approach to PGR Recruitment
The Judges Comments: “The judges were impressed with Queen's University Belfast for undertaking a mammoth, labour intensive task to deliver a campaign that has driven exceptional results.”
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Henley Business School Henley Postgraduate Recruitment Campaign
The Judges Comments: “This is a memorable and stand-out campaign.
Henley Business School used bold, original and clever creative to appeal to their target audience and it paid off.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
University of Aberdeen See Law From Different Perspectives
The Judges Comments: “A well-executed and solid integrated campaign, with strong design and a clear narrative which captures the imagination of staff and students and aligned perfectly with the values of the school.”
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
Queen's University Belfast QUB - A fully integrated approach to PGR Recruitment
The Judges Comments: “The judges were impressed with Queen's University Belfast for undertaking a mammoth, labour intensive task to deliver a campaign that has driven exceptional results.”
3. Best International Student Recruitment Campaign
THE SHORTLIST
Edinburgh Napier University January Recruitment Campaign
Leeds Beckett University Getting Personal: International Student Recruitment
Edinburgh Napier University January Recruitment Campaign
Leeds Beckett University Getting Personal: International Student Recruitment
THE WINNER
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Leeds Beckett University Getting Personal: International Student Recruitment
The Judges Comments: “This was a stonking campaign, UX focused with significant integration and an emphasis on personalisation. The ROI for this campaign is outstanding.”
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Leeds Beckett University Getting Personal: International Student Recruitment
The Judges Comments: “This was a stonking campaign, UX focused with significant integration and an emphasis on personalisation. The ROI for this campaign is outstanding.”
4. Best Use of Content, Social or Digital
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Kaplan International Pathways Global Brand Awareness Campaign
Leeds Beckett University Building the Beckett Community through Sport
Middlesex University Clearing & Confirmation 2019 Campaign
Nottingham Trent University NTU Virtual Tour
Swansea University Exploring Global Problems
University of Bradford This is Bradford
University of Glasgow Empowering Young Scientists
THE WINNERS
GOLD AWARD WINNER
University of Glasgow Empowering Young Scientists
The Judges Comments: “An exemplary project that tells a fantastic story, University of Glasgow's 'Empowering Young Scientists' campaign took a gift of a story and capitalised on it magnificently. Starting with a great imaginative goal, based on great knowledge of their product and students, this campaign delivers high quality content throughout.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Kaplan International Pathways Global Brand Awareness Campaign
The Judges Comments: “An innovative campaign built on personalisation, gamification and interactivity which has delivered considered results, from an impressive 43% increase in enrolments to enhanced brand awareness. A truly great job backed up with social.”
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
Leeds Beckett University Building the Beckett Community through Sport
The Judges Comments: “An entry where the passion bursts through the description - this was a really well thought out, researched campaign with many strands and different types of content to achieve the goal. The judges particularly liked the use of giphs, the strong narrative and the innovative social media approach.”
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Swansea University Exploring Global Problems
The Judges Comments: “The judges commended Swansea University for creating an interesting podcast series and for their joined-up approach across content, brand and communications techniques. This was a very solid entry using an emerging innovative channel to achieve solid ROI and outcomes for the University that will continue to pay off.”
5. Best Brand/Reputation Campaign
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Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group Take a Fresh Look at Stafford College
Swansea University Exploring Global Problems
University of Chichester University of Chichester Rebrand
University of East Anglia Thinking Without Borders
University of Stirling Game. Set. Match. Stirling.
THE WINNERS
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group Take a Fresh Look at Stafford College
The Judges Comments: “With this campaign, the college was very clear on what they wanted to achieve. They overcame a negative situation and turned it around extremely effectively, with a new team that had come together for the first time during the year. That’s why judges felt this entry was this year’s very worthy gold winner.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Swansea University Exploring Global Problems
The Judges Comments: “A well written submission with a very detailed plan, Swansea University demonstrated robust evidence in how this piece of work benefitted their institution.”
