Ellesmere College is celebrating after winning a national award for its ongoing programme of successful learning support.

The award, which comes as the college also announces the appointment of a new Special Educational Needs lead, praises the school’s ‘tailored provision that goes beyond academic adjustments’.

Ellesmere College won the Best Educational Needs Provider category at the 2025 Independent Education Awards hosted by Business Awards UK.

The awards are held to recognise the individuals and institutions whose work contributes meaningfully to the diversity and quality of educational provision. Winners reflect a wide range of specialisms, from academic excellence and adult learning to accessibility, career development, and community engagement.

Judges said: “Ellesmere College has been awarded Best Educational Need Provider for its consistently student-centred and responsive approach to learning support. Its tailored provision goes beyond academic adjustments, fostering metacognitive development, personal confidence and independence.

“A culture of inclusion underpins the work of both teaching and specialist staff, with technology and adaptive strategies supporting meaningful participation across school life.”

Stephen Mullock, Deputy Head External Relations at Ellesmere College, said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this prestigious national award – it recognises our efforts in meeting the high standards we continually strive for as an educational needs provider.

“Learning support is critical to our ongoing success and we are proud of the crucial role the school is playing in ensuring that those students who need that one to one  support, receive the appropriate support to access their educational programme and one that enables them to reach their full potential.

“The award comes as we welcome a new Special Education Needs lead to the staff. Mrs Rhiannon Coxey Evans took up her post at the start of the new term in September and we wish her well in her new role. Mrs Coxey Evans has been part of the SEND team at Ellesmere College previously and has a lot of experience in the field.

“Ellesmere College provides support for students with a range of Educational Support Needs and has a dedicated Dyslexia learning support unit which offers tailored support to students experiencing difficulties with their learning.”

For more information about Ellesmere College visit www.ellesmere.com.