Beacon Awards 2025/26
The Beacon Awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK further education (FE) colleges. It is managed by AoC and run through AoC Charitable Trust - a registered charity.
The aim of the awards programme is to demonstrate and promote the far-reaching impact of colleges on their students and the communities they serve. The commended and winning case studies will be used to increase understanding of colleges’ contribution to educational skills policy and economic and social development.
To view the Charitable Trust GDPR Privacy notice click here
Shining a light on the Beacon Awards Webinar
All applicants should watch the webinar which was held on 12 June 2025. This is an opportunity to hear from the Beacon Awards Chief assessor, Kate Webb with top tips on how to write a successful Beacon Award application and why all colleges should apply.
Shining a light on the Beacon Awards Webinar Webinar presentation
2025/26 Beacon Awards Categories and Sponsors
- The AoC Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing
- The Bell Foundation Award for Excellence in ESOL
- The British Council Award for Excellence in International Work
- The Careers & Enterprise Company Award for Excellence in Careers and Enterprise
- The City & Guilds Award for College Engagement with Employers
- The Edge Award for Excellence in Real World Learning
- The Jisc Award for Effective Use of Digital Technology in Further Education
- The RCU Award for Support for Students
- The Sustainable Energy First Award for Education for Sustainable Development
The AoC Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing
Closing date for entries: Wednesday 10 September 2025
Please read the Beacon criteria and the Sponsor criteria
below before you apply
To apply for this award category please click here
The Bell Foundation Award for Excellence in ESOL
Closing date for entries: Wednesday 10 September 2025
Please read the Beacon criteria and the Sponsor criteria
below before you apply
To apply for this award category please click here
The British Council Award for Excellence in International Work
Closing date for entries: Wednesday 10 September 2025
Please read the Beacon criteria and the Sponsor criteria
below before you apply
To apply for this award category please click here
The Careers & Enterprise Company Award for Excellence in Careers and Enterprise
Closing date for entries: Wednesday 10 September 2025
Please read the Beacon criteria and the Sponsor criteria
below before you apply
To apply for this award category please click here
The City & Guilds Award for College Engagement with Employers
Closing date for entries: Wednesday 10 September 2025
Please read the Beacon criteria and the Sponsor criteria
below before you apply
To apply for this award category please click here
The Edge Award for Excellence in Real World Learning
Closing date for entries: Wednesday 10 September 2025
Please read the Beacon criteria and the Sponsor criteria
below before you apply
To apply for this award category please click here
The Jisc Award for Effective Use of Digital Technology in Further Education
Closing date for entries: Wednesday 10 September 2025
Please read the Beacon criteria and the Sponsor criteria
below before you apply
To apply for this award category please click here
The RCU Award for Support for Students
Closing date for entries: Wednesday 10 September 2025
Please read the Beacon criteria and the Sponsor criteria
below before you apply
To apply for this award category please click here
The Sustainable Energy First Award for Education for Sustainable Development
Closing date for entries: Wednesday 10 September 2025
Please read the Beacon criteria and the Sponsor criteria below before you apply
To apply for this award category please click here
AoC Criteria
Application form - word version for reference only