Cumbrian education director secures place on Educate Awards judging panel
by Educate Magazine May 19, 2026 · Appointments
John Shannon, director of the WELL (Western Excellence in Learning and Leadership) Project in West Cumbria, has been selected to join the judging panel for the Educate Awards 2026 – the North West’s largest and most prestigious education awards.
John is widely respected for his work in educational leadership and school improvement. He will join an influential panel of education experts responsible for selecting this year’s winners from thousands of entries submitted by nurseries, schools, multi academy trusts, colleges and education professionals across the region.
Driving school improvement across West Cumbria
John leads the WELL Project, an ambitious, evidence-informed education initiative. It focuses on improving outcomes and life chances for children within 118 schools in Allerdale and Copeland.
Sellafield and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) supports this transformational programme through social impact funding. It has become recognised nationally for its collaborative and innovative approach to educational improvement.
Over the course of his career, John has taught in five schools. He has led three schools as headteacher and held a range of senior trust leadership positions.
He is passionate about social justice and ensuring schools remain at the heart of their communities. John has dedicated his career to creating opportunities for young people and supporting sustainable school improvement.
His expertise has seen him present at conferences regionally, nationally and internationally. His professional qualifications include the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL). He also holds an MBA in educational leadership. John is also a committed mentor and advocate for developing the next generation of education leaders.
Celebrating excellence in education
John will join a highly respected independent panel of 15 judges. They will determine the shortlist and overall winners of this year’s Educate Awards.
Founded by Kim O’Brien in 2012, this year marks the awards’ fifteenth anniversary. It celebrates the achievements of nurseries, schools, colleges, multi academy trusts (MATs), and their teaching and non-teaching staff.
With 21 categories to choose from, Educate Awards is open to all nurseries, primary and secondary schools, colleges, academies and MATs across Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside. It is also open to independent private educational establishments, further education providers, and specialist schools and provisions.
Speaking about joining the panel, John said:
“I am extremely honoured to have been selected to join the Educate Awards judging panel. Having worked across teaching, school leadership and improvement, I understand the commitment and impact behind great education, and I am looking forward to recognising and celebrating that work through the awards.”
Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said:
“It is a great honour to welcome John Shannon to the esteemed Educate Awards judging panel, which brings together some of the most respected individuals in education.
“Every year, the job of the judging panel gets harder and harder, as the standard of entries continues to rise and we see more incredible examples of innovation, leadership and dedication. John’s extensive experience and insight will be invaluable in helping us recognise the individuals, nurseries, schools, colleges and multi academy trusts, making a real difference to the lives of young people.”
Alongside this year’s judging panel are the Educate Awards 2026 associate sponsors, including All About Futures, Angel Solutions, Apprenticeships at Liverpool Hope University, CER, CPMM Media Group, Frank Field Education Trust, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Careers Hub, LJMU, LSSP, Portakabin, Satis Education and SENDSCOPE.
The glittering Educate Awards ceremony will take place at the iconic Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on Friday 13 November 2026, with a dazzling programme set to celebrate its fifteenth anniversary in style.
