Congratulations to all of our #HEIST2026 winners!
Best Undergraduate Student Recruitment Campaign
SPONSORED BY
Aston University Power Up Your Future: Aston University Clearing 2025
Manchester Metropolitan University This is Manchester Met 2025
Queen's University Belfast Closer Than You Think
Sheffield Hallam University Start Where You Want To End Up
The Northern School of Art Creative Community: A Student-Led, Data-Driven Undergraduate Recruitment Campaign
University College Birmingham UCB Collaboration with Aktar Islam
University of Greenwich & Net Natives UCAS Deadline Campaign
University of Huddersfield Reach New Heights
University of Salford Myth Busting: Choosing Clearing With Confidence
University of Southampton Clearing Campaign 2025
GOLD AWARD WINNER
University College Birmingham
UCB Collaboration with Aktar Islam
Judges Comments: This campaign stood out for its authentic and values-driven approach, with judges praising the meaningful collaboration with alumnus Aktar Islam and the powerful storytelling at its heart. Tackling a clearly defined challenge with innovation, a commitment to diversity and measurable impact, it delivered what our judges described as “all the right ingredients” for success.
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Manchester Metropolitan University
This is Manchester Met 2025
Judges Comments: Judges recognised this as a highly strategic campaign, built on strong research, clearly defined audiences and excellent operational delivery. They were particularly impressed by its ambitious move to reduce reliance on Clearing, alongside outstanding results, clear ROI and a strong commitment to sustainability and accessibility.
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
Queen's University Belfast
Closer Than You Think
Judges Comments: This was praised as a clever and memorable response to a clearly defined challenge, overcoming perceptions of distance through relatable and localised student storytelling. Judges admired the creativity of the concept, the strength of the targeting and the campaign’s ability to deliver against its objectives in a focused and effective way.
Best Postgraduate Student Recruitment Campaign
SPONSORED BY
Manchester Metropolitan University Fast Track To Masters 2025
Manchester Metropolitan University Research Today. Transform Tomorrow.
Said Business School, University of Oxford & Bray Leino Repositioning the Oxford Executive MBA for Diversity and Growth
The University of Manchester ResearchLikeYouMeanIt
University of Southampton Bring Your Perspective. Let's Change The World.
University of Surrey Stay Surrey
GOLD AWARD WINNER
University of Southampton
Bring Your Perspective. Let's Change The World.
Judges Comments: Southampton set out to transform perceptions of postgraduate research by making it feel more relatable, accessible and achievable. The judges praised the campaign's excellent use of insight, journey-mapping, strong full-funnel strategy and commitment to inclusion, recognising that it delivered impressive results and established a strong long-term model for growth.
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Manchester Metropolitan University
Fast Track To Masters 2025
Judges Comments: This is an exceptionally strong entry because it solves a real institutional problem in a practical, high-impact way, backed up with genuinely standout results. The campaign tackled structural barriers to UG-to-PG progression and solved it in a simple but very effective way.
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
Manchester Metropolitan University
Research Today. Transform Tomorrow.
Judges Comments: A very strong first institution-wide postgraduate research campaign, this entry combined inclusive storytelling with excellent performance. Judges congratulated its understanding of audience perceptions, the thoughtful creative approach and outstanding results, creating one of the most complete and well-rounded campaigns in the category.
Best International CAmpaign OR INITIATIVE
SPONSORED BY
Anglia Ruskin University Global Week at 10: One ARU, One World.
