North East institutions receive royal recognition

Two leading North East education institutions have received royal recognition for programmes and research judged to be of outstanding national importance.

Gateshead College and Newcastle University were presented with Queen Elizabeth Prizes at St James’s Palace as part of the Royal Anniversary Trust awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation across UK colleges and universities.

Gateshead College was recognised for its PlanBEE higher apprenticeship programme, created with Ryder Architecture to tackle skills shortages in the built environment. 

Since launching in 2016, the scheme has delivered more than 850 industry placements through partnerships with over 70 businesses, offering apprentices rotations across architecture, engineering and digital design. 

The programme reports a 98 per cent progression rate and has expanded beyond the region, with additional specialist pathways introduced.

David Alexander, principal of Gateshead College, said: “Receiving a Queen Elizabeth Prize is an absolute honour for the college. 

“PlanBEE was created to help tackle the skills shortages in the built environment, and this award shows the difference that can be made when colleges and employers work closely together.

“We’re really proud to deliver PlanBEE, but this recognition is for everyone who has been part of the programme over the last ten years – our sponsors, apprentices, graduates and the college staff who have helped make PlanBEE the success it is today.”

Mark Thompson, managing director at Ryder Architecture, added: “Having developed the concept of PlanBEE and garnered support from businesses in the sector, we needed an education delivery partner that could move at pace and understand the needs of a fast-changing industry. 

“Gateshead College provided that foundation. 

“To see the programme recognised with this national honour demonstrates what can be achieved when education and industry work closely together.”

Newcastle University was honoured for more than three decades of pioneering research into dementia with Lewy bodies, transforming understanding, diagnosis and care. 

The award marks the university’s fifth royal prize, reinforcing its reputation for world-leading research across multiple disciplines.

Professor John-Paul Taylor, professor of translational dementia research at Newcastle University, added: “This award reflects the power of sustained team science – built on the vision of early pioneers and driven forward by the creativity and commitment of today’s clinicians and researchers at Newcastle University.

“In close partnership with patients and families, this collective effort has transformed how Dementia with Lewy bodies is understood, diagnosed and treated worldwide. We are proud of that shared achievement and determined to continue advancing both discovery and care.”

Professor Chris Day, vice-chancellor and president of Newcastle University, added: “This award is a great honour and reflects the deep commitment of our researchers, clinicians and wider university community to improving people’s lives.

“For more than three decades, Newcastle’s work has helped transform how Dementia with Lewy bodies is understood, diagnosed and managed – bringing real benefits to patients, their families and the communities we serve.

“We are proud that our research is shaping better care and healthier ageing, not just locally but around the world, and we remain dedicated to driving further improvements that support stronger, healthier communities for generations to come.”

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