The 2026 Awards are now open!
The HELOA National Conference Awards return in 2026 to celebrate and recognise the inspiring work being carried out by our members across the UK. These awards shine a light on excellence, creativity, and impact within the fields of student recruitment, outreach, and access.
Whether it’s a pioneering project, an innovative initiative, or a resourceful low-budget solution, this is your opportunity to showcase the brilliant work taking place in your institution and team.
Read the nomination guide to help you prepare a strong submission. The guide outlines the requirements and judging criteria for each award category, including what the judges are looking for and tips to help your nomination stand out.
Need some inspiration? Check out our 2025 nominees and winners.
Ready to enter?
Entries close on Friday 24 October 2025 (at midday)
Award categories
🏆 Award for Best Practice in Widening Participation, Outreach, and Access (sponsored by The Rad Brothers)
Celebrating impactful work that improves access to higher education for underrepresented groups, supports fair access, and empowers learners to make informed decisions.
🏆 Award for Best Practice in Student Recruitment (sponsored by UK University Search)
Recognising excellence and innovation in student recruitment activity, from campaigns and communications to events and engagement strategies that support prospective students on their journey to higher education.
🏆 Award for Best Postgraduate Initiative (sponsored by FindAUniversity)
This category honours outstanding work that supports and informs prospective postgraduate students, whether through targeted outreach, tailored events, or dedicated content and resources.
🏆 Award for Best Undergraduate Initiative (sponsored by Logistica)
Recognising initiatives that make a significant impact on undergraduate recruitment or support—from creative campaigns and virtual experiences to bespoke support for applicants and offer holders.
🏆 Award for Best Small or Low Budget Initiative (sponsored by Unifrog)
Celebrating creativity and innovation achieved with limited resources. This award showcases the power of small-scale initiatives to deliver big impact across recruitment, outreach, or access.
🏆 Commendations of Contribution
These commendations recognise HELOA members who have gone above and beyond in supporting the sector. They are awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional impact, whether over the past year or across a longer period, in advancing best practice in student recruitment, outreach, widening access, or marketing.
The nomination form also includes a section where you can put forward a colleague for this recognition.
Why submit a nomination?
The HELOA Awards offer a platform to highlight and share best practice, inspire the wider membership, and celebrate the hard work of individuals and teams making a real difference in the sector.
Ready to shine a spotlight on success?
Why not enter today?
Read the nomination guide to help you prepare a strong submission.
If you have any questions, please contact George Green, Vice-Chair for Group Development who is managing the awards this year: groupdevelopment@heloa.ac.uk.
Let’s celebrate together and recognise the incredible achievements made across the sector!
