We’re incredibly proud to announce that Hayley Williams, MidKent College’s PSHE Lead, has been recognised with not one, but two prestigious honours at this year’s Kent Teacher of the Year Awards.
Hayley was awarded College Lecturer of the Year for the Medway area, before going on to win the overall title of Kent College Lecturer of the Year 2025 — an outstanding achievement that celebrates her passion, commitment and impact in delivering Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education across the College.
The awards evening, which celebrates the very best in teaching across the county, was a chance for Hayley to reflect on her 16 years working in Further Education — a journey she describes as “the best, something I am so passionate about and enjoy.”
Reacting to her win, Hayley shared her gratitude:
“To make the night even more special, I was awarded the College Lecturer of the Year for Medway and then went on to win the overall Kent College Lecturer of the Year! I am very overwhelmed by this still this morning.
A massive thanks goes to Emma Mernagh for being my biggest cheerleader, Nicola my right-hand lady, MidKent College, my amazing team of PPTs, and colleagues past and present.
Hayley leads our Group Tutorial programme, delivered by a dedicated team of Progress and Performance Tutors (PPTs). These weekly sessions support students’ wider development within their study programme, covering essential themes such as safeguarding, relationships, employability, sustainability, health and wellbeing, and raising aspirations. The programme also provides personalised one-to-one support and plays a key role in helping students navigate life in modern Britain.
Emma Mernagh, Director of Safeguarding and Student Welfare, praised Hayley’s achievement:
“What an outstanding recognition of Hayley's dedication and impact in delivering PSHE in post-16 education.
I’m so proud of her and the work that her team do delivering highly relevant group tutorials on sensitive subjects. It’s so great to see this vital part of the study programme recognised for its benefits in helping young people navigate growing up in modern-day Britain.”
Congratulations, Hayley — we’re so proud of you and thankful for the work you do every day to support our students.