Aston University Built, Not Inherited - Aston's Data-Led Spring Recruitment Breakthrough
Aston University Unchartered Territory: A Bold B2B Campaign That Re-Energised International Recruitment
Heriot-Watt University School of Engineering and Physical Sciences: Postgraduate Scholarship Campaign
London Metropolitan University Strong Signals
Oxford International Oxford ELLT
Said Business School, University of Oxford & Bray Leino Repositioning the Oxford Executive MBA for Global Diversity and Growth
The University of Edinburgh International Diversification Initiative
University of East London Reactivating India
University of Surrey 'This is Surrey' PG International Campaign
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Aston University
Built, Not Inherited - Aston's Data-Led Spring Recruitment Breakthrough
Judges Comments: A double whammy for Aston! This is a technically outstanding submission that demonstrates what rigorous in-house research, precision targeting and full-funnel consistency can achieve on a very modest budget. The data methodology is the most sophisticated in this category, the ROI calculation is the most transparent, and the results are exceptional.
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Said Business School, University of Oxford International & Bray Leino
Repositioning the Oxford Executive MBA For Global Diversity and Growth
Judges Comments: This is an excellent submission that demonstrates genuine insight-led strategic thinking and well-researched creative decisions that clearly resonated with a sophisticated international audience.The results are exceptional and EDI considerations are clearly embedded into the strategy.
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
Aston University
Unchartered Territory: A Bold B2B Campaign That Re-Energised International Recruitment
Judges Comments: In a category where most submissions focus on B2C recruitment marketing, this campaign's decision to treat agents as a primary marketing audience and to do so creatively was great to see. The judges felt the channel mix was inventive, the data foundation was sound, and the results were exceptional relative to the investment.
BEST USE OF Video
SPONSORED BY
Aston University & Waterfall Yazan - Rewrite What's Possible
London South Bank University Make Yourself At Home
Manchester Metropolitan University Research Today. Transform Tomorrow.
Queen's University Belfast Research To Reality: Roundtables
University of Birmingham Hero Video Series
University of East London UEL Festive Video
University of Glasgow & Hybrid Media World-Changing Glasgow Video
University of Leeds What is Engineering
University of Manchester From Manchester for the World: Redefining a Film-First Approach to Strategy
University of Salford Tackling Phone Anxiety in Clearing
GOLD AWARD WINNER
London South Bank University
Make Yourself At Home
Judges Comments: The judges loved this video, which featured ambitious drone cinematography, giving viewers an immersive, dynamic experience of undergraduate life while seamlessly weaving in key messages and institutional strengths. Ambitious, well-executed, and genuinely memorable - a true stand out!
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Aston University & Waterfall
Yazan - Rewrite What's Possible
Judges Comments: Yazan: Rewrite What's Possible is a high-quality, emotionally resonant submission that combines genuine cinematic ambition with strong strategic grounding and exceptional results.
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
Manchester Metropolitan University
Research Today. Transform Tomorrow.
Judges Comments: The judges found this to be sector-leading work that sets a genuine benchmark for research marketing in higher education. It highlights the authentic experience of PhD students and reframes research study as accessible rather than elite.
best Use of Content
SPONSORED BY
Imperial Business School Digital Programme Brochures
Institute Of Coding & Always Be Content, funded by Nominet Click Into Place
Loughborough University Making The World's Smallest Violin
Nottingham Trent University Increasing Visibility and Engagement of Research Content on Social Media
Said Business School, University of Oxford & Bray Leino Repositioning The Oxford Executive MBA For Diversity And Growth
University of Birmingham Stories
University of East London AI-Ready Content
University of East London Demystifying Student Funding And Support
University of East London East London Arts
University of Hull 1927 Magazine: The University Prospectus Reinvented
University of Surrey Direct Mail
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Loughborough University
Making The World's Smallest Violin
Judges Comments: This is a standout content entry. Loughborough University took what could have been a niche research infrastructure announcement and turned it into a genuinely memorable, accessible and globally shareable science story.
SILVER AWARD WINNER
University of East London
East London Arts
Judges Comments: With an impressive use of data, this is an extremely compelling entry. The submission actually brings the idea, visual world and content ecosystem to life.
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
University of East London
AI-Ready Content
Judges Comments: A forward-thinking entry that responds directly to how students are now searching for information. The focus on rebuilding content around real questions, and making it accessible for both users and AI platforms, is very relevant in the current climate.
