MidKent College Celebrates Array Of National Awards
Patrons of the Chamber, MidKent College is celebrating national recognition for the work of their Communications and Marketing team. MidKent College won in six categories at the National FE First Awards, a gala dinner held at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, on Monday February 2, 2026.
The awards celebrate the best of marketing in further education in the UK, and the entries are judged by a panel of FE and communications experts.
Director of Comms & Marketing Steve Hyland won the Marketing Superstar Award; for Internal Impact, they won Gold; and the Marketing Team was highly commended in the small team category.
The marketing team was also highly commended in the Events Management category, and overall, the College won the Best of the Best award.
A further Silver Award went to MidKent College for their communications campaign that launched the Alumni network in 2025 and has already reached hundreds of former students and is being studied by other colleges. The award is a tribute to a campaign that tackles retaining student engagement which has always been difficult in the FE sector.
Executive Director and Deputy CEO of MidKent College, Chris Hare, said: “We never do our jobs with awards in mind, but we are very proud that our work has been recognised at the FE First Awards. Every day we work hard to help young people and adults in our local communities understand their options for the future and to show the difference that education can make. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the impact they have on our students.”
Steve Hyland’s Superstar award recognised his contribution to assisting other colleges through advice and peer mentorship, and his exceptional leadership during MidKent College’s pioneering ZERO sustainability project. His leadership of the marketing team has led to a culture where staff feel valued, empowered and inspired.
The Internal Impact award recognised the innovative Staff Voice conference that has transformed internal communications, with a visible difference in engagement from all staff as a result.
The small team award is a credit to the adaptability of the Marketing team which maximises the impact of collective responsibility giving a wider reach across all areas, meaning they respond quickly and flexibly.
Steve Hyland said: “To be shortlisted alongside some phenomenal marketing teams from across the country was a fantastic achievement. We’re proud of our colleagues and students, and grateful that we get to tell their stories to inspire others”.