The Faculty of Education, in partnership with Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and Liverpool Medical Needs Education (MNE), has been shortlisted in the mental health and wellbeing category.
And the School of Law and Criminal Justice is in the running for Law School of the Year in light of providing an outstanding student experience, ranking top in North West in the 2025 National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey.
Professor George Talbot, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange, said:
“We are proud to again be finalists in the Educate North Awards. The nominations demonstrate our commitment to excellence in education, making a real difference to the life chances of our students and building strong partnerships for the benefit of the wider community.”
The School of Law and Criminal Justice has revolutionised the experience of students, establishing a comprehensive programme of activities including a resilience programme, professional mentoring and employer-led skills workshops.
The activities focus on raising aspirations, creating supportive external networks with employers and alumni and delivering enhanced student prospects.
The School has also supported and collaborated with scholars and students from Ukraine, prompted by the outbreak of war, reflecting the School’s commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility.
Professor Jay Cullen said: “Our objectives have been to create a School where our staff, students and stakeholders thrive, and where everyone benefits from an outstanding experience.
“We prioritise the development of students’ skills and character, while significantly expanding our employer networks to offer transformative opportunities and enhance outcomes for everyone within our School community. “
As one of the largest teacher education providers in the UK, Edge Hill is working in partnership to ensure trainee teachers are able to identify early signs of poor mental health and to have the skills to promote positive mental health among children and young people.
Dr Helen O’Keeffe, Dean of the Faculty of Education, said: “The mental health of our children and young people is one of the most pressing priorities for our partners and their staff at the moment.
“With Alder Hey and Medical Needs Education, we have co-designed and co-delivered the first PGCE Primary Education Mental Health and Wellbeing Specialist with Qualified Teacher Status course in the country, alongside a range of interdisciplinary workshops for secondary school trainees to improve educational and mental health outcomes.
“With this approach we aim to support our future teachers to have a significant impact on the life chances of the children and young people in our region and beyond.”
Wendy Henshaw, MNE Head of School, said: “This partnership has created the perfect opportunity for the voices of young people to be heard and shared with future teachers to equip them with the awareness and understanding required to support students in schools who are struggling with their mental health.”
Dr Katherine Birch, Director of the Alder Hey Academy, added: “Here at Alder Hey, we are passionate about improving children and young people’s futures.
“Given the number of children who are struggling with their mental health, it’s vital that all those working in schools are supported to better understand a range of mental health challenges, to hear directly from children about what matters most to them and to consider how best to respond.”
Find out more about studying at Edge Hill and the University’s partnerships.
March 13, 2026