Imperial Business School Digital Programme Brochures
Institute Of Coding & Always Be Content, funded by Nominet Click Into Place
Loughborough University Making The World's Smallest Violin
Nottingham Trent University Increasing Visibility and Engagement of Research Content on Social Media
Said Business School, University of Oxford & Bray Leino Repositioning The Oxford Executive MBA For Diversity And Growth
University of Birmingham Stories
University of East London AI-Ready Content
University of East London Demystifying Student Funding And Support
University of East London East London Arts
University of Hull 1927 Magazine: The University Prospectus Reinvented
University of Surrey Direct Mail
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Loughborough University
Making The World's Smallest Violin
Judges Comments: This is a standout content entry. Loughborough University took what could have been a niche research infrastructure announcement and turned it into a genuinely memorable, accessible and globally shareable science story.
SILVER AWARD WINNER
University of East London
East London Arts
Judges Comments: With an impressive use of data, this is an extremely compelling entry. The submission actually brings the idea, visual world and content ecosystem to life.
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
University of East London
AI-Ready Content
Judges Comments: A forward-thinking entry that responds directly to how students are now searching for information. The focus on rebuilding content around real questions, and making it accessible for both users and AI platforms, is very relevant in the current climate.
MOST EFFECTIVE USE OF SOCIAL Media
SPONSORED BY
Northumbria University, Newcastle Clearing Social Media
Nottingham Trent University Redefining NTU's Social Media Strategy
SOAS, University of London SOAS Explains and Meet The Academics
St Mary's University Private Instagram Community - 2025 Simmies
The University of Manchester Definitely Graduated - Putting a Swagger into Manchester's Socials
University of East London East London Arts
University of Glasgow Building a Powerful Chinese Gen Z Community on RedNote at The University of Glasgow
University of Salford Tackling Phone Anxiety in Clearing
University of Sunderland We Make It Happen (Clearing)
University of the West of Scotland Most Effective Use Of Social Media
GOLD AWARD WINNER
SOAS, University of London
SOAS Explains and Meet The Academics
Judges Comments: An outstanding example of social media done exceptionally well, this campaign brought academic expertise to life through accessible, engaging and platform-native content. Judges praised its ability to connect complex topics with contemporary trends, creating genuine thumb-stopping content while delivering impressive results and strengthening female representation.
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Northumbria University, Newcastle
Clearing Social Media
Judges Comments: The judges were impressed by the way this campaign combined strategic thinking with creativity, proving the power of organic social media. Its distinctive regional voice, intelligent use of humour and strong understanding of audience behaviour created an approach that many felt the wider sector could learn from.
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
University of Glasgow
Building a Powerful Chinese Gen Z Community on RedNote at The University of Glasgow
Judges Comments: This was recognised as a thoughtful and highly audience-led campaign that successfully engaged a new community on an emerging platform. Judges particularly praised its culturally respectful approach, effective use of Mandarin-speaking students and strong understanding of the audience it set out to serve, recognising it as a difficult and niche piece of work executed exceptionally well.
Innovative use of Technology
SPONSORED BY
Aston University & Waterfall UG Open Day Promotion
De Montfort University DMUniverse
London South Bank University & Squiz LSBU Conversational AI Search
Northeastern University London AI Futures Challenge at Northeastern University London
St Mary's University MySMU App - A Transformative Digital Platform
University of Greenwich & Squiz University Of Greenwich Conversational AI Search
University of Southampton A Co-Created, Accessible and Analytics-Led Digital Transformation
University of Technology Sydney A Digital Transformation - The University of Technology Sydney
UWE Bristol Bristol Unlocked - Exploring The City Through AR
UWE Bristol & Vepple Redefining Discovery Through Immersive Tech
GOLD AWARD WINNER
UWE Bristol & Vepple
Redefining Discovery Through Immersive Tech
Judges Comments: The Judges applauded this bold and confident move away from the traditional digital prospectus, using technology in a genuinely innovative way to transform student discovery. Backed by strong insight, excellent use of data and outstanding results, this project demonstrates how technology can deliver both greater efficiency and greater impact. A real worthy winner!
