BRILLIANT Awards 2026
Celebrating the educators, institutions and partnerships preparing young people for the future of work.
The BRILLIANT Awards recognise the schools, colleges, universities, multi-academy trusts and organisations redefining what education can be. From bold classroom practice to powerful partnerships with industry, these awards spotlight those driving real change in teaching and learning.
BRILLIANT exists to connect education, technology and industry. The awards are a natural extension of that mission.
If you are helping learners build the skills, confidence and mindset to thrive, this is your moment to be recognised.
What are the BRILLIANT Awards?
Who Can Enter?
Entries are open to organisations, partnerships and individuals across the UK who are making a measurable impact.
You are eligible if:
You are a school, college, university, MAT or business based in the UK
Your work connects education with industry, technology, creativity and future-ready skills
You are delivering innovative approaches that inspire learners and improve outcomes
Entries are welcomed from educators, leadership teams, departments, partnerships and cross-sector collaborations.
Award Categories
Click on the name of each award below to see the specific category criteria.
The BRILLIANT STEAM Excellence Awards
Recognising outstanding projects that inspire learners across science, technology, engineering, arts & design, and mathematics.
Open to schools only.
Primary Schools
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1. Curiosity & Inquiry
How effectively the school fosters curiosity, questioning and hands-on investigation in science learning.
2. Real-World Relevance
Evidence that science is connected to real-world issues, careers or industry to make learning meaningful.
3. Impact on Learners
Clear outcomes showing improved engagement, understanding or progression in science.
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1. Meaningful Use of Technology
How technology is used to enhance learning, not just replicate traditional methods.
2. Digital Skills Development
Evidence of building practical, transferable digital skills (e.g. coding, digital literacy, problem-solving).
3. Innovation & Impact
Demonstrable impact on teaching and learning, with creative or forward-thinking approaches.
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1. Problem-Solving Approach
How pupils are encouraged to design, test and refine solutions to real or simulated challenges.
2. Application of STEM Knowledge
Evidence of integrating science, maths and technology into practical engineering contexts.
3. Collaboration & Creativity
Opportunities for teamwork, creativity and iterative thinking in engineering activities.
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1. Creativity & Expression
How the school nurtures originality, imagination and individual expression.
2. Integration with Wider Learning
Evidence of arts and design being embedded across the curriculum, including links to STEM/STEAM.
3. Impact & Inclusion
Demonstrable impact on confidence, engagement and inclusion for all learners.
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1. Depth of Understanding
How the school develops strong mathematical reasoning, fluency and problem-solving skills.
2. Engagement & Accessibility
Approaches used to make maths engaging, inclusive and accessible to all learners.
3. Real-World Application
Evidence of maths being applied in meaningful, real-life or cross-curricular contexts.
Secondary Schools
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1. Depth of Scientific Thinking
Evidence of developing analytical thinking, experimentation and evidence-based reasoning.
2. Real-World & Career Relevance
Clear links to real-world challenges, industry or STEM pathways.
3. Impact on Outcomes
Demonstrable improvements in engagement, attainment or progression in science.
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1. Strategic Use of Technology
Technology used to transform learning experiences, not just support delivery.
2. Future-Ready Skills
Development of skills such as coding, digital creation, data literacy or AI awareness.
3. Measurable Impact
Clear evidence of improved learning outcomes or student capability.
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1. Applied Problem Solving
Structured opportunities for designing, building, testing and iterating solutions.
2. Integration of STEM Disciplines
Strong links between science, maths and technology in practical contexts.
3. Employer or Industry Connection
Engagement with real-world engineering challenges or partners.
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1. Creative Excellence
High-quality outcomes demonstrating originality and technical skill.
2. Cross-Disciplinary Integration
Effective blending of arts with STEM or wider curriculum areas.
3. Student Impact
Evidence of improved confidence, engagement or creative progression.
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1. Mathematical Mastery
Strong focus on reasoning, fluency and problem solving.
2. Engagement Strategies
Innovative approaches to making maths accessible and motivating.
3. Real-World Application
Clear examples of maths applied beyond the classroom.
The BRILLIANT Innovation in Learning Awards
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1. Innovation in Approach
Creative or original methods that enhance how children learn.
2. Effective Implementation
Clear evidence of how the approach is embedded and sustained.
3. Impact on Learners
Demonstrable improvements in engagement, outcomes or skills.
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1. Transformational Practice
Innovative approaches that significantly change teaching and learning.
2. Scalability & Sustainability
Potential to replicate or scale across departments or settings.
3. Student Impact
Evidence of improved attainment, engagement or future readiness.
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1. Innovation & Relevance
Forward-thinking approaches aligned to future skills and industry needs.
2. Delivery & Adoption
Successful implementation across courses, faculties or cohorts.
3. Outcomes & Progression
Clear evidence of impact on student success, employability or progression.
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1. System-Level Innovation
Innovative approaches implemented across multiple schools or settings.
2. Consistency & Reach
Evidence of effective rollout and adoption across the trust.
3. Measurable Impact
Improved outcomes, engagement or teaching practice at scale.
Recognising organisations transforming how young people learn through creativity, technology and new approaches to teaching.
Open to schools, colleges, universities, MATs and education partners.
The BRILLIANT Industry Engagement Awards
Recognising impactful partnerships between education and employers that bring real-world learning into the classroom.
