Awards are naturally a time to celebrate achievements. The trophies, titles and shortlists recognise individuals and organisations making a difference within their profession.
But when we looked at this year's LUCA Awards shortlist, what stood out most was the number of familiar names and the different journeys that had brought people to this point.
Our tutor Scot van den Akker has been shortlisted for ICB Tutor of the Year. Five of the nine Student of the Year finalists have studied with Ideal Schools, while current and former students appear across several other categories.
Ideal Schools itself has once again been shortlisted for Accredited Training Provider of the Year.
We're enormously proud of those achievements. But what makes this year's shortlist particularly special is the opportunity to reflect on the people behind those achievements, and the relationships that continue long after a qualification has been completed.
A shortlist is only the visible moment
When someone appears on an awards shortlist, we see an achievement worth celebrating. What we don't necessarily see is everything that happened along the way.
For many adult learners, studying bookkeeping happens alongside an already busy life. Work commitments, family responsibilities and unexpected interruptions don't disappear simply because someone has decided to gain a qualification.
There may be topics that take longer to understand, assignments that require another attempt or periods when progress feels frustratingly slow.
Yet those experiences are often where confidence develops.
A student who initially struggles with a particular concept may eventually become a confident practitioner, advising clients and making decisions that once seemed daunting.
That progression rarely happens overnight. It is built through learning, practice, encouragement and experience.
And while an award nomination may arrive years later, the journey begins much earlier.
Five Student of the Year finalists with an Ideal Schools connection
The Student of the Year category is particularly special to us because it celebrates the achievements of people who are still relatively close to the learning process.
This year, five of the nine finalists have studied with Ideal Schools.
One of those students, Jemma Upton, was nominated by the college. The other four put themselves forward independently and have also earned a place on the shortlist.
We find that especially encouraging. Each finalist has their own story, ambitions and reasons for pursuing professional qualifications. Seeing their hard work acknowledged is a wonderful reflection of the commitment they have made to their own development.
Jemma's connection with Ideal Schools also illustrates something important about the relationship between students and tutors.
Having studied ICB Level 2 and Level 3 with Scot van den Akker, Jemma supported his Tutor of the Year nomination with a testimonial describing the difference his teaching made to her learning.
She highlighted his approachable manner, responsiveness and willingness to explain difficult topics in ways that made them easier to understand. His constructive feedback helped her maintain momentum and develop confidence throughout her studies.
Now Jemma is herself shortlisted for one of the profession's most prestigious student awards.
Her achievement belongs entirely to her, but it is lovely to see both sides of that learning relationship recognised in the same year.
What Tutor of the Year really represents
We're equally delighted to see Scot shortlisted for ICB Tutor of the Year, an award he previously won in 2016 and 2019.
Scot has been involved in bookkeeping education at Ideal Schools for almost two decades, combining his responsibilities as CEO and Director of Education with hands-on tutoring and the ongoing development of our courses and learning resources.
His approach is built around a straightforward principle: build the learning around the student, not the other way round.
That philosophy is reflected in the detailed, individualised feedback he provides on assignments. Rather than simply identifying an error, Scot aims to explain why something needs to change, helping students understand the underlying principles and apply their knowledge with confidence.
It has also influenced the wider Ideal Schools learning experience.
Scot introduced our Virtual Welcome Meetings to give new students the opportunity to meet tutors, ask questions and begin building connections before getting too far into their studies.
Together with our webinars, tutorial resources and student support groups, these meetings contribute to what Scot describes as a 'virtual campus' experience.
The aim is to make distance learning feel less distant.
That personal connection matters. Students need to know that when they encounter a difficult topic, there is someone they can turn to who understands both the subject and the challenges of studying independently.
It is why personal support in bookkeeping training has always been central to the Ideal Schools approach.
The testimonials supporting Scot's nomination speak warmly of his patience, clarity and encouragement. They also highlight the practical difference that thoughtful feedback and timely responses can make to a student's progress.
For us, that is what excellent tutoring should be about: helping students develop the understanding and confidence they need to succeed.
Recognition across the profession tells a wider story
The Ideal Schools connections on this year's shortlist extend well beyond the Student and Tutor of the Year categories.
