University of Leeds Teaching Awards

The University of Leeds Teaching Awards is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the importance and value of our talented educators across our institution. It is an opportunity for our community to come together and reaffirm our shared commitment to giving students the best possible learning experience, where they are supported in their studies and empowered to make meaningful change. Our shared vision is to work collaboratively with our students to create a learning environment that is challenging, inspiring and supportive. It is thanks to our wonderful colleagues that we can fulfil this ambition and ensure that the University of Leeds continues to excel in student education.

Applications for the 2026 awards close at 5pm on Wednesday 11 March 2026.

Applications can be either via a written or recorded presentation route. Further guidance on applications and both routes can be found below. The following also applies, depending upon the category of award you are applying for:

• Early Career and Sustained Excellence: your claim needs to address how you have enhanced and/or transformed student learning or the teaching profession; supported colleagues and/or influenced support for student learning or the teaching profession; and your commitment to maintaining the currency of your practice.
• Early-Stage and Sustained Collaborative Excellence your claim needs to provide evidence of excellence in your team’s collaborative approach and excellence in the impact of your collaborative working in student education.

Application forms, guidance on the recorded presentation route and details of how to submit your written or recorded application can be found in the following document:

• Further guidance for applicants document (Opens in Word)

For further information please see the following documents which includes FAQs, the award criteria and marking information (this includes details of the weighting for each section of an application), and details on applying for a mentor.

• FAQs (Opens in Word)
• Awards criteria and marking information (Opens in Word)
• Request to be paired with a mentor form (Opens in Microsoft Forms)

Additional support for your application

• Briefing session: Watch a recording of our recent briefing event, which provides everything you need to know about the process, criteria and key dates.
• Get support with your application from a mentor: A mentor could provide support and advice and help you to develop and showcase teaching excellence and to present your experiences in an effective application. If you are interested in being paired with a mentor please complete the request form above. This support is subject to the availability of our mentors.

Selection of the Award Winners

Applications are reviewed by the University Panel. The panel includes Pro-deans for Student Education or their nominee, Student Union Education Officer, Professional Service representatives, chaired by the Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor: Educational Enhancement & Student Experience. If you are successful in one year, you can be nominated again, however, your application must be for a different category and based on distinctly different teaching and support activities.