Open to education providers and industry partners.
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1. Meaningful Partnership
Quality and depth of collaboration between school and employer.
2. Real-World Learning
Opportunities for pupils to experience careers, industries or real challenges.
3. Impact on Aspirations
Evidence of increased awareness, motivation or ambition.
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1. Depth of Engagement
Sustained, structured partnerships with clear purpose.
2. Career Pathway Alignment
Activities linked to skills, careers and progression routes.
3. Measurable Impact
Evidence of improved student outcomes, choices or readiness.
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1. Strategic Partnerships
Strong, ongoing relationships with employers or industry bodies.
2. Curriculum Integration
Employer input embedded into teaching, projects or assessment.
3. Employability Outcomes
Clear impact on student progression, placements or employment.
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1. Trust-Wide Strategy
Co-ordinated approach to employer engagement across multiple schools.
2. Scale & Access
Opportunities delivered consistently across the trust.
3. Impact at Scale
Evidence of improved outcomes, aspirations or career readiness.
The BRILLIANT Leadership Awards
Recognising organisations and individuals creating system-level impact across education.
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1. Vision & Strategy
Clear, ambitious vision for STEAM across the trust.
2. Implementation & Culture
Evidence of embedding STEAM in curriculum, teaching and culture.
3. System-Level Impact
Demonstrable improvements in outcomes, engagement or opportunity.
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1. Alignment to Future Workforce Needs
Clear focus on emerging skills, industries and technologies.
2. Innovation in Delivery
Creative approaches to curriculum design and learning experiences.
3. Learner Outcomes
Evidence of improved employability, progression or career readiness.
Criteria
Work must have taken place between January 2024 and July 2026
Projects may be entered into multiple relevant categories.
All entries must demonstrate clear impact and measurable outcomes.
Judging is fair, transparent and led by an expert panel.
NOTE: To maintain fairness, these awards are closed to submissions from previous awards cycles.
Key Information
Final Entry Deadline: 25 September 2026
Shortlist Announced: 13 October 2026
Awards Ceremony: 10 November 2026
Venue: Exhibition Centre at Liverpool Experience Campus
Want to align your brand with innovation and excellence in education?
We’re actively seeking partners who share our values.
To learn more about sponsorship email martyncollins@brilliantfestival.com
Become a Judge
Our panel of judges is made up of experts from education, technology, and industry.
If you'd like to be considered for a future BRILLIANT Awards panel, please get in touch with martyncollins@brilliantfestival.com
Sponsorship opportunities
Category criteria
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Projects that drive curiosity, exploration and real-world scientific thinking.
Evidence may include:
Student-led research or investigations
Practical experiments or fieldwork
Competitions or external collaborations
Testimonials demonstrating impact
Judging focuses on:
Creativity and originality
Impact on engagement and thinking skills
Real-world application
Strength of partnerships
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Initiatives that use technology to transform teaching and develop digital skills.
Evidence may include:
AI, coding, robotics, VR/AR
Student-led digital projects
Industry engagement
Technology embedded in delivery
Judging focuses on:
Innovation in use of technology
Impact on skills and engagement
Real-world relevance
Scalability
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Programmes developing problem-solving, design thinking and practical skills.
Evidence may include:
Student-built projects or prototypes
Competitions such as F1 in Schools or VEX Robotics
Industry collaboration
Real-world challenges
Judging focuses on:
Innovation and creativity
Practical application
Industry engagement
Learner impact
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Creative and cross-disciplinary work that builds confidence and expression.
Evidence may include:
Student work, exhibitions or performances
Digital and creative technology
Cross-curricular projects
Industry collaboration
Judging focuses on:
Originality and creativity
Engagement with industry
Impact on confidence and thinking
Innovation in approach
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Approaches that improve understanding, engagement and real-world application.
Evidence may include:
Innovative teaching methods
Competitions or challenges
Real-world applications
University or industry partnerships
Judging focuses on:
Innovation in delivery
Impact on understanding
Real-world relevance
Evidence of improved outcomes
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Innovation in Learning
Celebrating organisations transforming how young people learn through creativity, technology and new approaches to teaching.
Evidence may include:
New or reimagined teaching models or curriculum design
Use of technology to enhance learning experiences
Cross-disciplinary or project-based learning
Scalable approaches adopted across departments or organisations
Partnerships that enhance delivery or impact
Judging focuses on:
Innovation and originality in approach
Impact on learner engagement and outcomes
Use of technology or new methodologies
Scalability and sustainability
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Recognising partnerships between education and employers that bring real-world learning into education.
Evidence may include:
Employer-led projects, mentoring or experiences
Work placements, live briefs or co-designed curriculum
Long-term partnerships with measurable outcomes
Industry involvement in teaching or enrichment
Clear links to careers and pathways
Judging focuses on:
Strength and depth of partnership
Real-world relevance and application
Impact on skills, awareness and aspiration
Sustainability of the collaboration
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Recognising individuals and organisations driving system-level change across education.
Evidence may include:
Strategic initiatives influencing multiple schools or organisations
Leadership driving innovation in teaching and learning
Programmes improving outcomes at scale
Collaboration across sectors or regions
Thought leadership shaping future skills and education
Judging focuses on:
Vision and leadership impact
Scale and reach of influence
Measurable improvements in outcomes
Contribution to the wider education system
