We’re thrilled to be hosting our very first in-person Tutor Awards ceremony on Tuesday, 8th April!
This special event will bring together Get Further’s tutors, central team, college partners, funders, and supporters for an evening of celebration – shining a spotlight on the dedication, talent, and incredible impact of our tutors on the students they support.
Nine awards will be presented on the night, recognising outstanding contributions across a range of categories.
You can learn more about the awards and meet the inspiring nominees below:
The Get Further Tutor Academy provides year-round professional development and upskilling opportunities for our tutors through webinars, seminars, and self-study resources.
This award celebrates tutors who have shown exceptional dedication to their professional growth – those who attended the highest number of live sessions, completed the most self-study modules, and consistently demonstrated outstanding engagement throughout the year.
The nominees for this award are:
- Ashna
- Tun Tun Win
- Rachel Thomas
- Sajid Ali
This award celebrates the outstanding contributions of tutors who joined Get Further for the first time this academic year.
Each of the four nominees has made an immediate and meaningful impact—building strong connections with their students, delivering high-quality sessions, and showing a real commitment to their learners’ progress from day one.
The nominees are:
Sajid Ali – Sajid’s Programme Coordinator, Louise, said: “Sajid is dedicated to supporting his students and fostering strong relationships with them. He sets high expectations to drive their progress and success. Additionally, he consistently seeks feedback and takes advantage of tutor academy and self-study opportunities to progress his tutoring practice, always striving to improve for the benefit of his students”.
Emma Mahadevan – Our Quality and Attendance Officer, Jasmine, said: “Despite only starting part way through the year, Emma has had a great impact at Nottingham college and is working hard to support her learners both academically and motivationally and has built fantastic rapport. The relationships Emma has created with her learners shine through in their commitment and confidence in their studies and her dedication to providing expert tuition ensures they will make as much progress as possible”.
Emily Moseley – Our Curriculum Manager, Ed, said “Having worked with Emily as part of her feedback and reflection cycle, it was obvious to me that Emily is a rising star. Her preparation, attention to detail, warm rapport with her students and positive demeanor are all essential ingredients in the excellent tutor she will become (she is already great!).”
Manjot Singh –Manjot’s Programme Coordinator, Aneeka, said: “From observing Manjot’s sessions during drop ins and a Feedback and Reflection visit, I’ve noticed that he has a great relationship with students and brings an encouraging and positive energy to the classroom. Teachers at the college have commented that Manjot strikes a great balance between being a fun tutor who can get on with students, while also being someone they respect and listen to.”
This award honours the exceptional dedication of our returning tutors – those who have supported multiple cohorts over the years and consistently go above and beyond for their students. Their ongoing commitment to both learner progress and their own professional development sets a powerful example across the programme.
Karen Clooney – Our Marketing and Communications Officer, Connie, said: “Karen has been an outstanding tutor over the past four years, consistently going above and beyond for her students. She comes well-prepared, using both Get Further resources and her own materials, and makes a real effort to get to know her students so that she can tailor sessions to each student’s needs. Karen goes above and beyond, sometimes even dedicating extra time outside of sessions to provide feedback and mark student work. Her dedication, passion, and professionalism make her a valued member of our team”
Claudia Turner – Our Attendance and Quality Officer, Jasmine, said: “Claudia has worked with us for several years and has worked hard to develop her online tutoring skills. She has supported many students who may not have otherwise been able to access sessions. The barrier of a screen can be a challenge but Claudia has developed real warmth and engagement with her learners. She always engages with feedback to take her tuition skills to the next level and embraces each new challenge. It has been fantastic to work with Claudia over the past few years and see her step up to take on new opportunities such as our tutor ambassador role.”
Aaron Pang – Aaron’s Programme Coordinator, Louise, said “Aaron has actively engaged with Feedback & Reflection visits and drop-ins, using them as opportunities to enhance his tutoring throughout the year. He builds strong relationships with his students and tailors his sessions effectively to meet their individual needs and support them to make good progress.”
