A tutor at Priestley College has won a national award for her work championing LGBTQ+ inclusion in education.
Jenny George, a former Priestley student turned Pastoral Head and teacher, was named Inclusive Tutor of the Year at the National Student Pride Awards.
The prestigious award recognises individuals making an exceptional impact on LGBTQ+ inclusion across UK education. Jenny’s win is not only a personal achievement but a reflection of the inclusive culture she has helped embed at Priestley College.
“I was really touched to win the award because we have worked really hard at Priestley to ensure the LGBTQ+ voice is always heard,” she said. “The fact a student had nominated me means we must have had a positive impact on their time at college, which means it has all been worthwhile.”
Jenny has played a central role in Priestley securing the nationally recognised Rainbow Flag Award, a quality assurance framework promoting positive LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility.
Through initiatives such as the Priestley Pride group, strong LGBTQ+ representation on the student council and staff training, she has helped ensure students feel seen, supported and valued.
In classrooms across the college – from Economics and History to Maths – curriculum areas actively include LGBTQ+ representation where relevant, reinforcing a culture of belonging.
During her acceptance speech at the awards ceremony, held in London, Jenny said it was an honour to help ensure education remains safe and inclusive for all members of the community.
Inspired by her own positive experience as a Priestley student, Jenny said she was determined to offer the same supportive environment to others.
Assistant Principal Mark Eccleston praised her dedication, saying her commitment “embodies everything this award – and Priestley – stands for.”
What our students say..
We asked former student Rox for their reflections on Jenny’s impact and their experience at Priestley..
Jenny George is a shining example of how to do inclusion right at an FE college, she supports LGBTQ+ young people day in day out. She is a wonderful member of staff making policy that protects but also seeing it through with action, she is a testament to the college. If every college in the country had a Jenny we would be in a very different position nationally when rhetoric is becoming harsher towards the LGBTQ+ community having such positive ambassadors like Jenny is essential and we are very glad to be able to recognise the very hard work that she does.
I am in my first year at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire studying Applied Theatre and have recently received my first set of grades, including several firsts. Priestley strongly supported me academically in my courses in Drama, Politics, and Sociology, which proved to be the perfect combination for a highly employable course at the cutting edge of theatre and the arts.
I am very grateful to Priestley for supporting me in undertaking freelance work during my time there, including work in outdoor arts, theatre, events, and site-specific performance. The experience I gained enabled me to take on a producing role for National Student Pride – my first time lead producing – where I was responsible for the awards and opening party, managing our volunteers, and overseeing the music stage.
This was also the first event I had run in London, and without the confidence and skills I gained at Priestley, it would not have been possible.