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
University of East Anglia Thinking Without Borders
The Judges Comments: “This entry demonstrated an imaginative approach. It was an authentic and impactful extension of something they already had in place. Building on existing successes, they clearly showed they were able to take things new level with real impact.”
HIGHLY COMMENDED
University of Stirling Game. Set. Match. Stirling.
The Judges Comments: “University of Stirling set themselves apart form the pack by using their sport team excellence, coupled with impressive external engagement and speed of execution.”
6. Best Open Day Experience
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New College Durham Support Services Open Day
Royal Academy of Dance RAD - Open Day Experience
University of East Anglia This is UEA
University of Sunderland The Moment You Found Your Future
THE WINNERS
GOLD AWARD WINNER
New College Durham Support Services Open Day
The Judges Comments: “The judges thought this was a standout entry. New College Durham took on a difficult issue and handled it with great sensitivity. The judges were moved by the approach the college took.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
University of Sunderland The Moment You Found Your Future
The Judges Comments: “The judges were particularly impressed by how the University of Sunderland used previous feedback to shape improvements and inform their SMART objectives, which they followed through and ultimately delivered against.”
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
University of East Anglia This is UEA
The Judges Comments: “The jury was pleased to see a lot of attention was given to feedback from previous attendants. The judges were impressed by the amount of student involvement and creativity, and the University’s willingness to try new ideas.”
7. Best Widening Participation Initiative
THE SHORTLIST
Bournemouth University Books and Stories
Leeds Beckett University UJIMA Residential Project
University of East Anglia Box of Wonders Campaign
University of East Anglia Future Stars
University of Plymouth Travel Bursary
Bournemouth University Books and Stories
Leeds Beckett University UJIMA Residential Project
University of East Anglia Box of Wonders Campaign
University of East Anglia Future Stars
University of Plymouth Travel Bursary
THE WINNERS
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Leeds Beckett University UJIMA Residential Project
The Judges Comments: “This is a great initiative which goes to the heart of the mission of the sector - to transform lives through education. The ROI is beyond financial gain and given the number of years the programme has been running, it will have had a significant impact on many young people's lives.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
University of East Anglia Box of Wonders Campaign
The Judges Comments: “Not only is the Box of Wonders a novel idea, but this was a well planned campaign with increasingly focussed messaging as students moved through the funnel, backed up by an impactful look on social media.”
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
University of East Anglia Future Stars
The Judges Comments: “Future Stars is a brilliant campaign with clear branding, supported with a well-written entry which shows a demonstrable impact on attainment. The judges were particularly impressed with such an early engagement strategy which should yield good financial ROI once those young people begin to go to University.”
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Bournemouth University Books and Stories
The Judges Comments: “The judges thought this was an excellent and inspirational initiative with demonstrable outcomes that will have a lasting impact on individual's lives. Well done Bournemouth University - keep up the amazing and impactful work.”
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Leeds Beckett University UJIMA Residential Project
The Judges Comments: “This is a great initiative which goes to the heart of the mission of the sector - to transform lives through education. The ROI is beyond financial gain and given the number of years the programme has been running, it will have had a significant impact on many young people's lives.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
University of East Anglia Box of Wonders Campaign
The Judges Comments: “Not only is the Box of Wonders a novel idea, but this was a well planned campaign with increasingly focussed messaging as students moved through the funnel, backed up by an impactful look on social media.”
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
University of East Anglia Future Stars
The Judges Comments: “Future Stars is a brilliant campaign with clear branding, supported with a well-written entry which shows a demonstrable impact on attainment. The judges were particularly impressed with such an early engagement strategy which should yield good financial ROI once those young people begin to go to University.”
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Bournemouth University Books and Stories
The Judges Comments: “The judges thought this was an excellent and inspirational initiative with demonstrable outcomes that will have a lasting impact on individual's lives. Well done Bournemouth University - keep up the amazing and impactful work.”
