We’re delighted to announce that Katie Spencer from Mediprospects has been named the winner of the Gateway Qualifications Access to HE Tutor of the Year Award 2025!
We celebrate Katie as a tutor who brings laughter, learning, and deep understanding to every lesson — a tutor whose energy, care, and teaching excellence make the classroom a place where mature learners feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Honouring Inspirational Tutors
Every year, we’re moved by the heartfelt nominations we receive from Access to HE students. These stories highlight how much tutors matter in the classroom and in shaping futures.
Our annual Tutor of the Year Awards are a chance to shine a spotlight on the incredible dedication, passion, and support shown by Access to HE tutors across the country.
Recognising the Top 10
From a shortlist of 10 exceptional tutors, a judging panel reviews these finalists anonymously, scoring each based on the strength of the nominations. The tutor with the highest score is named our winner.
We’re proud to share this year’s Top 10 Finalists (listed alphabetically by first name):
- Becky King, South Essex College
- Doug Hunter, South Essex College
- Katie Coleman, South Essex College
- Katie Spencer, Mediprospects
- Keighley Burtchart, Hertford Regional College
- Melanie Lancley, Mediprospects
- Pam Jones, Bridgewater and Taunton College
- Tracey Page, USP
- Vicky Burch, South Essex College
- Zacary Churn, USP
What Students Say
As part of the nomination process, we ask students to describe their tutor in three words. The responses are always inspiring — words like inspiring, understanding, funny, and supportive appear time and again.
These Awards celebrate all Access to HE tutors who go above and beyond to help students succeed.