Topic Awards, People, Education
Date 15 Oct 2025
Claire Jackson, Education Director for Galliford Try, and Senai Kabba, Graduate Design Manager for Galliford Try Building Southern, were both winners at this year’s Education Estates People’s Awards, which recognise the individuals and teams shaping the future of education through innovation, dedication and leadership.
Claire received the Inspirational Leader of the Year award for her outstanding leadership and long-standing commitment to excellence in the education sector. Through Optimum Schools, the platform she has led for over a decade, Claire has helped create more than 91,500 pupil places. She consistently challenges teams to design with wellbeing, confidence and learning outcomes in mind, ensuring every project delivers spaces that offer dignity, opportunity and joy in learning.
Senai was awarded Emerging Talent, recognising her exceptional potential and early impact. As part of the £21m redevelopment of Merrist Wood College, she played a key role in co-ordinating input from architects, engineers and subcontractors to ensure practical, buildable designs. She also led the adoption of the Dalux 3D modelling platform, delivering training and improving co-ordination, clash detection and issue tracking across the project team.
Reflecting on the wins, Claire Jackson, Education Director for Galliford Try, said: “It’s an incredible honour to be recognised alongside so many inspiring individuals. I’m especially proud of Senai’s achievement, her passion and talent are exactly what our industry needs to thrive in the future. These awards are a testament to the brilliant people we have at Galliford Try and the positive difference we’re making in education.”
Ian Jubb, Divisional Managing Director for Building, added: “Both Claire and Senai are extremely talented individuals with a clear passion for the important roles that they play in education within our business. I am delighted that they have been celebrated with these prestigious awards and congratulate them and their wider teams on their success.”
In addition, Galliford Try was commended in the Contractor of the Year category, and Morrison Construction’s East Calder Primary School was shortlisted for both Project of the Year and Inspiring Learning Spaces, recognising its excellence in design, construction and educational impact.