Josef Butler – Josef’s Programme Coordinator, Anna, said: “Josef has been invaluable to the Newham programme. He has been supportive of tutors on site and has supported students with their attendance to sessions with his mentoring. He has also been collaborating with the Lead Teachers to let tutors have access to their students’ mock papers, so they can tailor their tuition even more before exams. I think this perfectly demonstrates his commitment as a Lead Tutor – the ability to take initiative and advocate for others, supporting tutors to develop their skills and students to aim for excellence.”
This award celebrates tutors who truly embody the spirit of Get Further and bring our values to life through their work. At Get Further, we are:
Bold, unafraid to challenge the status quo.
Optimistic, maintaining belief in what’s possible—even in the face of setbacks.
Ambitious for students who are yet to secure their gateway English and maths qualifications.
Tenacious in our pursuit of meaningful impact for every learner we support.
These nominees have consistently demonstrated these values in action:
Donna Naylor – Our Curriculum Manager, Ed, said: “Donna has given detailed, thorough and cogent feedback on the English tutor booklets to support the development of tutor guidance which will allow students to have the best possible experience. Donna is not only ambitious for her students, but all students who use the booklets on the programme”.
Tevin Muendo – Tevin’s Programme Coordinator, Anna, said: “Tevin has been an ambitious tutor throughout the year. He is often available to cover sessions, and has shown optimism when needing to reschedule. He has been available for the rescheduled sessions during Ramadan. I think this shows Tevin’s drive and ambition for learners, and his flexibility in ensuring that they receive the tuition they need to help them succeed”.
Ashna – Ashna’s Programme Coordinator, Louise, said: “Ashna has handled a variety of challenges on campus with calmness and tenacity. She is committed to providing a stable and predictable environment for her students, regardless of the circumstances. Furthermore, Ashna has shown perseverance by offering extra sessions for students to catch up on sessions they missed, maintaining high standards to ensure they make the most of this valuable opportunity for support”.
Eli Ross – Eli’s Programme Coordinator, Anna, said: “Eli has received fantastic feedback from the teachers already. They have particularly loved how Eli can build strong rapport with his learners, wanting his learners to come back for more sessions. Eli also demonstrated boldness during a CPD event with Brighton Met staff and Uni of Sussex, where he showed staff around the university and participated in their English curriculum workshops.”
The Guiding Star Award (sponsored by IRIS Connect)
Thanks to IRIS Connect’s technology, this year we’ve been able to deliver more impactful, larger-scale feedback to our tutors than ever before. Their generous sponsorship of this award and of the in-person ceremony – alongside support from OCR – has played a key role in bringing the Tutor Awards to life.
This award recognises tutors who have gone above and beyond by stepping into a mentoring role – offering guidance, support, and inspiration to both their students and fellow tutors.
Seun Oladujoye – Seun is an outstanding tutor who has built strong, positive relationships with his students and colleagues. His approach to tutoring goes beyond academic instruction—he creates an inclusive and supportive environment where students feel valued and encouraged to push themselves. Seun’s commitment to professional growth and collaboration ensures that he consistently delivers high-quality sessions. His leadership extends beyond the classroom, as he actively supports fellow tutors and works closely with college staff to provide the best possible learning experience. With high expectations for his students, he inspires them to step out of their comfort zones, take ownership of their learning, and strive for excellence.
Lubaba Haque – Lubaba’s passion for education is evident in every aspect of her work. As a Lead Tutor, she has set high standards for both herself and those around her, driving quality in her own sessions and supporting her fellow tutors to do the same. Her adaptability and commitment to finding new strategies ensure that every student receives tailored support. Lubaba’s patience, clarity in teaching, and unwavering belief in her students empower them to strive for success. She fosters a welcoming and engaging learning environment, encouraging students to embrace mathematics with enthusiasm and confidence. Her ability to instil motivation and belief in her students makes her a truly exceptional educator.
