People Awards 2025

Excitement filled the air at 116 Pall Mall as elegantly dressed guests gathered for the 2025 People Awards Ceremony, sharing laughter and conversation before the evening’s celebrations began.
A Night to Remember
With its grand setting, 116 Pall Mall set the stage for a night of celebration and style. Guests arrived in their best black-tie attire, adding to the event’s polished atmosphere. Over a delicious three-course meal, everyone enjoyed great conversation and reflected on a record-breaking number of nominations, proof of the incredible talent and dedication across our teams.
Recognising Our Teams
Each year, the People Awards reach new heights, and this year was no exception. The ceremony was a testament to the hard work and commitment of our employees, as well as the incredible efforts of the teams behind the scenes who orchestrated an unforgettable event. Every nomination highlighted the remarkable contributions made across various schools and departments, showcasing the diverse skills and unwavering dedication that drive our success. The introduction of the new client award category added an exciting dimension, recognising those who truly go above and beyond.
Winners Announced
With guests seated and the stage set, the evening’s celebrations truly began. A sense of anticipation filled the room as the awards ceremony got underway, ready to recognise the outstanding individuals and teams who make a difference. Excitement grew with each announcement, honouring those who have gone above and beyond in their contributions. Here are this year’s winners:
KP of the Year: Philip Kearney from Rydal Penrhos
Chef of the Year: Daniel Wilbur from QEH Bristol
Front of House of the Year: Poppy Cash from The Stephen Perse Foundation
Operator of the Year: Philip Lockyer from Operations
Support Department of the Year: Angela Fewins from HR
Game Changer of the Year: Ross Gulley from Operations
Allergy Champion of the Year: Nicola Vaughan from Newcastle High School for Girls
Influencer of the Year: John Kirwan from Wakefield Grammar School Foundation
Team of the Year: St Helen’s School
Sustainability Team of the Year: Streatham and Clapham High School Team
Nutrition Award: Brentwood School Team
Client Award (South): The Abbey School Team
Client Award (North): Diego Gutierrez Martinez from The King’s School Macclesfield
Founder’s Award: Bromsgrove School
Congratulations to all the winners and nominees! Your achievements inspire us all and set a benchmark for excellence and we’re all so proud of you.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 People Awards Ceremony wasn’t just about celebrating past achievements; it was a testament to the bright future ahead. As we continue to grow and evolve, we look forward to many more opportunities to honour the incredible contributions of our teams.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the evening so special. Here’s to more success, more recognition, and many more unforgettable celebrations!