Judges for the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Awards have selected 29 finalists for this year’s ceremony, sponsored by Frazer-Nash Consultancy.
The awards celebrate the young people, organisations and projects that are making a real difference for local children, families and communities in Cheltenham.
The winners will be revealed at an invitation-only event on Thursday 5 February 2026 at Cheltenham Town Hall. The evening will be hosted by singer and entertainer Camilla Lewington, alongside entertainer Kishi de l’Allebone.
A record number of nominations were reviewed by a panel of judges: Naomi Adams assistant director for North Gloucestershire Children and Families Service and the disabled children’s team, Dame Janet Trotter OBE chair of Child Friendly Gloucestershire, Mayor of Cheltenham Cllr Dr David Willingham, Nick Evans deputy Police Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire along with young people from Springbank Community Group and students from Pittville School.
Cheltenham’s mayor, Councillor Dr David Willingham, said: “Taking part in the judging this year really highlighted the huge amount of effort and care going into supporting children and young people across Cheltenham. The record number of nominations showed just how many people and projects are making a difference. Congratulations to the finalists!”
Councillor Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “Once again, this year’s nominations have shown just how much fantastic work is happening in our town to support children, young people and their families.
“A huge well done to our finalists and thank you to everyone who took the time to recognise the great work carried out by these dedicated groups and individuals. It’s thanks to our fantastic award sponsors, Punchline-Gloucester.com, headline sponsor Frazer-Nash Consultancy and venue sponsor The Cheltenham Trust for making this celebration event possible.”
Mark Owen, editor and owner of Punchline-Gloucester.com, said: “We are really proud to be associated with No Child Left Behind once again. It’s my favourite award ceremony of the year. Seeing the wonderful groups of people and what they do for the county is inspiring for us.
“Thank you to all the sponsors for coming on board and making this event happen.”
The 29 finalists that have been selected are:
#YouthVoice – Listening to and acting on children and young people’s views. Sponsored by Brickhampton Court Golf Complex.
- The Children’s Society – Cheltenham youth services
- St Giles Trust – Cheltenham young person’s exploitation project
- The Cornerstone Community Centre
#ClosingTheGap – Reducing inequalities in educational achievement. Sponsored by Golden Valley.
- Children Lead The Way CIC
- Code Ninjas partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council housing services
- The Rock Cheltenham – Educational engagement support
#EmpoweringParents – Recognising the importance of working in partnership with parents and carers. Sponsored by Cheltenham Borough Council.
- Sturdy Kids
- Energy – Family health and wellbeing project CBC housing services
- Seeds of Hope CIC
- CCP (Cheltenham Central PCN Social Prescribers) and Maggies – Family fun day for families affected by cancer.
#StayingSafe – Helping to keep children and young people safe online or in the community. Sponsored by Frazer-Nash Consultancy.
- St Giles Trust – Cheltenham young person’s exploitation project
- The Rock Cheltenham – Detached youth work project
- Pittville School Girls Group
#GoodMentalHealth – Helping children and young people or families to improve their mental health. Sponsored by Creed Foodservice. .
- Soncho Karate Club
- Barking Buds – Youth trainer programme
- Be a Good Neighbour – It’s okay course
#FunandFulfilment – Helping children and young people find their strengths and passions. Sponsored by Incito (McDonalds).
- Just Camps Ltd
- Barking Buds – Youth trainer programme
- The Everyman Theatre – Education and community
#BusinessForChange – Celebrating local businesses that support children and young people. Sponsored by Hartpury University and Hartpury College.
- Public Hearts Cheltenham Defibrillator Campaign
- Every Cloud Play & Creative Arts Therapy CIC
- The Jockey Club
#InclusionWorks – Unlocking the potential of all our children and young people. Sponsored by Renishaw plc.
- Move More
- Belmont School Choir
- Goals Beyond Grass
- Gaming Together Cheltenham
#FutureLeaders – Giving children and young people the opportunities to become leaders. Sponsored by Randall & Payne.
- The Rock Cheltenham
- Springbank Community Group CiC
- Partnership between The Children’s Society and CBC housing services – ASDAN young leadership programme
Alongside this year’s categories the #CommunityChangemaker award, sponsored by Punchline-Gloucester.com, has also been introduced. This award recognises young people who have gone above and beyond to create positive change. All award winners will be celebrated at the awards ceremony.
To keep up to date with all the latest NCLB awards announcements follow No Child Left Behind on Facebook, X and LinkedIn #NCLBAwards2025.
For media enquiries contact communications: email [email protected] or telephone 01242 264231.