8. Best Use of Data and Insight
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Newcastle University Unibuddy Content Development Project
Queen's University Belfast China in-market insight trip
Swansea University Swansea University Personas
University of Bradford This is Bradford
University of East Anglia Adventures in Data Wonderland
University of Salford Clearing Campaign 2019
Newcastle University Unibuddy Content Development Project
Queen's University Belfast China in-market insight trip
Swansea University Swansea University Personas
University of Bradford This is Bradford
University of East Anglia Adventures in Data Wonderland
University of Salford Clearing Campaign 2019
THE WINNERS
GOLD AWARD WINNER
University of East Anglia Adventures in Data Wonderland
The Judges Comments: “The use of data and understanding market trends and targeting advertising was really effective and delivered excellent results. The judges felt this demonstrated fantastic professional practice.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Newcastle University Unibuddy Content Development Project
The Judges Comments: “A fascinating use of data and insight to create useful, informative content to help support the student journey. An excellent student first approach that the judges loved.”
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
Queen's University Belfast China in-market insight trip
The Judges Comments: “Through adversity, Queen's University Belfast developed an innovative approach to gaining insights which ultimately led to a transformative approach to tackling the Chinese market. The judges noted this as a fantastic example of how detailed market research, qualitative analysis and data gathering can be used to have a great, direct impact on recruitment activities.”
9. Best Community/Business Engagement Campaign or Initiative
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Leeds Beckett University Leeds International Festival
Manchester Metropolitan University Haunt Manchester
University of Portsmouth Portsmouth Football Club Sponsorship
University of Strathclyde Glasgow City Innovation District
THE WINNERS
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Manchester Metropolitan University Haunt Manchester
The Judges Comments: “The judges applauded Manchester Metropolitan University for the imaginative haunted collaboration with Visit Manchester, which linked popular culture to the institution's academic offerings and community commerce, and provided a good link to the city and tourism strategy. An interesting use of research linked to the city’s heritage.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Leeds Beckett University Leeds International Festival
The Judges Comments: “This was an excellent initiative to grow the brand of Leeds Beckett University in the local community and crucially, is an initiative undertaken based on rigorous research. This was an ambitious project, but was so well planned and thought through, it achieved it's goals.”
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
University of Portsmouth Portsmouth Football Club Sponsorship
The Judges Comments: “A true partnership that went beyond a logo on a t-shirt, this was a collaborative and inclusive effort for both organisations, who worked together on unique projects and focused on widening participation communities. A truly great initiative with mutual benefits.”
10. Best Alumni Initiative
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Leeds Beckett University Alumni at Graduation 2019
London South Bank University LSBU Alumni-No Barriers to Brilliance
Loughborough University #LboroMemories
University of Aberdeen From Aberdeen to…
THE WINNERS
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Loughborough University #LboroMemories
The Judges Comments: “Loughborough University's #LboroMemories campaign is a well-structured and executed campaign that played to the strengths of nostalgia, delivered significant new user generated content and engagement and delivered a lot on a low budget. Well done Loughborough.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Leeds Beckett University Alumni at Graduation 2019
The Judges Comments: “A stand out entry in this category, it was clear to the judges that the branding and messaging the alumni team used for this campaign had a great deal of resonance with their audience. They were particularly impressed by the use of stage clips and felt the campaign brought together alumni engagement and community recognition to deliver a really nice campaign with strong ROI.”
11. Best Student Engagement Campaign or Initiative
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Aston University MyAston App
Edinburgh Napier University Garden of Growth
Edinburgh Napier University Wellbeing & Inclusion Campaign
Leeds Beckett University Enrol Campaign
University of Glasgow #TeamUofG
The University of Manchester Give-Six Ways to Wellbeing
THE WINNERS
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Edinburgh Napier University Wellbeing & Inclusion Campaign
The Judges Comments: “This was a brilliantly executed campaign with clear objectives, compelling and dramatic creative and a strong partnership with the student support services which resulted in a memorable, eye-catching and impactful campaign that spoke directly to students and most importantly, made a real difference to their lives.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
The University of Manchester Give-Six Ways to Wellbeing
The Judges Comments: “A delightful and thoughtful campaign that lifts the soul. The judges complimented The University of Manchester for producing a really positive campaign that captured the essence of community and brought together the whole university to address the key issue of student mental health and wellbeing in a unique way, and spread the message of kindness in the process.”
