Published: 30/05/2025

NCL named first-ever Further Education Institute of the Year at 2025 Herald Awards

New College Lanarkshire (NCL) has been named the first-ever Further Education Institute of the Year at the 2025 Herald Education Awards for Further and Higher Education.

The College stood out among Scotland’s top education providers, with a remarkable showing across eight shortlisted categories and four award wins. A huge recognition of the talent, teamwork and impact happening every day across our campuses.

Judges were particularly impressed by the depth and reach of NCL’s work, with awards collected for:

  • Outstanding Contribution from a College Student – Chloe Sandilands

  • Widening Access Award – for the Undergraduate School, in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland (UWS)

  • Lifetime Achievement Award – Ann Baxter, Deputy Principal

  • Outstanding Business Engagement in Colleges – CLIC Project (shared with other colleges)

 

Celebrating student power

One of the standout moments of the night was the award for Outstanding Contribution from a College Student, which went to Chloe Sandilands.

Chloe’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. She began her studies at NCL while facing homelessness and has since become a champion for inclusion, wellbeing and peer support. Her determination and kindness have made a real difference to student life at the College.

She also enrolled in NCL’s Undergraduate School, developed in partnership with UWS. As the first degree-level school based on a Scottish college campus, it was recognised with the Widening Access Award for opening up fairer, more accessible routes to university.

A lifetime of impact

Our Deputy Principal, Ann Baxter, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, a well-deserved tribute to her 30-year commitment to further education and student success.

Business links that work

To top it all off, NCL was also recognised for its strong industry partnerships, sharing in the Outstanding Business Engagement in Colleges Award for our role in the CLIC project.

A huge win for Lanarkshire

These awards reflect what NCL is all about: opportunity, innovation and real-world impact. We’re proud to lead the way in further education and even prouder of the students and staff who make it all possible.