Annual Awards 2026
Thursday 5th March 2026
Posted on March 10, 2026 by engage
The atmosphere was filled with celebration, pride, and powerful storytelling as Engage in Their Future welcomed learners, families, staff, and sponsors to the Engage in Their Future National Awards Ceremony 2026, held on World Book Day.
Hosted by trustees Will Washington and Sue Ackroyd, the event honoured extraordinary young people whose journeys reflect courage, resilience, creativity, and hope.
Guests were treated to a special performance from crowd favourite Magic Matt, who delighted the audience with circus skills, and inspiring words from award-winning author Andy Cope, creator of the Spy Dog series, who highlighted the power of stories to build confidence and imagination.
Celebrating Remarkable Voices
One of the most moving moments came from student speaker Sam Webster, who reflected on achievement, leadership, and ambition, sharing insights about his journey and inspiring everyone in the room.
Award Winners 2026
Creative Force Award – Celebrating imagination, originality, and confidence
- Bronze: Sonny Boy Harrison (Harbour School)
- Silver: Nicole Wright (Education Village)
- Gold: SJ (Turnstone House)
Global Citizens Award – Recognising responsibility, compassion, and enterprise
- Gold: Wargrave House School Coffee Shop
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Award (Sponsored by Total Fitness)
- Bronze: Sol Rawcliffe (Rossendale School)
- Silver: Bradley Brothers (Turnstone House)
- Gold: Oliver Heeley (William Henry Smith Foundation)
Inclusion Champion Award – Honouring those who ensure everyone feels valued
- Bronze: Jack Shipley (Hestia School)
- Silver: Ezra White (New Horizons Learning Centre)
- Gold: Summer Sandbatch & Oliver Palmer (Willow Tree Park School)
Local Heroes Award – Celebrating community spirit and service
- Bronze: Archie Benneyworth (Avocet House)
- Silver: Willow Tree Park School Eco Club
- Gold: Carlton Sturman (Turnstone House)
Bright Futures Award – Recognising determination for adulthood and employment
- Bronze: Jayden Hudgell (Turnstone House)
- Silver: Matthew McNulty (William Henry Smith Foundation)
- Gold: Shay Hill (New Horizons Learning Centre)
Biggest Journey Awards – Sponsored by Cuff and Lacey
Due to the volume of entries for this category we had to split them into Key Stage 2, 3, 4 and then Further Education as follows:
- Key Stage 2 – Bronze: Damien Wood, Silver: Tomir Krzywicki, Gold: Amelia Brookshaw
- Key Stage 3 – Bronze: Chase Madamombe, Silver: Jace Harrison and Ozkhan Ahmet, Gold: Slade Haupt
- Key Stage 4 – Bronze: Nicole Wright, Silver: Joshua Potts, Gold: Charlie Madden
- Further Education Bronze: Keegan Hale, Silver Lilli Piatt, Gold: William Coney (William Henry Smith Foundation)
Storyteller Award (Chair’s Award) – Celebrating the power of words
- Bronze: Jackson Toms (New Horizons Learning Centre)
- Silver: Harry Grimley (Coventry Academy)
- Gold: Alfie Reed (New Horizons Learning Centre)
A Celebration of Hope
Closing the ceremony, Sue and Will reflected:
“Every award winner today has shown us what is possible when young people are given opportunity, understanding, belief and — above all — hope.”
Families, staff, and sponsors were recognised for their support, and all winners gathered on stage for a final photograph – a powerful image of resilience, courage, and bright futures ahead.
Sue’s final words reminded everyone:
“The greatest of oceans began with a flow…
And take the next step with a confident stride.”
Every journey – no matter the size of the steps – can lead to extraordinary destinations.
