Nominations are coming in for the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards 2025, celebrating the people who quietly go the extra mile to make life better across Bedford Borough.
Now in its sixth year, the awards are held in partnership with The Harpur Trust, with finalists set to be celebrated at a ceremony hosted by Bedford School at The Quarry Theatre on Thursday, 7 May.
This year’s Excellence in Education award, sponsored by Bedford School, is open to teachers, teaching assistants, coaches, mentors, and others working in education who have made a real difference to young people.
Bedford School headmaster James Hodgson said: “We are delighted to welcome the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards back to our Quarry Theatre for the sixth year running.
“This event celebrates the extraordinary contributions of people whose selflessness and dedication make Bedford Borough a better place for everyone.
“As a school, we want our boys to understand that leadership is rooted in service. Hosting these awards allows us to honour remarkable individuals while also inspiring our boys to recognise the impact they, too, can have in their communities.”
Excellence in Education
The Excellence in Education Award recognises the educators who do far more than deliver lessons.
It is for the people who encourage, support, and unlock potential, whether in the classroom, on the sports field, in a mentoring role, or through behind-the-scenes pastoral care.
Nominate a Bedford Independent Everyday here
The award is open to teachers, teaching assistants, coaches, mentors and anyone involved in education who has made a significant difference in the lives of young people.
Last year’s winner was Michael Walker for “ensuring all students have access to drama, going above and beyond to help anyone who needs emotional or academic support.”
You can nominate someone who has:
- Inspired students to reach their full potential
- Gone above and beyond to support learning and personal development
- Made a lasting impact through innovative teaching or coaching
Mr Hodgson added, “Education thrives on people who give far more than they ever expect in return. The educators we celebrate through this award are the heartbeat of Bedford’s community.
“They inspire our children, lift them when they falter, and open doors to futures they may never have imagined.
“We are immensely proud to support an award that honours their dedication and recognises the profound difference they make every single day.”
Award categories
The award categories for the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards celebrate the diverse ways Bedfordians across the Borough make the area a brilliant place to live, work, and play. They are:
- Volunteer of the Year (Harpur Trust) (2024 winner: Janet Dickinson)
- Excellence in Education (Bedford School) (2024 winner: Michael Walker)
- Raising the Profile of Bedford Borough (The Quarry Theatre) (2024 winner: Bedford Esquires)
- Pride in Bedford Borough (Bedford Radio) (2024 winner: Anne-Marie Abbate)
- Young Achiever (up to age 13) (Maths Circle/Times Tables Rock Stars) (2024 winner: Lucy Backhurst)
- Young Achiever (14 to 21) (Bedford Heights) (2024 winner: Urban Judge)
- Youth Voice (Bedford Giving) (2024 winner: Sporting Aid – The Next Generation Podcast)
- Inclusion Champion (Bedford Inclusive Learning and Training Trust (BILTT))
- Fundraiser of the Year (Individual) (Woodfines Solicitors) (2024 winner: Frankie Pickup)
- Fundraiser of the Year (Team) (White Hart Press) (2024 winners: Bedford Christmas Tree Festival)
- Unsung Hero (Brewpoint) (2024 winner: Shapna Khanam)
- Young Carer of the Year (HEART Academies Trust) (2024 winner: Charlie Lloyd)
How to nominate
Do you know someone in Bedford Borough who deserves to be recognised for what they do for others? Nominating them is simple.
Submit your nomination using the form below, or head to the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards page here.
Nominations must be for work carried out or achievements made between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025.
Nominations close at midnight on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
