LJMU triumph as ‘Law School of the Year’

16 North West entries triumphed at the ENAs earlier this week, including Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). The ENAs (Education North Awards) ceremony, held in Manchester, celebrates excellence across the further and higher education sectors in the North of England.

700 guests from the world of education attended the 12th ceremony at The Point part of the Emirates Lancashire Cricket Ground. It was presented by Lucy Meacock, the award-winning TV presenter and Chancellor of a northern university.

The 2026 winners include:

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Professor Caroline Dive
• Law School of the Year – Liverpool John Moores University – School of Law and Justice Studies
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Award – University of Lancashire School of Veterinary Medicine – How to Thrive in Veterinary Education
• Apprenticeship Award – HE/FE Sector – Wigan & Leigh College
• Apprenticeship Award – University Sector – University of Salford – Apprenticeships
• Business Engagement Award – HE/FE Sector – Trafford and Stockport College Group – Manchester Airport Skills Hub
• College or FE Student Achievement of the Year – Mia Goodall – St Helens College
• Student Experience Award – University Sector – University of Chester – Chester Credentials Nano-credentials
• Digital and AI Innovation Award – University Sector – University of Cumbria – ‘The Clarence Project’ Rehumanising Nursing Education
• Game-Changing Education Award – University of Lancashire – Transforming Medical Education with Playful Learning
• Liverpool Hope Prize; Outstanding Achievement for Social Mobility – Cheshire College – South & West – Crewe 42
• Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Initiative Award – The University of Manchester (Science & Engineering Education Research and Innovation Hub) – Great Science Share for Schools
• Sustainable Green Initiative – University Sector – The University of Manchester and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust KTP – PeatFix: To Support and Improve Peatland Restoration and Revegetation
• Leadership and Innovation Award – Professor Hannah Holmes – Manchester Metropolitan University
• Business School of the Year – University of Lancashire Business School
• Outstanding Teacher – Anthony Gascoigne, East Riding College, TEC Partnership

LJMU vice-chancellor, Professor Mark Power, said:

“The law school is exemplary in our collective commitment to student success, public service and making a difference within our community.

“Congratulations and thank you to the school’s students, staff and partners, whose dedication, commitment and talent are behind this award win.”

Emerita Professor Ruth Ashford, deputy head judge, said:

“It is a superb event which is tortuous for our 35 judges drawn from across the UK and from a number of sectors.

“The standard rises every year which is exactly what we want but it makes decision making so difficult.

“We can not believe the level of quality from across the higher and further education sectors and it is wonderful to see committed professionals from the east to west coast in one room celebrating such brilliant achievements.’’

The organisers also unveiled plans to expand the ENA offering with new concepts later this year.