News & Updates
University Foundation College Honoured with Strategic Growth & Ambition Award at NCUK Partner Awards 2025
Posted on : 13 January 2026
University Foundation College (UFC) has been honoured at the NCUK Partner Awards 2025, winning the Strategic Growth & Ambition Award for the Middle East and Africa region.
This award recognises NCUK Study Centres that demonstrate clear vision, sustained growth, and a strong commitment to expanding access to international education. The recognition reflects UFC’s continued focus on strengthening pathway delivery, improving student outcomes, and supporting progression to leading universities worldwide.
Following the institutional award, UFC was also represented in the individual award categories, with Olga Cretu winning Teacher of the Year. This individual recognition highlights the strength of teaching quality and academic support delivered at the college.
In addition to these achievements, University Foundation College was shortlisted in two key regional categories at the NCUK Partner Awards 2025:
- Excellence in Student Recruitment – Middle East and Africa
- Excellence in Student Experience Award – Middle East and Africa
These short listings reflect UFC’s ongoing commitment to student experience, including personalised academic counselling and dedicated support to help students transition confidently to university study.
Commenting on the achievement, Graham Burton, Principal of University Foundation College, said:
We, at UFC, are really pleased to receive this recognition, but it reflects the everyday efforts across the college. It comes from people caring about what they do, working together, and keeping students at the centre of everything. That shared commitment is what drives us forward, and it is something I am genuinely proud of.
Reflecting on her individual award, Olga Cretu said:
I sincerely appreciate this recognition, which reflects the shared efforts of my students and colleagues. To me teaching is not just a profession but a responsibility and a privilege, a path where shared efforts of students and teachers lead to positive outcomes. I am thankful for the trust of my students, the collaboration of my colleagues, and the support of UFC and NCUK. I look ahead with a continued commitment to supporting student success and fostering academic excellence.
The NCUK Partner Awards 2025 celebrate excellence across the global network of NCUK Study Centres, recognising institutions and individuals who continue to shape positive outcomes for students worldwide.
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