UCS College Group selected for prestigious Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education: USA Exchange 2026

UCS College Group has been selected as one of just eight UK institutions to participate in the highly prestigious Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education: USA Exchange 2026.

Representatives from the College Group have been invited to Washington D.C. to present their insights on the role colleges can play in creating innovative healthcare solutions and training solutions that directly benefit their communities.

The Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education are part of the UK national honours system, which recognise outstanding work in UK universities and colleges at the highest level of state. Since their inception, 337 awards have been granted, and UCS College Group is a proud recipient of three of these prestigious Prizes, with the latest awarded for its groundbreaking nursing degree programmes.

Andy Berry, CBE, CEO, UCS College Group said, "This is a huge honour for UCS College Group and a powerful recognition of our award-winning nursing degree programmes, which earned us the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education.

"We are the only College in England to be represented among some of the most prestigious education providers such as the University of Edinburgh, and I am so thrilled that we have been invited to share our pioneering model of health education on an international stage, collaborating with US academics to transform lives within our communities and beyond."

The USA Exchange provides an unparalleled opportunity to further develop our expertise and knowledge. By sharing our experience with US academics and learning from international best practice, UCS College Group aims use the insights and learning to inform their healthcare programmes further supporting their work in the healthcare sector.

Since receiving the Queen Elizabeth Prize, UCS College Group has emerged as a national leader in the transformative power of educational partnerships. The impact on Somerset’s health and care workforce is clear, and the Group is increasingly sought after to share its insights, shape policy, and apply its unique blueprint for skills delivery on a national and now international stage. This selection for the USA Exchange further solidifies its position as a beacon of innovation, demonstrating how local excellence can achieve global impact.

Professor Deirdre Fowler. Chief Nurse and Midwife, Somerset Foundation Trust (SFT) said, "I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to UCS College Group on being selected for the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education: USA Exchange 2026. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional quality and innovation of their nursing degree programmes, which have already made a significant impact on the health and care workforce in Somerset.

"We are proud to work in partnership with UCS College Group to support the development of highly skilled nurses who deliver outstanding care to our communities. Their commitment to advancing healthcare education aligns closely with our own vision for excellence in patient care and workforce development. The opportunity to share their pioneering approach on an international stage is not only a remarkable achievement for UCS College Group but also something to be proud of for Somerset as a whole.

"We look forward to continuing our collaboration and learning from the insights gained through this exchange, ensuring that together we can drive innovation and improve health outcomes for the people we serve."