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Northeastern University London
AI Futures Challenge at Northeastern University London
Judges Comments: This entry impressed judges with its timely and innovative response to a real-world challenge, creating genuine value for students while helping to strengthen the future recruitment pipeline. With a compelling proposition, strong supporting evidence and the potential for long-term impact, it demonstrated how technology can be used in meaningful and creative ways.
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
De Montfort University
DMUniverse
Judges Comments: Judges praised DMUniverse as a creative, engaging and memorable use of technology that makes higher education more accessible to young people. Developed through strong co-creation with schools and delivered on a modest budget, it showed impressive potential as a scalable and sustainable widening participation initiative.
BEST BRAND/REPUTATION CAMPAIGN
SPONSORED BY
Aston University University Will Never Be The Same Again
Queen Margaret University Acting With Head, Heart and Hand: QMU150
Queen's University Belfast Queen's 180 - A Place Of Hope And History
Said Business School, University of Oxford & Bray Leino Repositioning the Oxford Executive MBA for Diversity and Growth
SOAS University of London SOAS Explains / Meet The Academics
University of East London & Hunterlodge Advertising Think Again
University of Glasgow & Hybrid Media World-Changing Glasgow Campaign
University of Huddersfield Reach New Heights
University of Lancashire That's How We Do It In Lancashire - University Name Change Brand Campaign
GOLD AWARD WINNER
University of East London & Hunterlodge Advertising
Think Again
Judges Comments: This campaign showcased distinctive creativity and confident execution, shattering every target and powerfully articulating its research strengths across diverse formats, ultimately inspiring the sector to 'think again' about higher education marketing.
SILVER AWARD WINNER
University of Lancashire
That's How We Do It In Lancashire - University Name Change Brand Campaign
Judges Comments: A distinctive campaign that faced risk head on. It combines clever messaging with humour, warmth and a sense of place. That’s how they do it in Lancashire.
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
Aston University
University Will Never Be The Same Again
Judges Comments: Judges recognised this campaign as an extraordinary example of insight-led transformation. By moving away from generic sector messaging and building a distinctive proposition grounded in evidence and audience understanding, the team delivered impressive growth in awareness, recruitment and reputation while establishing a powerful blueprint for institutional differentiation.
BEST EVENT EXPERIENCE
SPONSORED BY
Bridgend College Yr Urdd 2025
Cardiff Metropolitan University Get Cardiff Met Ready
Manchester Metropolitan University It Begins With An Open Day
St Mary's University Future Simmies Social
The University of Sheffield The Sheffield Event Experience - Reimagining Open Days
University College London UCL Illuminated
University of East London After Dark
University of Gloucestershire City Campus Official Opening
University of Leeds Led by Students, Designed for You: The Leeds Open Day
University of South Wales Teachers' and Advisers' Awards 2025
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Get Cardiff Met Ready
Judges Comments: An excellent example of an event making a tangible difference at a critical stage in the student journey. The outcomes are excellent, particularly in terms of increased confidence, attendance and improved enrolment conversion, with strong ROI.
SILVER AWARD WINNER
University College London
UCL Illuminated
Judges Comments: This is an exceptional and highly distinctive event that delivers a truly immersive and memorable experience. The combination of visual spectacle, narrative and interactive elements make this stand out.
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
Manchester Metropolitan University
It Begins With An Open Day
Judges Comments: Judges were impressed by this thoughtful transformation of the open day experience, extending well beyond a single event to create a more joined-up journey for prospective students. Guided by clear insight and supported by exceptional results, the ROI calculations and brilliant explanation of pre, at event, and post event engagement stood out in this category.
