Staff Recognised at Royal Garden Party for Outstanding Contribution to Education

Stacey Beard, Project Search Coordinator at East Sussex College, was invited to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday 14th May 2025.

The event, hosted by His Majesty The King, celebrated people working in Education and Skills across the UK.

Stacey was nominated by the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex in recognition of her work supporting young people with learning disabilities and autism through the DFN Project SEARCH programme. She has worked in education for 15 years, with 11 of those at ESC.

Reflecting on the day, Stacey said, “I am proud to have been able to attend the Royal Garden Party. Having dedicated 15 years to teaching within reengagement, with 11 of those years at ESCG alongside my amazing colleagues as part of DFN Project SEARCH, this moment feels like the pinnacle of my career so far. Thank you to those who nominated me; it was a privilege."

The college is incredibly proud of Stacey and the work she continues to do to help students gain confidence, experience, and the skills they need to move into paid employment.

Click here to find out more about Project Search!