Bradford Wins ‘College of the Year’ at Edufuturists Awards

Bradford Wins ‘College of the Year’ at Edufuturists Awards

Bradford College has won a prestigious award recognising its groundbreaking use of digital technology to enhance student learning.

The annual Edufuturists Awards are dedicated to those at the forefront of teaching and learning. At a special award ceremony in Manchester, Bradford College was announced ‘College of the Year’ in a highly competitive category.

A group of esteemed judges, along with a public vote, decided on this year’s winners from across the education spectrum. In 2024, the highly sought-after awards had over 1,000 nominations; this year an incredible 30,000 public votes were cast.

The Bradford College Learning, Development, and Innovation team won this year’s accolade for playing a crucial role in upskilling staff and supporting individuals with digital tools to drive digital transformation. The team create student-centred, immersive, and inclusive experiences that inspire lifelong learning and future-ready skills.

The nomination commended Bradford College for its ‘commitment to pioneering educational practices and technologies, ensuring students are equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.’

Tim Lupton, Head of Learning, Development, and Innovation at Bradford College, said: “This is a very significant award within the Further Education sector. It is judged by a panel of respected professionals who have dedicated their careers to advancing digital pedagogy and upskilling across the sector.

“Being recognised by such an esteemed group highlights Bradford College’s leadership and commitment to supporting staff through innovative digital practices. It’s a powerful endorsement of the impact we’re making in education.”

Monika Worthington, Learning Innovation Lead and Microsoft Certified Educator at Bradford College, added: “We were shortlisted last year, but unfortunately didn’t get the title, so we were thrilled to win it this year! The award was for our digital transformation, and what makes it even better is that we didn’t nominate ourselves —we’re still not sure who put us forward, which honestly feels extra special!

“We are proud to lead the way in pioneering educational practices and technologies that prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow. Our approach centres around accessibility, inclusion, and personalisation. Technology has enabled us to remove learning barriers, adapt teaching to suit individual needs, and offer students engaging, immersive experiences.”

Bradford College began its digital journey after the COVID pandemic, when a conscious decision was made to build on the momentum of digital innovation. The team launched the ‘Go Digital with Microsoft’ community—an active Microsoft Teams space where over 500 staff collaborate, celebrate success, and explore new tools.

Bradford College is now one of an elite group of education institutions recognised as a Microsoft Showcase School for the 2024/2025 academic year.  Only a few institutions earn the title each year for their impact on education through digital transformation, representing the best of teaching and learning in the world today.

The College has dedicated staff development days to digital upskilling, showcasing what’s possible to ensure students, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, receive the best start in life. The College also uses an immersive classroom and ClassView system, connecting learners across the country. The team has designed bespoke VR content to support student-led learning, raising engagement and access for SEND and ESOL learners.
Moving forward the team plans to develop more digital skills at Bradford College.  Tim concluded, “We have a large staff body who are all on different journeys, so we will continue to support those who are starting their journey as well as those who are pioneering digital platforms that can enhance the learner experience.”