Image: Laura Lacey accepts her CQ VN Educator of the Year Award
Central Qualifications Names Laura Lacey As Veterinary Nursing Educator Of The Year
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Central Qualifications (CQ) is pleased to announce that the recipient of its 2026 Veterinary Nursing Educator of the Year Award is Laura Lacey, Head of Centre for Veterinary Nursing at Coleg Glynllifon, North Wales. Laura accepted the award at CQ’s annual Graduation and Awards Ceremony in Central Hall, Westminster on 28 March, 2026.
The VN Educator of the Year award celebrates the commitment and hard work of staff who support veterinary nursing students, recognising their talent, skill and dedication. It is open to anyone involved in training and educating veterinary nurses in the UK, with the winners nominated by students and fellow professionals.
Ms Lacey said: “I am astonished and astounded that I have been awarded this honour. It can be very hard work, and there are difficult days for sure, but knowing that the impact we have as educators is appreciated by the ones we do it for is humbling. I am proud to be part of the next generation's journey. I love seeing them thrive in an industry that I am so passionate about, still after a quarter of a century in it!”
Laura’s career began in equine care before transitioning to small animal practice in 2001. She qualified through Cerberus Training under Margaret Moore, completing a City and Guilds NVQ split between Wokingham and ZSL London Zoo. She entered the education sector at Coleg Glynllifon in 2017 and gradually increased her responsibility to become Head of Centre in 2024.
Laura’s motivation to become a VN educator was sparked after being invited to teach post-graduate qualifications, drawing on her extensive BVNA experience. After reflecting on the profound impact tutors have on a student’s journey, the role became a permanent passion.
“I want to be a tutor who students remember positively — one who inspires and supports,” Laura said. “The industry is very different from when I started in it, but then again, it’s also barely changed. I am passionate about developing knowledge and understanding.
“I also want the next generation to know why we do what we do day to day and appreciate the little differences we can make in our patients’ lives. I love the opportunities for kinaesthetic learning that come with the diploma route, and being able to support learners with adaptive theoretical learning alongside this is fantastic. I am well known for my anecdotes and historical stories of the olden days.”
Denise Burke, Quality Assurance Manager for CQ, said: “Laura was nominated by her students for her compassion, understanding and dedication as an educator. Her passion for providing exceptional training to her students is nothing short of inspirational, and we’re proud to see this recognised with her award as VN Educator of the Year.”
One nominee wrote: “Without her input and dedication to the job, we would not have the amazing and confident RVNs we have working in North Wales today.”
The CQ Graduation and Awards Ceremony was held at Central Hall, Westminster, bringing together students, families, friends and CQ staff to recognise the hard work and dedication of veterinary nursing students.
The graduates of CQ’s Diploma in Veterinary Nursing were handed their ceremonial scrolls by wildlife filmmaker and presenter, Gordon Buchanan MBE.
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