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
Aston University MyAston App
The Judges Comments: “The judges applauded Aston University for making good use of student feedback to shape a great app that certainly made students lives easier. Together with excellent functionality and a student first approach, this merged academic considerations with life around learning that will have long-lasting benefits of practical value to students.”
12. Best Undergraduate Prospectus
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Birmingham City University
Leeds Beckett University
Loughborough University
Newman University
Swansea University
University of Stirling
THE WINNERS
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Swansea University
The Judges Comments: “The judges were particularly impressed by Swansea University's bold and controversial decision to remove the Vice Chanellor's Welcome from their prospectus, and felt the considerable dedication to the prospectus was reflected in the eventual design of the document.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Loughborough University
The Judges Comments: “This prospectus combined brave and contemporary design, backed by research, to appeal to the target audience. With clear and measurable objectives, the judges felt this was a polished submission that met and exceeded it's goals.”
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
Newman University
The Judges Comments: “A strong design, built on market research integrating an online and offline approach. Newman University's prospectus has delivered ROI and savings too, and gives a strong sense of an institution catering for students from non-traditional backgrounds and those who may prefer a more supportive environment.”
13. Best Postgraduate or Specialist Institution Prospectus
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Camberwell, Chelsea & Wimbledon College of Arts
Central Saint Martins - University of the Arts London
Royal Academy of Dance
Royal Northern College of Music
University of Glasgow
University of Stirling
THE WINNERS
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London
The Judges Comments: “This entry pushed the boundaries of the genre effortlessly. The outstanding use of visuals conveys excitement and remains true to its brand throughout. An outstanding submission, well-written with a clear plan, well-executed and strong ROI outcomes. Top work – others can learn much from it, the team should be very proud.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Royal Northern College of Music
The Judges Comments: “A visually impactful prospectus delivered on a minimal budget and with strong replication on all channels. It made us want to find out more.”
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
University of Glasgow
The Judges Comments: “Our bronze award winner provided a detailed, well-written submission showing the journey they took to modernise their approach to prospectus, while delivering a strong ROI.”
14. Best Low Budget Initiative (under £5k)
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Arts University Bournemouth The Small Things Matter
Bishop Grosseteste University Cooking with CELT
Edinburgh Napier University January Recruitment Campaign
Keele University Nobody's Perfect
Leeds Beckett University Building the Beckett Community Through Sport
University of Stirling Redefining Conversion on a Shoestring
THE WINNERS
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Edinburgh Napier University January Recruitment Campaign
The Judges Comments: “A well-deserved gold award goes to Edinburgh Napier University. The judges particularly appreciated the transparency of this entry, with all costs clearly set out. Changing mindsets is always difficult, but the Edinburgh Napier team achieved this while also achieving strong outcomes.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Keele University Nobody's Perfect
The Judges Comments: “This was a memorable entry, conceived and delivered by an in-house team, with strong results. It cut through the noise and had a wide reach.”
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
Leeds Beckett University Building the Beckett Community Through Sport
The Judges Comments: “The judges appreciated the well-constructed SMART objectives demonstrated in this entry and the essence of belonging created by this campaign.”
15. Best Website
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Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group
Swansea University
University of Wolverhampton
York St John University
THE SHORTLIST
GOLD AWARD WINNER
York St John University
The Judges Comments: “This website was very well integrated with the University’s overall brand. The entry delivered a fantastic ROI on a minimum budget and in doing so, York St John University produced an easily navigable website that made sure user journey experiences were enhanced.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Swansea University
The Judges Comments: “The judges were particularly impressed by the methodology, the approach, and the project management delivered by this in-house team, with a very strong approach to website governance.”
