The fifth annual Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) STAR Awards – the Oscars of the further education sector – were held in London last night (24 November), with a chef, a college principal and an offender learning head among those honoured.

The awards recognise the dedication and expertise of the people who, on a daily basis, make a significant contribution to improving the skill levels of young people and adult learners. The winners were honoured at a ceremony at Old Billingsgate in London, which was attended by over 500 further education staff and learners from across England.

This year the LSIS STAR Awards received a record number of nominations – over 2,500 –demonstrating the high regard in which they are held by further education professionals and learners alike.

This year’s ceremony also marked the inauguration of the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), the sector-owned body set up to support those working in the further education sector.

The winners and those highly commended in the 10 categories were:

Skills for Life category sponsored by NIACE
Winner: Lynn Evans, ESOL Coordinator at Stafford College

Engaging employers category sponsored by LSC
Winner: The Business Development Unit at The Isle of Wight College

Response to learners’ needs category sponsored by Remploy
Winner: Lynn Reddick, Head of Entry and Pre-Entry Level at North East Surrey College of Technology

Teaching, training and learning practitioner category sponsored by IfL
Winner: Jean Bartley, Teacher and Course Leader at Herefordshire College of Technology
Highly commended: Ed Anderson, SRC Bede Sixth Form College, Billingham

Lifetime Achievement category sponsored by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS)
Winner: Helen Sexton, Principal of The National Star College (Cheltenham)
Highly commended: Iris Corfield, The Royal National College for the Blind and Julie Mclean, City College Plymouth

Support role category sponsored by Unison
Winner: Evelyn Shaw, Head Cook at Ruskin College (Oxford) 
Highly commended: Lynda Turner, Stafford College and Peter Vaughan, City of Westminster College

Learning Support category sponsored by Nord Anglia Education Partnerships Ltd
Winner: Susan Parr, Student Liaison Advisor at Cheadle and Marple Sixth Form College (Cheshire)
Highly commended: Jill Herrington, HMP and YOI Ashfield and Marie Keeley, Warrington Collegiate

Leadership category sponsored by Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS)
Winner: Merron Mitchell, Head of Offender Learning at The Manchester College
Highly commended: Sunaina Mann, NESCOT

Innovation category sponsored by Becta
Geoff Rebbeck, ILT Development Coordinator at Thanet College (Kent) 
Highly commended: Mike McDermott, Uxbridge College

Workforce development category sponsored by Lifelong Learning UK
Winner: The Senior Teacher Team at North East Worcestershire College
Highly commended: Leadership & Professional Development Team, Hackney Community College and Suffolk Fire Brigade Union Learning Team, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service

The award winners were announced in front of an audience of shortlisted nominees and their nominators. The nominations were assessed by a panel of independent experts, who drew up a short list and selected the overall winners. Nominations for next year’s awards open today– so those inspired by this year’s winners can start nominating the potential STARs of next year straight away.

A special message was also delivered from Siôn Simon MP, Minister for Further Education at the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS): “The LSIS STAR Awards recognise the tremendous contribution made by those who work in the further education and skills sector and, in particular, the unsung heroes who make such a difference to the lives of learners. This year’s winners and nominees have inspired countless young and adult learners and have helped them to achieve their full potential; I congratulate them all warmly.”

“These awards highlight the vital importance of the further education and skills sector and those who work in it to build a strong UK economy and a cohesive society, helping thousands of young people and adults gain skills, confidence and new qualifications every day.”

The awards ceremony was hosted by Mike Baker, the former BBC broadcaster, and Dr Floella Benjamin OBE, Chancellor of the University of Exeter. Students from Reynolds Performing Arts showcased a mixed group Latin dance performance after winning an X Factor-style competition to perform at the awards.

To nominate your further education hero for the 2009 LSIS STAR Awards, please visit the website at http://staraward.qia.org.uk/