BEST WIDENING PARTICIPATION INITIATIVE
SPONSORED BY
Aston University Pathways Academic Boot Camp
Institute of Coding & Always Be Content, funded by Nominet Click Into Place
Northumbria University, Newcastle Unlock Your Potential
The University of Sheffield Beyond Events: Embedding belonging for BAME & Muslim students into the University of Sheffield's digital DNA
University of Greenwich STEM Attainment Raising Programme
University of Leicester FuturePlus: Raising Aspirations and Breaking Down Barriers
University of Southampton Learn With US Transition Programme
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Institute of Coding & Always Be Content, funded by Nominet
Click Into Place
Judges Comments: A true disruptor in the Widening Participation category. The initiative featured a clear problem statement, a strong narrative, and delivered an impressive ROI, making a significant impact by reaching new audiences through innovative engagement.
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Northumbria University, Newcastle
Unlock Your Potential
Judges Comments: This initiative demonstrated outstanding targeting and segmentation alongside powerful, nuanced creative messaging and great content. It led to highly successful outcomes, effectively integrating with standard outreach activities to broaden access and engagement.
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
The University of Sheffield
Beyond Events: Embedding belonging for BAME &
Muslim students into the University of Sheffield's digital DNA
Judges Comments: This highly efficient initiative set clear aims and meticulously achieved them, demonstrating a focused and effective strategy for promoting diversity and encouraging access to higher education, enabled by co-creation with students.
BEST USE OF DATA, INSIGHT OR MARKETING RESEARCH
SPONSORED BY
Aston University Data‑Driven Acceleration of Aston University's QS Academic and Employer Reputation
Manchester Metropolitan University Putting Insight at the Core Of Clearing and Confirmation
Queen's University Belfast Queen's University Belfast is "Closer Than You Think"
Said Business School, University of Oxford & Bray Leino Repositioning the Oxford Executive MBA For Diversity and Growth
The University of Sheffield The Critical Friend: Using Insight to Navigate 'Design By Committee' and Resonate Globally
University of East London GA4 Funnel A/B Testing
University of East London Programme Intelligence Tool
University of Southampton Co-Design and Analytics Powering the MySouthampton Transformation
UWE Bristol & Vepple Using Data and Insight to Do Less, Better
GOLD AWARD WINNER
University of East London
Programme Intelligence Tool
Judges Comments: This was a unanimous decision for an exceptional and technically sophisticated entry - a truly innovative programme intelligence tool driving real portfolio transformation, backed by compelling ROI and remarkable operational efficiency gains. In a highly competitive category, this was truly the standout submission and showcased a tool all the judges are jealous of.
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Aston University
Data‑Driven Acceleration of Aston University's QS Academic and Employer Reputation
Judges Comments: The judges felt this was a great project with a clear aim and objectives, which were all met. Data and insights contributed to an improvement in institutional performance in QS rankings and to Aston's reputation.
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
Said Business School, University of Oxford & Bray Leino
Repositioning the Oxford Executive MBA for Diversity and Growth
Judges Comments: The judges thought this was a strategically compelling and insight-rich submission tackling a genuinely challenging market, featuring outstanding use of qual and quant data across every stage of the funnel.
BEST COMMUNITY/BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT CAMPAIGN
SPONSORED BY
Northumbria University, Newcastle Working Well In Healthcare: Transformative Experiential Learning And Simulated Environments
University of Lancashire Lancashire Science Festival
University of South Wales University of South Wales Immersed Festival
GOLD AWARD WINNER
University of Lancashire
Lancashire Science Festival
Judges Comments: This ambitious festival initiative stood out for its ability to engage underrepresented communities at scale while firmly delivering against every objective it set out to achieve. Judges praised its data-driven approach, clear focus on inclusion and measurable impact, recognising it as a powerful example of community engagement that reached the audiences who could benefit most.
