Double delight for University of Chester at Educate North Awards

The ENAs are the most esteemed education awards highlighting world class achievements across the university, higher education, further education and sixth form sectors in the North of England.

Hosted by University of Salford Chancellor Lucy Meacock, known to millions when she presented Granada Reports from 1988 to 2024, the ceremony was held in front of a record attendance at the Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester.

And there was delight as the University was announced the winner of the Student Experience Award – University Sector, for the Chester Credentials Nano-credentials project.

Chester Credentials is a cross-university, student-centred suite of short, online nano-credentials that develop work ready skills through employer visible digital certificates. It provides a scalable model for skills development, ethical student partnership, and improved graduate confidence and employability, with 80% reporting Significant or Moderate skills improvement.

Award judges said Chester Credentials is a strong cross-university initiative delivering accessible, employer-visible nano-credentials that build skills and employability. They praised its clear impact and strong engagement.

They also commended its scale and ambition, highlighting effective collaboration and a scalable model for improving graduate outcomes.

There was further reason to celebrate as Assistant Hindu Chaplain Ramitha Nittore Ramnath, who was nominated in two award categories, collected a Highly Commended certificate for University Student Achievement of the Year.

Ramitha is an exceptional student leader whose work has transformed student wellbeing, inclusion and community engagement. An International student studying BSc (Hons) Psychology, Ramitha has led award-winning initiatives that rebuild belonging in a post-COVID university environment.

Professor Eunice Simmons, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, said: “Congratulations to the Chester Credentials team in winning this fully deserved award. This is the second year in a row we have triumphed in the Student Experience category, following last year’s Academic Skills team’s success with The Skills Pod, showing we truly put students at the heart of our institution, delivering outstanding value.

“Further praise must go to Ramitha for earning a Highly Commended honour, recognising her efforts amid very strong competition.” 

Main image: Beth Donnelly and Richard Hind collect the Student Experience Award from awards judge Professor Yasmin K Sekhon Dhillon and awards host Lucy Meacock.

Image 2: University of Chester nominees with award winners Beth Donnelly and Richard Hind (Chester Credentials), Highly Commended certificate recipient Ramitha Nittore Ramnath, and Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons.