Rachel Fagan, SCITT Manager at Sutton SCITT, has received the Administrator of the Year Award at the NASBTT Awards 2026 for 12 years’ outstanding operational leadership and support for trainee teachers, colleagues and partner schools.
The award recognises an individual who provides exceptional administrative or operational support within an Initial Teacher Training (ITT) provider or partnership. It celebrates those whose work behind the scenes enables high-quality training to run smoothly and makes a tangible difference to trainees, colleagues and partners.
The winner was announced at BMA House in London on 5th November as the National Association of School-Based Teacher Trainers (NASBTT) honoured individuals and organisations making an exceptional contribution to teacher education and training.
Judges praised Rachel’s exceptional leadership, professionalism and genuine care, highlighting her ability to build excellence in others. They recognised her contribution to trainee wellbeing and retention, her mentoring of an administrator apprentice and her role as a trusted source of advice within Sutton SCITT and across the wider sector.
Rachel has worked with Sutton SCITT since its inception, providing continuity through its growth, Ofsted inspections, reaccreditation, sector reforms and expanding school partnerships.
Her responsibilities span recruitment, compliance, trainee records, finance, wellbeing, information systems and partner communications. From safeguarding and safer recruitment checks to Department for Education returns and university processes, her attention to detail helps the provider meet its obligations accurately and on time.
Working closely with trainees, mentors, schools and university partners, Rachel also identifies ways to make processes more effective and accessible. As lead contact with trainee performance system provider Abyasa, she helps refine systems, streamline administration and improve the experience for users.
Her contribution extends well beyond operational management. From their first enquiry through to graduation, Rachel offers trainees reassurance and guidance, helping them feel welcomed and valued. She coordinates weekly partnership bulletins, responds to daily enquiries and ensures trainees, mentors and schools can access the information and support they need.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Rachel has also taken on the role of Wellbeing Lead and trained as a Mental Health First Aider. She supports trainees experiencing personal difficulties, financial pressures, health challenges and academic concerns, helping them access appropriate support.
Sutton SCITT credits her intervention and encouragement with helping trainees who had considered leaving to remain on the programme and continue towards becoming teachers. The nomination also highlighted a finding from its 2026 Ofsted thematic monitoring visit that “all trainees feel seen and valued”.
Rachel has helped develop the SCITT’s capacity as it has grown. Over 18 months, she mentored its first administrator apprentice, providing training and guidance that supported a distinction-grade qualification and a permanent appointment.
Her expertise benefits the wider teacher training community through participation in NASBTT administrator networks and advice to colleagues at other providers on operational matters, Assessment Only routes and key skills processes. She also represents Sutton SCITT at recruitment events, where her approachable manner and extensive knowledge help prospective trainees explore a career in teaching.
Rachel was described in the submission as “the operational backbone of Sutton SCITT”, combining professional expertise with a commitment to ensuring trainees, colleagues and partners receive the support they need.
Rachel commented:
“I was overwhelmed to be nominated as a finalist in the NASBTT awards and speechless (something that doesn’t happen very often!) when I was announced as the winner. Since joining Sutton SCITT 12 years ago, I have been passionate about helping trainees to succeed in the teaching profession. I work with an amazing team who all put the trainees in the forefront of everything we do. Thank you to NASBTT for recognising my hard work and my dedication to Sutton SCITT and teacher training. I hope to continue to help trainees succeed in such a wonderful profession.”
Kate Potts-Lovegrove, Sutton SCITT Director, said:
“I am thrilled that Rachel has been recognised with this award. Much of her work goes unnoticed, working behind the scenes, supporting trainees and school-based colleagues. Everyone in the Sutton SCTT community is delighted that Rachel’s dedication has been rewarded. Thank you NASBTT.”
Emma Hollis, CEO of NASBTT, added:
“In recent years, the sector has faced significant challenge and change, with providers continually adapting to reforms, policy shifts and increasing pressures while remaining committed to delivering high-quality teacher training.
“The NASBTT Awards provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the individuals, teams and organisations who work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to support children and young people through the training and development of excellent teachers. We were delighted to receive over 70 submissions, and it has been an absolute joy to see colleagues championing the organisations and individuals who make such a difference to their trainees, schools and communities.
“My congratulations go to each of our winners and also those who were shortlisted, and my sincere thanks to everyone who submitted entries. We thoroughly enjoyed giving that work the celebration it deserves at the awards evening.”
The NASBTT Awards 2026, sponsored by Mosaic, recognised achievement across seven categories. Entries were independently judged by experienced professionals from the ITT sector and wider education community. The ceremony followed the NASBTT Annual Conference 2026.
