Emma Soper, Principal of Connell, said: "We're incredibly proud of Connell's role in the partnership. Sixth forms across Manchester work collaboratively to ensure the children in our city have a great post-16 offer. We're really proud of this work and our award!"

The partnership was set up in 2022 to improve the post-16 education sector in the city through an approach that has a focus on ensuring equitable access, increasing provision, and aligning opportunities with Manchester's economic growth sectors.    

Since it was established, there have been tangible improvements, including over 1000 additional post-16 places, enhanced curriculum offerings, sector-specific training, and more young people have been supported into education, employment or training.

The voice of young people themselves plays a key part in the partnership through the Post-16 Youth Board, which helps directly in shaping the partnership, influencing the education provision, and helping ensure better connections between education and employment. 

The Post-16 Pathway Partnership is also central to Manchester’s wider goals under the Our Manchester Strategy, Child Friendly City programme, and Making Manchester Fairer agenda. 

It aims to continue driving systemic change, supporting young people to be safe, happy, healthy, and economically empowered, while also contributing to the city’s long-term development and social mobility. 

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "It's brilliant to see Manchester's Post-16 Pathway Partnership achieve national recognition for our ambitious and coordinated approach to improving outcomes for young people. 

"With its focus on ensuring equitable access, increased provision, and aligning opportunities with Manchester's economic growth sectors, we're determined to make sure all our young people gain the qualifications and skills they need to go on and get good jobs, and to lead the fulfilling lives they deserve." 

The Pearson National Teaching Awards are held annually to recognise outstanding teachers, support staff and leaders from across the UK. 

Manchester's Post-16 Pathway Partnership has received a Silver Award in the School or College Partnership award category, which celebrates either a group of schools or colleges, or schools / colleges working with external stakeholders that have achieved a measurable, transformative impact in addressing a key local issue with national relevance.