Reinforcing the commitment to independent, rigorous evaluation at the heart of the Education Awards 2026, Professor Georgina Andrews, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Bath Spa University, has been appointed to the judging panel, bringing extensive experience in higher education leadership, business education, and institutional governance to the role.

Andrews' career spans legal practice, business school leadership, and university executive leadership, with a sustained focus on student-centred learning and widening access to higher education.

Before entering the university sector, she worked as a solicitor in private practice specialising in company and commercial law — a foundation that informs her approach to governance, institutional accountability, and strategic decision-making.

She led two distinctive and successful business schools before her appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost of Bath Spa University, where her academic credentials were recognised through appointment as one of the first Professors of Business Education in the UK.

As a panel member, Andrews will contribute to the evaluation of entries across award categories, bringing rigour and a student-centred perspective to assessments of innovation, impact, and educational leadership.

Her career-long focus on breaking down barriers to higher education and the role of universities as anchor institutions in their communities positions her to assess entries with a perspective attentive to both academic excellence and inclusive outcomes.

Andrews also maintains a strong record of external engagement. She serves as an elected member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) Council, chairs its Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Committee, and acts as an Assessor and Assessment Panel Chair for the Small Business Charter. These roles reflect her sustained commitment to standards and sector leadership beyond her own institution.

With the judging panel now confirmed, attention turns to the Education Awards 2026 ceremony on 16 April at the Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co. Meath, where Ireland's education community will gather to recognise excellence spanning higher education, further education, and professional training.

For the complete judging panel, category criteria, and finalists shortlist, visit the Education Awards website and subscribe to the newsletter for updates and insights.