Annabel Jackson receiving the award
Everyone at The Sixth Form Bolton was delighted to hear that their Women into Leadership Programme had won the Student Experience Award – HE/FE Sector category at the prestigious Educate North Awards.
The Education North Awards highlight world class achievements across the University, HE, FE and Sixth Form sectors in the North of England. The event was held at the iconic Hilton Manchester Deansgate on Thursday 3 April.
The Women into Leadership Programme is dedicated to breaking down barriers and empowering the next generation of female leaders with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in their chosen paths. Acknowledging the ongoing challenges women face in navigating a world historically shaped by male-dominated leadership, the programme seeks to inspire young women to redefine and transform these spaces.
Through dynamic talks and hands-on workshops the programme focuses on building confidence, enhancing communication skills, fostering professional networks, improving financial literacy, and promoting health and wellbeing. Its mission is to prepare and inspire future female leaders to thrive and drive meaningful change.
The ENA judges said the programme was chosen as the winner because:
“[it] stands out for its innovative approach to empowering future female leaders, driving a paradigm shift in local attitudes and behaviors. With strong testimonials, wide-reaching impact, and impressive outcomes, the initiative not only fosters confidence and professional growth but also uniquely includes male participants in a similar program, ensuring lasting, transformative change.”
Annabel Jackson, Women into Leadership Co-ordinator, who leads on the Programme with the support of Nick Fisher, who leads on Prosper, the male equivalent was delighted to accept the award saying:
I am absolutely thrilled! Since taking over the programme last year, it has been a privilege to meet so many incredible women and create meaningful opportunities for our students. A huge thank you to everyone who has given their time to deliver impactful sessions—your contributions have been invaluable. A special thank you to Sandra McMannus, who originally built this fantastic student leadership programme during her time at B6. Upon leaving, she entrusted Nick Fisher and I to continue its growth, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the foundation she laid. Nick Fisher, my fellow student leadership coordinator, has been a joy to work with this year, offers unending support and works tirelessly to ensure we can deliver a meaningful positive experience to the students at B6. The leadership programmes would not be where they are without him! To all the students who have participated in Women into Leadership and Prosper this year—thank you! We are immensely proud of your enthusiasm and commitment to seizing every opportunity that B6 throws your way! What an incredible night—thank you to the Educate North Awards for recognising this programme. Here’s to another amazing year ahead!
Mark Goodwin, Assistant Principal - Student Experience, was delighted with the award saying:
We are very proud that our Women into Leadership Programme has won the Student Experience Award, at such a prestigious event as the Education North Awards. Our Leadership Programme has become a prime feature of our enrichment programme, due to our students desire to embrace the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the skills required to be future leaders. We look forward to working with potential leaders when our new cohort of students join us in September.
Stuart Merrills, The Sixth Form’s Principal, was also over the moon saying:
"Annabel and Nick (the college's student leadership coordinators) have been truly exceptional in their dedication to the Women into Leadership and Prosper Programmes . Their passion, hard work, and unwavering commitment have empowered our students to grow into confident, capable leaders. This award is a testament to their inspiring efforts, and we couldn't be more grateful for their invaluable contribution to our sixth form community."
As well as winning the Student Experience Award, The Sixth Form Bolton were also finalists in two other categories at the awards: the Digital Teaching & Learning team in the Digital Education and Development Award and our Aspiring to STEM initiative in the Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Initiative Award.
We would like to congratulate each and every one of The Sixth Form’s finalists and to extend our congratulations to all the organisations who took part.
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