SILVER AWARD WINNER
University of South Wales
University of South Wales Immersed Festival
Judges Comments: The judges were impressed by the scale and creativity of this long-running festival, which successfully brought together students, businesses, charities and the wider community through a shared creative vision, while providing real-world learning opportunities. It met clear institutional objectives and had great impact on both the city and on students.
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
Northumbria University, Newcastle
Working Well In Healthcare: Transformative Experiential Learning And Simulated Environments
Judges Comments: This campaign combined events, research and digital engagement to address a challenge of national importance. The judges commended its strong understanding of audience needs, effective partnership approach and ability to generate meaningful engagement while extending the conversation beyond the event itself.
BEST STUDENT OR ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE
SPONSORED BY
De Montfort University myDMU App
St Mary's University MySMU App Repositioning & Engagement Programme (2025)
University of East London Winter Appeal
University of Surrey The Big Welcome
University of Westminster Soho Poly Postcards Alumni Campaign
GOLD AWARD WINNER
University of East London
Winter Appeal
Judges Comments: This is a clear, well-structured campaign with a strong central idea. By lowering the barrier to giving, it made participation feel both accessible and inclusive, while its authentic peer-led approach successfully inspired new audiences to get involved. The judges praised the campaign's simplicity, effectiveness and highly impressive results.
SILVER AWARD WINNER
De Montfort University
myDMU App
Judges Comments: This was a strong and well thought-through redevelopment of the DMU app, with a clear focus on improving engagement through personalisation, accessibility and co-creation with students. The use of student insight is particularly effective, with clear examples of how feedback directly shaped improvements.
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
University of Westminster
Soho Poly Postcards Alumni Campaign
Judges Comments: A charming and nostalgic campaign that made a lasting impression on the judging panel, and successfully reconnected with a previously unengaged alumni audience. This initiative was a refreshing approach to alumni engagement - thoughtful, well-targeted and highly cost-effective.
BEST PROSPECTIVE STUDENT JOURNEY/EXPERIENCE
SPONSORED BY
Birmingham City University Birmingham City University: Email Isn't Dead
LSE From Discovery To Day One - Enhancing and Consolidating LSE's Undergraduate Student Journey
Queen's University Belfast From Awareness to Belonging: Supporting the Prospective Student on their Journey to Queen's University Belfast
University of East London Choosing UEL - and Staying Chosen
University of the West of Scotland Find Your Place Conversion Campaign
GOLD AWARD WINNER
University of East London
Choosing UEL - and Staying Chosen
Judges Comments: This was a beautifully crafted, insight-led conversion campaign with exceptional use of data, innovative tactics and a genuine university-wide approach. It delivered outstanding outcomes across every metric. An exemplary submission, well done University of East London!
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Queen's University Belfast
From Awareness to Belonging: Supporting the Prospective Student on their Journey to Queen's University Belfast
Judges Comments: The judges thought this was a great redevelopment of the digital student journey. Using data across the whole project, it set out clear objectives and metrics and a forensic approach to improvements across different channels and platforms.
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
LSE
From Discovery To Day One - Enhancing and Consolidating LSE's Undergraduate Student Journey
Judges Comments: The judges felt this was a strong submission demonstrating impressive end-to-end digital transformation across the prospective student journey, with excellent objective setting, solid outcomes and a notable achievement delivered by a small team.
Collaboration of the year
SPONSORED BY
Birmingham City University Birmingham City University: From World Craft City To Black Sabbath
Make Happen - Uni Connect Bridgeway and Make Happen
PingPong Digital, LNER and Universities Learning On The Line
University of South Wales University of South Wales and Uniquest: Personalising the Student Journey
University of Westminster Zone29
WP Midlands Forum Arden University, Nottingham Trent University, SIRM and University of Warwick
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Make Happen - Uni Connect
Bridgeway and Make Happen
Judges Comments: This is a heartfelt and values-led collaboration, focused on a group of learners with very real barriers to education, belonging and progression. A worthy winner that demonstrates the true spirit of the category.
