OPEN COLLEGE NETWORK (OCN) has unveiled the shortlist for the 2026 Learning Endeavour Awards, set to take place at the iconic Titanic Belfast on Tuesday 23rd June 2026.
OCN, an awarding organisation dedicated to advancing education and opportunity across Northern Ireland, continues to empower learners of all ages by developing qualifications that unlock potential and transform lives.
This year’s awards shine a spotlight on exceptional individuals and organisations from across Northern Ireland, celebrating achievement, resilience and innovation in learning.
The 2026 shortlist features outstanding nominees across nine inspiring categories:
The exceptional quality of nominations made this year’s judging process even more difficult with every nomination demonstrating remarkable commitment and impact.
Martin Flynn, Chief Executive of OCN, said:
"The high volume of nominations this year reflects the extraordinary dedication and ambition of learners, educators and OCN centres across Northern Ireland. The Learning Endeavour Awards are a powerful celebration of what can be achieved through perseverance, support and a passion for learning.
Congratulations to all our shortlisted finalists, your stories are inspiring and you represent the very best of our community. We look forward to celebrating your success together this June."
Learning Endeavour Awards 2026 Shortlist
Third Sector Learner of the Year
Christina McAvoy - Poleglass Community Association
Luisa Cayabyab - Bryson Future Skills
Joanne McCandless - Habitat for Humanity Ireland
Daryl Brooker - Start 360
Rosie Connolly - Aspire Media Academy
Yousif El Naser- Lisburn Adult Education Centre
Further Education Learner of the Year
Ewa Gillan- South Eastern Regional College
Alex Erdis- Northern Regional College, College Connect
Emilis Meinertas- Southern Regional College
Adrians Armans- South West College
Iseoluwa Alabi- South West College
Alison Russell- South West College
Health and Well-being Learner of the Year
Tracey Madden- Poleglass Community Association, Sally Gardens
Callum Carville- Belfast Met Supported learning
David Breen- Lakewood School
Megan Cooke- Hurt
Daryl Brooker- Start 360
Grace Montgomery- Northern Regional College
Schools Learner of the Year
Aoife Mc Donnell- St Louise's Comprehensive College, Belfast
Chloe Preston- Lecale Trinity Grammar School
Scarlett Hillman Hughes- St John the Baptist College
Gerard Collins- Lakewood School
Dan Henderson- St Patrick's College, Maghera
Summer Ingham- EOTAS - Lough Road Learning Centre
Advancing Learning Through Innovation
Now Group
Connected Academy
South Eastern Regional College- The Newcastle Families Learning Together Hub
South West College
South Eastern Regional College- Thrive: Early Mental Health Programme
South Eastern Regional College- The BYOB course
Essential Skills Learner of the Year
Fatma Al Masri- People 1st
Aoife Grimes- People 1st Lurgan
Saido Ibrahim- People 1st
Sophie Gibson- Start360
Daniel Mitchell- Northern Regional College
Ross Breen- Ulster Supported Employment Limited (USEL)
Provider of the Year
Lough Road Learning Centre KS4 EOTAS
South West College
Poleglass Community Association
Northern Regional College
Malone Integrated College
CAFRE - Loughry Campus
Inspiring Tutor/Teacher of the Year
Helen McCarron - Clanrye Group
Glenn Rosborough - Nerve Centre
Stephen McGreevy - South Eastern Regional College
Carol Gillett - AEL- Access Employment
Sinead Tracey - St Patrick's College Maghera
Mairead Fitzpatrick - Southern Regional College
Traineeship/Apprenticeship Learner of the Year
Katie McCool - North West Regional College
Jo-ann Lawlor - Belfast Metropolitan College
Molly McCormack - Belfast Metropolitan College
Kenzie Stevenson - South Eastern Regional College
Aaron Connor - South Eastern Regional College
Dean Mackinstosh - South Eastern Regional College
Awards date & location
