Hull College earns royal accolade

A further education provider has received one of the UK’s highest academic honours for its innovative support of learners from refugee and migrant communities.

Hull College has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Higher and Further Education in recognition of its pioneering English for Speakers of Other Languages programme. 

The college was presented with a silver medal and certificate by The King and Queen at St James’s Palace, placing it among just 19 institutions nationally to be recognised in the latest round, including only four further education colleges.

Debra Gray CBE, principal and chief executive of Hull College, said: “We are absolutely delighted and deeply proud to receive the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education for our pioneering work in ESOL. 

“For Hull College, this is more than an award - it is a powerful recognition of the impact we are making for our students and our city.

“Hull is a City of Sanctuary, and we take that responsibility seriously. 

“This award reflects the courage of our students, the expertise of our staff and our commitment to inclusion, opportunity and social mobility for the people of Hull.”

Sir Damon Buffini, chair of the Royal Anniversary Trust, added: “The Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education celebrate the power of education to change the world for the better. 

“This much-loved national honour recognises, at the highest level of state, outstanding work in UK universities and colleges, and the remarkable benefit they bring to our economy, society and the wider world. 

“This year we were delighted to honour 19 institutions whose work offers an inspiring snapshot of the excellent and innovative work going on in universities and colleges across the UK.”

From left, Rob Lawson OBE, governor and chair of corporation at Hull College; Debra Gray CBE, principal and chief executive of Hull College; and Deb Millar OBE, executive director of digital transformation at Hull College

The accolade celebrates the college’s Silent Voices, Vivid Stories initiative, which supports refugees, asylum seekers and migrant learners through a blend of digital innovation and trauma-informed teaching.

Using AI-enabled storytelling, real-time translation tools and virtual exhibition platforms, the programme, which was supported by Ufi VocTech Trust, allows students to begin learning in their first language while building English skills in a supportive environment. 

A digital art gallery hosted in a virtual space showcases learners’ personal journeys, helping to build confidence, encourage creativity and strengthen connections across Hull’s communities.

Tina Lynam, head of ESOL at Hull College, added: “Silent Voices, Vivid Stories is all about human connection, creativity, and empowerment. 

“We are incredibly proud of our ESOL students, who bravely shared their journeys and identities through this powerful platform.

“Winning this award shows the value of inclusive innovation - and the vital role storytelling plays in education and community.

“Our learners arrive with extraordinary resilience but face barriers that many of us cannot imagine. 

“Silent Voices, Vivid Stories gave them the tools to express their stories safely, learn English with confidence, and reconnect with education. 

“This national recognition is a wonderful achievement for the college and reflects the hard work of our staff and the incredible commitment of our students.”

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