SILVER AWARD WINNER
PingPong Digital, LNER and Universities
Learning On The Line
Judges Comments: This is a creative and commercially smart collaboration, with a distinctive idea at its heart - using the LNER East Coast route as a storytelling spine to connect Chinese students and parents with regional UK university cities beyond London.
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
WP Midlands Forum
Arden University, Nottingham Trent University, SIRM and University of Warwick
Judges Comments: Co‑led by Arden University, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Warwick and the University of Derby, this entry demonstrates true collaboration across institutions.
RISING STAR AWARD
SPONSORED BY
Alice Cimino St Mary's University
Anisa Nasir Nottingham Trent University
Arjun Appadurai University of East London
Elly Merry London College of Contemporary Arts
Emily Nash Nottingham Trent University
Izzy Smith University of Southampton
Kelsey Blemings The University of Sheffield
Kimberley Oshinowo University of Huddersfield
Melissa Moore University of Sunderland
Mildred-Bristena Mihalca University of East London
Monique Wong University of East London
GOLD AWARD WINNER
Kimberley Oshinowo
University of Huddersfield
Judges Comments: An exceptional early-career performer, Kimberley demonstrates a level of technical expertise, ownership and leadership well beyond expectations at this stage of her career. Through the delivery of complex, high-impact digital projects and her ability to influence institutional approaches, she has already created lasting change and established herself as a standout rising star with significant future potential.
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Arjun Appadurai
University of East London
Judges Comments: Arjun is an outstanding emerging talent whose creative ability, confidence and originality have already made a remarkable impact. Trusted to lead major projects and manage significant budgets at an early stage in his career, his talent and credibility have helped bring major campaign production in-house, strengthening capability, creating efficiencies and elevating creative standards across the institution.
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
Kelsey Blemings
The University of Sheffield
Judges Comments: Lead generation may not always grab the headlines, but judges recognised it as absolutely vital to recruitment success - and Kelsey has transformed how it is delivered at The University of Sheffield. Combining strategic thinking with strong leadership, she has driven meaningful cultural and operational change, influencing stakeholders across the organisation and establishing herself as a highly credible and impactful emerging leader.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Alice Cimino
St Mary's University
Judges Comments: Alice has made an exceptional contribution in a remarkably short space of time. Through creativity, confidence and a natural understanding of audience engagement, she has helped reshape how content is created across the institution while delivering impressive results and growing influence.
MARKETING TEAM OF THE YEAR
SPONSORED BY
Aston University
Lincoln Bishop University
London College of Contemporary Music
Oxford International
Queen's University Belfast
University of East London
University of Gloucestershire
University of Hull
University of Sunderland
UWE Bristol
GOLD AWARD WINNER
UWE Bristol
Judges Comments: This year's Marketing Team of the Year blew us away with their clear and innovative approach, perfectly embodying their brand through a strong and consistent narrative. From pioneering new ways for students to explore university life to delivering outstanding results across the entire recruitment journey, their exceptional balance of collaboration and team development truly sets a standard for excellence. Congratulations team UWE!
SILVER AWARD WINNER
Aston University
Judges Comments: The judges were impressed by the team's clarity of purpose and the remarkable journey it has been on, underpinned by positive culture change and consistent achievement over time. Through a strong focus on capability, collaboration and performance, the team has transformed itself into a confident, strategically aligned driver of institutional growth.
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
London College of Contemporary Music
Judges Comments: Small but mighty, this team demonstrated what can be achieved when creativity, ambition and deep audience understanding come together. Judges were particularly struck by the scale of impact delivered by just four people, who are thinking, acting and performing like a 40-person department. Extremely impressive.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
University of East London
Judges Comments: Judges praised the UEL team's collaborative approach and laser focus on innovation, particularly its leadership in emerging technologies and AI. Delivering bold campaigns, high-quality content and impressive results, this team demonstrate how marketing can play a central role in driving institutional growth and reputation.