Josef Butler – Josef has been an integral part of Get Further, serving as a tutor, Lead Tutor, and Programme Coordinator over the past few years. His commitment to his students and our mission is truly commendable. With patience and a deep understanding of his learners, Josef ensures that every student is supported at their own pace, making lessons engaging and effective. His ability to recognise potential in his students and nurture their confidence has made a lasting impact. He is not only an outstanding educator but also a mentor who inspires growth and enthusiasm for learning.
The nominees for this award were put forward by the people who know them best: their students. We were blown away by over 50 heartfelt nominations from learners on this year’s programmes, each one sharing just how impactful their tutor has been.
Shortlisting was no easy task, but these four tutors stood out for receiving multiple glowing nominations, filled with praise for their dedication, encouragement, and the difference they’ve made:
Nominees for the Student Choice Award have been put forward by their students, who went out of their way to get in touch to tell us how incredible their tutor is. We received over 50 heartwarming nominations from students on this year’s programmes, making it incredibly difficult to shortlist just four. The following nominees all received multiple glowing nominations from their students:
Nishta Ramanujam – Nishta’s student nominator said “Nishta is an incredible tutor who has a true talent for teaching. Her ability to break down complex math concepts into simple, easy-to-understand explanations makes learning so much more enjoyable. She is patient, supportive, and always encourages her students to do their best. Her teaching style not only helps build confidence but also makes math feel much more approachable. Nishta’s dedication and passion for teaching truly set her apart, and she has a remarkable way of making difficult topics seem effortless. Anyone who learns from her is lucky to have such a fantastic tutor”.
Bolu Adaramoye – Bolu’s student nominator said “Bolu has always been a great teacher. He helps me understand the work with different techniques, he makes maths fun and enjoyable, something I never thought mathd can be. He always pushes me to do my best and I would not change anything about his teaching. Honestly, best maths teacher ever.”
Aleksandra R – Aleksandra’s student nominator said: “Aleksandra has really made a massive difference on the way I look at maths now. She is very patient and understanding, she will go over the same thing until you understand it and she’s helped me in many ways. She has made maths a lot easier and I believe I will pass from her help. I’m grateful”
Ayesha Hussain – Ayesha student nominator said: “Aysha teaches very well, her lessons are great and I learn a lot with her. She creates a nice environment for us, she makes us feel comfortable with answering questions. Even if we get a question wrong she will go through it again for us to understand”.
The nominees for this year’s award have been carefully selected by our English Curriculum Manager, Ed Noon, in recognition of the exceptional tutoring that has had a significant impact on student progress in English. Their dedication and skill set the standard for excellence in the subject. The nominees are:
Martin Hang – Martin’s Programme Coordinator, Aneeka, said “Martin has been a committed tutor throughout the year with LETTA learners. Martin often receives good feedback from students, with one recently requesting that I pass on a big thank you to Martin and that they really enjoy his lessons. Martin has been consistently present for learners, with great punctuality and attendance to sessions. Martin’s dedication to students was also clear through precision in the paperwork he completed for his student’s speaking and listening assessments”.
Josef Butler – One of Josef’s students said: “I would like to nominate you because you are an amazing teacher. Your lessons are always interesting and helpful, and you truly care about your students. You have helped us improve our English and made learning enjoyable. Thank you for your dedication and support!”.
Bushra Ashkir – Natalie Coppins, Maths and English Lead at our partner college, SupaJam said: “Bushra has that rare ability to turn ‘I can’t’ into ‘I can’ – particularly when it comes to students who’ve all but given up on maths and English. What sets Bushra apart isn’t just her teaching ability – it’s her gift for reaching the unreachable”.
