Celebrating National Victory: John Leggott College Wins Prestigious Leadership Excellence Award

Earning top honors at a national awards ceremony is a profound validation for any educational community. It signals that an institution's daily efforts, creative solutions, and student-first initiatives are genuinely leading the sector. In post-16 education, success relies on balancing rigorous academic tracks with supportive systems that make learning accessible to every young person. When these efforts are recognised across the country, it highlights the immense dedication of our teachers, support staff, and community partners.

At John Leggott College, Scunthorpe, we are absolutely thrilled to share a historic achievement. 

Following our recent nominations, the college took home a major win at the national Education Resources Awards. Our Deputy Principal, Claire Haller, was officially named the winner of the Leadership Excellence Award for her outstanding work with the Women in Leadership initiative.

Additionally, the college celebrated national recognition for our collaborative work alongside North Lincolnshire Council on the Elective Home Education (EHE) Hub. 

Standing on a national stage as a winner and multi-category finalist is an incredible honor, showing how our North Lincolnshire campus continues to drive educational excellence.

What makes our national win at the Education Resources Awards so significant?

The Education Resources Awards are widely respected across the sector because they focus on genuine impact. Rather than just looking at standard statistics, the judging panels look for true innovation, collaborative problem-solving, and leadership that uplifts whole communities. For John Leggott College to secure a major win and be named a finalist in two distinct categories demonstrates the strength of our modern further education framework.

This national success shows that our staff do not simply maintain existing educational models; they actively work to improve them. Winning the Leadership Excellence Award confirms that our internal initiatives are shaping the regional educational landscape. At the same time, being recognized for our partnership work highlights how deeply connected the college remains to the families and local authorities of North Lincolnshire.

Data from across the sector confirms that colleges with strong internal professional development and proactive community partnerships consistently deliver better student outcomes. According to the Sixth Form Colleges Association, specialised post-16 environments provide highly targeted support that helps young adults make successful transitions to university or future careers. Our latest awards victory reinforces our position as a leading provider of progressive post-16 education.

How has Claire Haller’s leadership reshaped professional development?

Our community is incredibly proud of Deputy Principal Claire Haller for winning the prestigious Leadership Excellence Award. True educational leadership is about far more than managing daily college logistics. It requires a clear vision for the future and a commitment to building an inclusive workspace where colleagues are supported to grow, innovate, and lead.

Claire's award-winning Women in Leadership initiative has made a wonderful difference across our organization and the wider region. By creating a structured space for mentorship, strategic training, and peer collaboration, the program empowers female educators to step into leadership roles with total confidence. This framework breaks down old institutional barriers and builds a diverse, highly skilled team of leaders across the further education sector.

When a college invests deeply in its staff, the positive impact naturally reaches our students. Empowered, highly motivated teachers and leaders bring fresh energy, modern teaching methods, and strong support networks to our classrooms. This culture of continuous professional improvement ensures our students receive an exceptional education that prepares them for the demands of university and corporate work.

Why is the Elective Home Education Hub gaining rapid national praise?

Equally exciting is the national recognition given to our Elective Home Education (EHE) Hub, which was named a finalist just three months after its official launch. This rapid national praise is a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnership working. Developed in close collaboration with North Lincolnshire Council, the hub serves as a welcoming space for young individuals who have been learning outside of the traditional secondary school system.

The EHE Hub was designed to provide flexible, inclusive, and ambitious learning opportunities for families across the region. Reconnecting with formal education can sometimes feel overwhelming for home-educated young people. To support them, our hub offers a reassuring, specialized environment where students can rebuild their academic confidence, make use of advanced campus resources, and prepare for their vital GCSE examinations.

By bringing different organizations together, the hub ensures that local learners have access to specialist subject tutoring and approved examination spaces. 

Dedicated coordinators work closely with each family to blend academic preparation with supportive pastoral care. This approach ensures that every young person can find a comfortable, successful route back into meaningful learning, whether they choose to progress to advanced A-Levels, vocational BTEC options, or direct career pathways.

How does this success benefit local families and our international community?

For local families commuting to our Scunthorpe campus from areas like Brigg, Barnetby, or Doncaster, this award-winning status offers great peace of mind. It proves that their local sixth form college operates at the highest tier of national quality. When students join us, they are supported by award-winning leaders, validated community provisions, and a passionate team dedicated to their personal growth and future goals.

Our national recognition also carries immense value for our wonderful international student community. 

Overseas learners who relocate to North Lincolnshire to pursue traditional British A-Levels join an exceptionally forward-thinking academic environment. Knowing that our leadership and student support systems are celebrated on a national stage gives international families complete confidence in the care, guidance, and education their children will receive.

Ultimately, these national accolades add distinct value to every qualification earned at JLC. Whether a student is aiming for a competitive degree apprenticeship, a place at a top university, or a direct step into the global workforce, graduating from a nationally recognized, award-winning college provides a clear advantage. We are incredibly proud of Claire and the entire team, and we look forward to building on this success as we move forward.

FAQ Section 

What specific award did John Leggott College win at the ceremony?

Our Deputy Principal, Claire Haller, won the prestigious Leadership Excellence Award for her outstanding work in developing our Women in Leadership initiative across the college and the wider region.

How does the Elective Home Education Hub work with the local council?

The EHE Hub is a direct partnership between John Leggott College and North Lincolnshire Council. Together, we provide a supportive campus space where home-educated young people can rebuild confidence, access expert tutoring, and prepare for their GCSE exams.

Can home-educated students eventually transition into full-time courses at JLC?

Yes, absolutely. The hub is designed to be a supportive stepping stone, helping independent learners build the academic skills and personal confidence needed to transition smoothly into our full-time A-Level or vocational BTEC pathways.

Who can get involved with the Women in Leadership initiative?

The initiative is designed to support and empower education professional colleagues across our organisation and partner schools in the wider region, helping to build strong leadership pathways throughout further education.