Courses

Wirral Met College Principal Sue Higginson shortlisted for Lifetime Achievement Award

Sue Higginson has been shortlisted in the Pearson National Teaching Awards 2023.

After 33 years leading learning in further education, Sue Higginson has been shortlisted for The Pearson National Teaching Awards Lifetime Achievement Award 2023.

Sue’s nomination was supported by staff, students, former students, governors, employers and community members who all contributed to the shortlisting process and shared their stories of the difference Sue has made to them, their colleagues and organisations.

The Pearson National Teaching Awards were set up to celebrate the impact of invaluable education within the UK. Run by the Teaching Awards Trust and supported by Pearson and the BBC, they are the UK’s most prestigious celebration of transformational teaching.

The Award for Lifetime Achievement is for those who have dedicated their life to the teaching profession and have had a significant and positive impact on the people they have worked with over the course of their teaching career; from pupils and colleagues to educational stakeholders and within their local community, and not only in their current schools, but throughout their teaching career. Their commitment to, and passion for, education is exemplary to all.

Award winners will be announced on 21 June 2023.

Pearson Teaching Awards Trust Team said: “This year was, once again, an excellent year for participation. The stories that we have heard from schools and colleges across the UK have been simply inspirational and the quantity and standard of entries has been so high this year that our judges have had a tremendously difficult task in shortlisting finalists and we are delighted that Sue has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Award for Lifetime Achievement.”

Sue Higginson OBE, Principal and CEO of Wirral Met College said: “This lovely surprise has been a well-kept secret, as I only found out I’d been nominated, when I was selected as a finalist.  I am very touched, humbled and thank my colleagues, students and partner employers and community groups who gave of their time to nominate and recognise my contribution. It is the greatest privilege to be a leader of learning and as I retire in July, after over 33 years of service to further education, I hope that the learning partnerships, culture of learning, passion for inclusion and ambition for the most vulnerable people in our community, will continue to transform lives for many generations to come.”

Hi, I’m Ailz. What I love most about education is the opportunity to make a genuine difference to people’s lives, help them recognise their own potential, and open doors to new careers and pathways. I began my career teaching English in Further Education, before becoming a mentor for trainee teachers through their placement years. I really enjoyed mentoring and coaching trainees, helping them develop their practice and discover their own strengths as teachers. This led me into teacher education, where I now work as a Programme Lead, supporting the next generation of teachers in the Further Education and Skills sector.

I care deeply about social mobility, the importance of positive relationships, and helping students feel confident and engaged in their learning. I’m a nurturing and approachable teacher educator, and I’m committed to ensuring that every trainee I work with feels encouraged, valued, and supported as they develop their practice.

I’m Sasha. What I enjoy most about working in education is helping people build confidence and realise their full potential. I spent 13 years working as a teaching assistant and Learning Support Assistant before moving into teaching Health and Social Care and Access courses with learners aged 16 and over. These experiences shaped my belief in the importance of positive relationships and adapting teaching to meet individual needs.

Mentoring trainee teachers and coaching colleagues sparked my interest in teacher education, which I moved into in 2024. I enjoy helping trainees connect theory with classroom practice, try out new approaches and find their own confidence as teachers. I aim to create a supportive space where they can ask questions, reflect honestly and feel comfortable seeking advice.

I have a degree in Psychology, a master’s in Mental Health, a PGCE, the National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development and a Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring in Education. These studies continue to inform my interests in inclusive teaching, wellbeing, and supporting others to develop their practice.