BNU continues national success with nine Student Nursing Times Awards nominations
Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) has once again proven its position as a powerhouse in healthcare education, securing nine nominations for the 2026 Student Nursing Times Awards.
This year’s recognition is particularly notable for the university’s Midwifery department, which saw three students shortlisted for the top individual honour.
The shortlist, published on Friday 20 February, demonstrates the continuation of a multi-year streak of national recognition for BNU, following a decade of investment in simulation facilities and clinical partnerships.
Carla Avery, Associate Professor and Lead Midwife for Education at BNU, said: "To consistently perform at this level on a national stage is a testament to the culture we’ve built here at BNU. While we are incredibly proud of the quantity of nominations, it’s the quality and heart of our students that truly stands out. These nine nominations reflect our unwavering commitment to shaping the future of the NHS."
In a standout performance, BNU secured three out of the finalist spots for Student Midwife of the Year, a category the university first entered only a few years ago.
One of the shortlisted finalists, Alice Kennedy, said: “I am incredibly passionate about the midwifery profession, and my lecturers and fellow student midwives have inspired me to work hard. My previous job was as an English teacher and so I have always been passionate about helping other students, and that influenced me to become Senior Rep for Midwifery to support students and to advocate for their voices. I am very grateful for the opportunity.”
Additionally, Buckinghamshire New University is delighted to announce that their Specialist Nursing Education Partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust has been shortlisted for Partnership of the Year. The collaboration brings together academic expertise from Buckinghamshire New University with frontline clinical excellence at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust to deliver innovative, practice-centred specialist education across neuroscience, trauma and plastic & reconstructive surgery nursing.
Ruth Trout, Programme Lead and Senior Lecturer at Buckinghamshire New University, said: “We are incredibly proud to be shortlisted. This recognition reflects the hard work, innovation and commitment of our academic and clinical teams, and the strength of our partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. Together we have created education that is relevant, sustainable and truly impactful for students, services and, most importantly, patients.”
Full List of 2026 Finalists
- Student Midwife of the Year: Alice Kennedy; Julie Chick; Stephanie Rodriquez
- Student Nurse of the Year (Mental Health): Margaret Ampomah and Mushtag Kahin
- Student Nurse of the Year (Adult): Tumi Ifedayo Afolabi
- Practice Supervisor of the Year: Marie Newman
- Partnership of the Year: BNU and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
- Student Placement of the Year (Community): Innovative Student Learning in Clinical Practice
The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony on Friday 24 April, at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London. The BNU community will be cheering on our finalists as they represent the university on the national stage.