Bradford College Wins Four Awards at Leeds Global Learning Event

Local college recognised for sustainability and community projects

Bradford College has been awarded four prizes at the Leeds Global Learning Awards, held at Leeds Civic Hall. The annual event celebrates educators, students, and institutions across West Yorkshire who address global challenges through education and community initiatives.

Details of the awards and winning projects

The Leeds Global Learning Awards focus on areas such as climate action, human rights, intercultural understanding, and sustainability. Bradford College received recognition in four categories for projects involving staff and students from different departments.

• Global Justice Learning: The college’s IT Department was awarded for the Netbooks4All initiative. This project refurbishes and reconfigures obsolete college devices, converting them from Windows 10 to ChromeOS Flex. The refurbished netbooks are then distributed free of charge to students experiencing digital poverty, particularly those aged 19 and over who may not qualify for traditional bursary support.
• Climate Learning: Kulvinder Reehal, Rich Jones, and their Level 2 Art students won for their project titled Our Changing Planet. The project involved creating a large-scale mural and sculptures made from recycled materials, exploring themes such as pollution, deforestation, endangered wildlife, and climate responsibility. The work also helped students develop artistic, research, and teamwork skills.
• Anti-Racism and Intercultural Dialogue: Hairdressing lecturer Hayley Brogden was recognised for integrating textured and multicultural hair techniques into her teaching. This initiative addresses a lack of representation in the curriculum and aims to promote cultural awareness and inclusivity within the hairdressing industry.
• Use Your Voice: Mussarat Ali, a staff governor, SEND specialist assessor, and biology lecturer, was honoured for her contributions including the design of a sensory garden at Sandale Community Centre. The garden supports the local elderly dementia community and incorporates wildlife-friendly planting to benefit the wider community.

Event and organisational background

The 2026 Leeds Global Learning Awards were opened by Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with awards presented by Councillor Asghar Khan. The event is organised annually by Global Learning Leeds, an education charity that supports schools and communities in preparing individuals to engage with a changing and unequal world.

The awards highlight the impact of educational projects that promote sustainability, social justice, and community engagement across West Yorkshire.