A proud moment for our College community

Simon Cotton and Paul Leeming holding a trophy which is a large N in front of the College building

The William Henry Smith Specialist College has won a Regional Curriculum Innovation Award at the NATSPEC Awards 2026.

The NATSPEC Awards celebrate outstanding and innovative practice across the Specialist Further Education sector.

With seven categories highlighting initiatives that improve outcomes for SEND students across the UK, this year’s competition was exceptionally strong with nearly 60 entries submitted, showcasing remarkable creativity and commitment across the sector.

Our award-winning project, “Rolling the Dice,” grew from the College’s Dungeons & Dragons club, which over the past three years has evolved into a powerful learning tool. Through storytelling, character building, and collaborative problem-solving, students have developed confidence in speaking, sharing ideas, and working together.

The project has strengthened friendships, improved teamwork, and fostered respect for different perspectives, helping to create a deeper sense of belonging across the College community.

This is a creative and original approach to linking several curriculum areas, personal development, and the opportunity to explore emotions in a safe and structured way. Student involvement was fundamental to the project, resulting in excellent engagement and sustained improvements in attendance, motivation, and skills development.

Nigel Evans, NATSPEC Category Judge

The award trophy was designed and produced by students at Beaumont College.

“This is a superb achievement for the College and showcases the creativity, commitment, and collaboration across our community. ‘Rolling the Dice’ demonstrates how visionary thinking can empower students and help their social confidence to blossom.”

Simon Cotton, Head of College

Paul Leeming, Creative Arts Teacher, Steven Fawthrop, Teaching and Learning Lead, and Sonia Stewart, Business Lead, are now invited to represent the College at the National Awards, where they join six other category winners to compete for the prestigious Kathryn Rudd Innovator of the Year Award.

We extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Paul Leeming and all the staff and students whose creativity and dedication made this success possible.