Rebecca Hurst – Our Senior Curriculum Manger, Toni, said “I have seen Rebecca skillfully use the Get Further booklets as a tool for active learning, encouraging students to read aloud, peer review each others work and engage in meaningful discussion. By using open-ended prompts like ‘What do you think?’ or ‘What’s your favourite line?’, Rebecca invited deeper reflection and made space for every student’s voice. They also addressed each student by name, checked their understanding by reviewing work in real time, and offered individual support without losing the group dynamic”.
This year’s nominees have been chosen by our Maths Curriculum Manager, Toni Harper, to highlight some of the finest tutoring seen in our Maths programme. These tutors have demonstrated outstanding teaching techniques and a strong commitment to student success. The nominees are:
Karen Clooney – Our Programme Manager, Olivia, said “Karen has worked with Get Further for a number of years now and has always shown an incredible passion for helping her students. This year, Karen has kindly travelled across London to support students. We really appreciate her commitment and hope to continue to work together for years to come”.
Johnpaul Amuji – One of Johnpaul’s student’s said “I wish to vote for Johnpaul. His style of tutoring is fresh and enjoyable. It’s made it very easy for a mature student after years of not doing maths. Thank you.”
Lubaba Haque – Lubaba’s Programme Coordinator, Louise, said: “Lubaba consistently creates a welcoming and positive atmosphere in her tuition sessions, creating an energetic buzz that inspires her students. She doesn’t just focus on helping them pass the resits, she instills a genuine enjoyment of maths. When students struggle with motivation, she encourages them by reminding them of their potential and sharing her optimism for their progress.”
Seun Oladujoye – One of Seun’s students said: “I just wanted to take a moment to say how much I appreciate your maths lessons. Your way of teaching makes the subject so much clearer and more enjoyable, and I’ve learned a lot thanks to your support. Your patience and encouragement have really helped me improve, and I always look forward to our sessions”.
For the Tutor of the Year Award, our team carefully reviewed hundreds of nominations from across all categories, seeking out tutors who truly embody Get Further’s mission, vision, and values. The four tutors shortlisted for this special honour have demonstrated exceptional dedication, impact, and commitment to their students:
Emma Mahadevan – Emma’s Programme Coordinator, Anna, said: “Emma has been invaluable to the Nottingham programme. She is proactive with collaborating with members of staff on site and has built strong rapport with the students and the tutoring team. Her tenacity with supporting students’ attendance has also been a boon, whether it’s her mentoring, escorting them to sessions, or sign-posting so they know where to go. She has also supported tutors and arranged CPD opportunities for them to shadow the English and maths staff at the college outside of their tutoring hours. Well done Emma!”
Seun Oladujoye – Our Senior Maths Curriculum Manager, Toni, said “Seun has shown true commitment to his role and is passionate about making a difference. Seun reflects on his role as a tutor, looking to develop his skills and share reflections on how to make an impact. Seun shows leadership by supporting all those who can help students from tutors, lead tutors, his Programme Coordinator to college staff”.
Lubaba Haque – Our Curriculum Manager, Ed, said “Lubaba’s attention to detail, willingness to try new approaches and strategies, plus her willingness to use IRIS to record and reflect on her tutoring has been breathtaking this year. Lubaba is deliberate and considered in all interactions with students, upholding high expectations and instilling belief within them. She is patient, explains concepts with clarity and is tenacious in following up to ensure no opportunity is missed for students to make progress. We have been blessed to work with Lubaba this year”.
Josef Butler – Alice Eardley, our Interim CEO, said: “Josef has created a calm and welcoming space where students feel truly supported and able to thrive. His clear structure, thoughtful pacing, and warm rapport mean his sessions are purposeful and engaging. It’s inspiring to see how he encourages students to think deeply, use sophisticated vocabulary, and take ownership of their learning. His dedication has made a lasting impact, and we are lucky to have him as part of our tutor community”
These awards have been made possible by the generous contributions of OCR and IRIS Connect. We thank them for bringing this well-deserved celebration for our tutors to life.