Eight winners were recognised across eight categories, while the ELTons Judges’ Commendation for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion acknowledged 10 organisations.

The hybrid ceremony in London was hosted by award-winning broadcaster Lauren Laverne and introduced by British Council chief executive, Scott McDonald.

For the first time, two Outstanding Achievement Awards were presented, with NS Prabhu honoured in the individual category for his contribution to task-based language teaching in his native India and at universities in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and Brazil for over 40 years, while A S Hornby Educational Trust was recognised in the organisation category.

Over 60 years, the organisation has supported the professional development of hundreds of ELT professionals, particularly from developing countries.

Winners in the five categories determined by an independent judging panel included Fiction Express for the Innovation in Learner Resources award, DELTA Publishing for Innovation in Teacher Resources, The Hands Up Project with UNRWA in Gaza for Local Innovation, StandFor / FTD Educação for Excellence in Course Innovation and CIELL-Comics for Inclusive English Language Learning for Digital Innovation.

Online and app-based resource Sensations English offering news-based lessons in the Judges’ Commendation for Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action category.

“Each year, the ELT sector goes above and beyond to pioneer innovative resources for students and teachers”

The special commendation was introduced in recognition of the British Council’s global Climate Connection program, focusing on engaging young people around the world in the fight against climate change during and beyond COP26.

“Each year, the ELT sector goes above and beyond to pioneer innovative resources for students and teachers, and it is an honour to continue to recognise their achievements through the ELTons,” said Mark Robson, director English and Exams at British Council.

“I am proud that our awards have evolved into a celebration of those projects making waves in global issues like equality and climate action.

“The talent on display in these areas reveals the vital role English language has to play in navigating our shared future – a role the British Council remains committed to championing. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners!”

Commenting on the recognition in the Judges’ Commendation for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the inaugural commendation for Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action, Sensations English CEO Alex Lonsdale said, “This is such a great achievement, at such an early stage of Sensations English evolution, to be recognised ahead of so many innovators and edtech companies across the world. We are really proud and thank the judges for recognising our efforts.”

See more photos from the event here.