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OCN Announces 2026 Learning Endeavour Awards Shortlist

Posted By:
Open College Network NI (OCNNI)

21st May 2026

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:

  • Third Sector Learner of the Year
  • Further Education Learner of the Year
  • Health and Well-being Learner of the Year
  • Schools Learner of the Year
  • Advancing Learning Through Innovation
  • Essential Skills Learner of the Year
  • Provider of the Year
  • Inspiring Tutor/Teacher of the Year
  • Traineeship/Apprenticeship Learner of the Year

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:

  1. Christina McAvoy – Poleglass Community Association
  2. Luisa Cayabyab – Bryson Future Skills
  3. Joanne McCandless – Habitat for Humanity Ireland
  4. Daryl Brooker – Start 360
  5. Rosie Connolly – Aspire Media Academy
  6. Yousif El Naser- Lisburn Adult Education Centre

Further Education Learner of the Year

  1. Ewa Gillan- South Eastern Regional College
  2. Alex Erdis- Northern Regional College, College Connect
  3. Emilis Meinertas- Southern Regional College
  4. Adrians Armans- South West College
  5. Iseoluwa Alabi- South West College
  6. Alison Russell- South West College

Health and Well-being Learner of the Year

  1. Tracey Madden- Poleglass Community Association, Sally Gardens
  2. Callum Carville- Belfast Met Supported learning
  3. David Breen- Lakewood School
  4. Megan Cooke- Hurt
  5. Daryl Brooker- Start 360
  6. Grace Montgomery- Northern Regional College

Schools Learner of the Year

  1. Aoife Mc Donnell- St Louise’s Comprehensive College, Belfast
  2. Chloe Preston- Lecale Trinity Grammar School
  3. Scarlett Hillman Hughes- St John the Baptist College
  4. Gerard Collins- Lakewood School
  5. Dan Henderson- St Patrick’s College, Maghera
  6. Summer Ingham- EOTAS – Lough Road Learning Centre

Advancing Learning Through Innovation

  1. Thrive Now Group
  2. Connected Academy
  3. South Eastern Regional College- The Newcastle Families Learning Together Hub
  4. South West College
  5. South Eastern Regional College- Thrive: Early Mental Health Programme
  6. South Eastern Regional College- The BYOB course

Essential Skills Learner of the Year

  1. Fatma Al Masri- People 1st
  2. Aoife Grimes- People 1st Lurgan
  3. Saido Ibrahim- People 1st
  4. Sophie Gibson- Start360
  5. Daniel Mitchell- Northern Regional College
  6. Ross Breen- Ulster Supported Employment Limited (USEL)

OCN Provider of the Year

  1. Lough Road Learning Centre KS4 EOTAS
  2. South West College
  3. Poleglass Community Association
  4. Northern Regional College
  5. Malone Integrated College
  6. CAFRE – Loughry Campus

Inspiring Tutor/Teacher of the Year

  1. Helen McCarron – Clanrye Group
  2. Glenn Rosborough – Nerve Centre
  3. Stephen McGreevy – South Eastern Regional College
  4. Carol Gillett – AEL- Access Employment
  5. Sinead Tracey – St Patrick’s College Maghera
  6. Mairead Fitzpatrick – Southern Regional College

Traineeship/Apprenticeship Learner of the Year

  1. Katie McCool – North West Regional College
  2. Jo-ann Lawlor – Belfast Metropolitan College
  3. Molly McCormack – Belfast Metropolitan College
  4. Kenzie Stevenson – South Eastern Regional College
  5. Aaron Connor – South Eastern Regional College
  6. Dean Mackinstosh – South Eastern Regional College

Find out more: OCN Announces 2026 Learning Endeavour Awards Shortlist | Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN NI)