BCoT tutor wins Prestigious Tutor of the Year Award at the 2020 BTEC awards

James’ hard work and dedication was celebrated at the Pearson’s annual BTEC Awards

The exceptional achievement of Hampshire’s James Booty from Basingstoke College of Technology was celebrated today as he was awarded the prestigious BTEC award for Tutor of the Year 2020.

James was recognised for his innovative and exceptional teaching style which motivates both learners and other members of his department. He was praised for enriching the learning through real life scenarios and establishing effective external relations to build the curriculum and opportunities for learners. 

James’ hard work and dedication was celebrated at the tenth anniversary of Pearson’s annual BTEC Awards hosted online on 25 June 2020 at 2pm. 

BTEC Tutor of the Year 2020, James Booty, commented: “I am extremely proud to receive the award for this year’s BTEC Tutor of the Year and it is an incredible achievement for every member of our team as it speaks volumes of the course that we shaped and built together. Throughout my teaching career I have worked exceptionally hard to deliver the best possible experiences for my learners and it makes me feel incredibly privileged to have won such a prestigious accolade.”

The 2020 BTEC Awards comprised of 17 categories and was hosted by presenter of the United Stand, YouTube influencer and BTEC Ambassador, Flex, with awards presented by Double Olympic Gold medallist Max Whitlock as well as actress and former BTEC Drama student at The BRIT School, Kellie Shirley. The expert panel of judges made up of Pearson’s senior leadership team, journalists and external experts, carefully considered the nominees before deciding on the winners.”

The Rt Hon Damian Hinds, MP for East Hampshire and former Secretary of State for Education, said: “My sincere congratulations to James on being recognised as Tutor of the Year through the Pearson 2020 BTEC Awards. This achievement is testament to his creative teaching style which motivates students and colleagues alike. I am delighted that his success will be celebrated this week at the awards ceremony.”

Cindy Rampersaud, Senior Vice President BTEC and Apprenticeship, said: “This year I’ve been over-whelmed by the quality of BTEC Award nominations we received and I am delighted to celebrate this year’s winners and the achievements of all learners who will be awarded a BTEC this year.  Over the past few weeks and months, we’ve seen how the current pandemic has highlighted the critical role of key workers and individuals who are likely to have followed a vocational educational pathway such as BTEC.”

Pearson has overseen BTEC qualifications for over 30 years and during this time the qualifications have equipped millions of learners with the knowledge and practical skills that employers need. A poll by Pearson found that two-thirds of medium-sized businesses have hired BTEC graduates in the last five years, and nearly a quarter of learners going to university do so with a BTEC. An overwhelming majority of employers and young people want to keep their options open at 16 and gain the blend of academic, practical and transferable skills that BTEC provides that are so valued by industry and employers.

In response to new careers emerging within industries and ongoing change, Pearson is continually adapting and innovating its BTEC curriculum and learning to ensure it is relevant for young people and adults – supporting progression and career aspirations throughout lives. The recently launched BTEC qualification in Esports, in partnership with the British Esports Association, is a major step forward in supporting the creation of long-term careers in the growing esports industry both in the UK and internationally.   In addition, Pearson's BTEC partnership with Liverpool Football Club, announced earlier this month, will enable learners in international markets to acquire the expertise, skills and knowledge required for careers in the rapidly expanding global sports sector.

From Basingstoke College of Technology:

Lorraine Heath, Deputy Principal – Curriculum, Performance & Innovation at Basingstoke College of Technology commented: “We are incredibly proud of James Booty for being awarded this title. James’ career at BCoT was devoted to creating innovative courses with fantastic learning experiences to ensure all students achieved their full potential. This award is a product of his commitment to developing and inspiring the next generation of public service employees. We want to say a huge well done to James and thank you for your time at BCoT.”