University of Wolverhampton wins national teacher training award
The university was named Higher Education Institution of the Year at the NASBTT Awards 2026 in recognition of its work with schools and trainee teachers
The University of Wolverhampton has won a national award recognising its work in teacher training and education.
It was named Higher Education Institution (HEI) of the Year at the National Association of School-Based Teacher Trainers (NASBTT) Awards 2026.
The award recognises the university's approach to teacher training, its partnerships with schools and its work to develop the region's teaching workforce.
Winners were announced at a ceremony at BMA House in London on November 5.
Judges praised the university's partnership working, including its approach to linking university learning with school placements, developing mentors and giving partners opportunities to help shape training programmes.
They also recognised its efforts to attract new teachers and its potential contribution to the wider education sector.
The university works with a wide range of partners across the West Midlands, including mainstream and special schools, nurseries, faith schools, colleges and further education providers.
Its training programmes include additional support for mentors working with trainees who have disabilities or other additional needs, while trainees can access study support, library skills workshops and other university services.
The university also works with schools to address recruitment challenges through targeted campaigns, employability events, community outreach and different routes into teaching.
Professor Diana Bannister, head of the School of Education and Social Work, who received the award alongside the leadership team, said: “This is brilliant news for the School of Education reflecting the hard work of our staff and mentors who provide support, honest feedback and our commitment to inclusive practice, ensuring that our trainees are reflective practitioners and true professionals.”
Laura Jude, deputy head of the School of Education and Social Work, said: “We are thrilled to have received this award. Our success is shared by our fantastic network of partners and our joint commitment to teaching excellence for the communities they serve.”
Emma Hollis, chief executive of NASBTT, said the awards recognised individuals and organisations working to support children and young people through teacher training.
She added: “My congratulations go to each of our winners and also those who were shortlisted, and my sincere thanks to everyone who submitted entries.”
The NASBTT Awards 2026 recognised achievement across seven categories, with entries independently judged by professionals from the teacher training sector and wider education community.