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
University of Wolverhampton
The Judges Comments: “The University of Wolverhampton clearly designed to their audience and took a student-centric approach to their project, with a bold homepage that creates a strong first impression.”
16. Best PR/Communications Campaign or Initiative
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Loughborough University LU Environment Campaign
Swansea University Our Swansea Graduates 2019
The University of Manchester Humanities: In Focus
University College London Disruptive Thinking Since 1826
University of Glasgow Football: Heading in the Right Direction
University of Salford Salford Untold
THE WINNERS
GOLD AWARD WINNER
University College London Disruptive Thinking Since 1826
The Judges Comments: “This was a beautifully detailed and well-executed campaign that addressed an important issue for University College London. A great example of strong collaboration and a partnership working to deliver a great public engagement campaign, underpinned by relevant research and cross-university working.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
University of Glasgow Football: Heading in the Right Direction
The Judges Comments: “A great example of being bold and daring to launch an important piece of research that has lead to external change. With many moving parts, an important message, and a lot of secrecy, the campaign had to work flawlessly to succeed, and it did.”
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
University of Salford Salford Untold
The Judges Comments: “The campaign execution of Salford Untold was excellent, delivering clear outcomes and growing the Salford brand amongst key stakeholders and driving reputational awareness. This was a noble campaign that changed the tone of regional and national dialogue and showcased the huge societal and economic impact that Salford has on the community.”
17. Rising Star Award
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Mitchel Sneddon Leeds Beckett University
Hannah Swainson University of the Arts London
Laura Deakin University of East Anglia
THE WINNERS
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Mitchel Sneddon Leeds Beckett University
The Judges Comments: “This was an extraordinarily difficult category to judge, with strong contenders for this prestigious award. The standout, however, in the end was Mitchel Sneddon for his significant contribution to leading practice in the sector. Mitchel is a clear innovator with an eye for uses of developing technology, and has clearly made a significant impact during his time at Leeds Beckett University. His drive and creativity is a genuine inspiration - well done Mitchel.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Hannah Swainson University of the Arts London
The Judges Comments: “A clear inspiration to her colleagues, Hannah stood out to the judges for demonstrating a continuous appetite for personal development, while also seeking to take on additional responsibilities to support her colleagues outside of her core remit. Hannah is clearly a motivated and talented communicator, with a great awareness for understanding audiences and providing solutions for them. Her notable achievements include spotting new opportunities such as the 'Parent guide' and particularly the 'Parent Guide in Simplified Chinese'. Keep up the fantastic work Hannah.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Laura Deakin University of East Anglia
The Judges Comments: “An incredible role model who drives excellent results and always strives to innovate on existing business models. The judges were particularly impressed by the 'mentoring' aspect of her work that evidences her strong commitment to developing others, and stated she is undoubtedly a huge asset to the team at the University of East Anglia, playing a significant part in helping them to stay ahead of their competition. Congratulations Laura.”
18. Marketing Team of the Year
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Luminate Education Group
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group
Swansea University
University of Bradford
University of Chichester
University of East London
THE WINNERS
GOLD AWARD WINNER
University of East London
The Judges Comments: “The judges were impressed by the very strategic marketing approach, which was consistently applied and provided a strong platform for further development. This team overcame many challenges, and therefore the judges think they deserve the recognition as Marketing Team of the Year.”
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Swansea University
The Judges Comments: “This was a well-written and well-evidenced entry. The team at Swansea University were able to band together to create a strong cultural shift within their institution, and delivered excellent results in a challenging environment.”
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group
The Judges Comments: “This tiny team met huge challenges, overcoming them with only a very modest budget. This entry told the story of transformation in a very short period of time and seriously impressed the judges.”