Current and former students are represented in categories celebrating excellence in practices of various sizes, payroll, client service and contributions to the wider bookkeeping profession.
That breadth is particularly meaningful.
People begin studying bookkeeping for all sorts of reasons. Some want to change careers, while others are looking to progress in an existing role or establish their own business.
As their knowledge and experience develop, new opportunities emerge.
A bookkeeper who initially hopes to work independently may eventually build a practice employing other people. Someone who starts with a general bookkeeping qualification may discover a particular interest in payroll, taxation or another specialist area.
Others become involved in supporting fellow professionals, sharing their knowledge or contributing to the development of the profession itself.
A bookkeeping qualification provides a foundation, but it doesn't determine where someone's career will eventually lead.
Seeing former Ideal Schools students recognised across different areas of the profession reminds us how much can happen after that first qualification.
And it reinforces something we have always believed: learning should continue throughout a professional career.
The relationships that continue after qualification
One of the most rewarding aspects of working in bookkeeping education is seeing what former students go on to achieve.
Some stay in touch with their tutors. Others return to study further qualifications or recommend Ideal Schools to colleagues and employees.
We also meet former students at professional events, invite them to share their experiences on our podcast and follow the development of their businesses.
Over time, the relationship can change from that of student and tutor to one between fellow members of the bookkeeping community.
That is particularly evident at events such as the ICB Summit and LUCA Awards, where people who first encountered Ideal Schools as learners may now be established practitioners, business owners or respected contributors to the profession.
For a family-run college that has been supporting students since 1983, those continuing connections mean a great deal.
They are also an important part of what makes Ideal Schools the organisation it is today.
Our reputation has developed through the experiences of the people who have studied with us, the relationships they have built and the opportunities they have pursued.
It is something that cannot be measured solely through examination results or qualifications awarded.
Success rarely belongs to one person alone
The individuals recognised in this year's LUCA shortlist deserve enormous credit for their achievements.
They have put in the work, developed their knowledge and taken the opportunities available to them.
But few professional journeys happen entirely in isolation.
Behind many successful careers are people who have offered advice, answered questions or provided encouragement at the right moment.
For students, that support may come from tutors, family members, colleagues or fellow learners. Later, it might come from mentors, clients and other professionals.
Good education should help people develop the independence and confidence to make their own decisions, while while appreciating the value of those relationships along the way.
That is particularly important in a profession where collaboration, professional connections and continuing development play such a significant role.
Looking beyond the LUCA Awards
As the LUCA Awards approach, there will naturally be growing excitement about the winners.
We will be cheering on Scot, our Student of the Year finalists and all those with an Ideal Schools connection, as well as celebrating the achievements of the wider bookkeeping profession.
Whatever happens on the night, being shortlisted is already an achievement worth celebrating.
For someone at the beginning of their bookkeeping journey, these stories offer a reminder that a first qualification can lead to opportunities they may not yet have imagined.
For established practitioners, they demonstrate the value of continuing to develop professionally and remaining connected to the wider bookkeeping community.
And for Ideal Schools, this year's shortlist provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the people who have been part of our story.
We are proud of our nomination as a training provider, but even more delighted to see so many current and former students achieving recognition in their own right.
Their careers have taken different directions, and their achievements are their own.
It is a privilege to have played a part in some of those journeys, and we look forward to seeing where they lead next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the LUCA Awards and why are they called that?
The LUCA Awards are organised by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) and celebrate outstanding achievements across the bookkeeping profession, including students, tutors, practising bookkeepers, businesses and training providers.
The awards are named after Luca Pacioli, the Italian mathematician widely regarded as the father of modern accounting. In 1494, he published the first known printed explanation of double-entry bookkeeping, helping to establish principles that remain fundamental to the profession today.
Who from Ideal Schools is shortlisted in 2026?
Ideal Schools tutor Scot van den Akker is shortlisted for ICB Tutor of the Year, while Ideal Schools is shortlisted for Accredited Training Provider of the Year. Five of the nine Student of the Year finalists have also studied with Ideal Schools, and current and former students appear across many other award categories.
Why is the Student of the Year shortlist particularly significant for Ideal Schools?
Five of the nine finalists have studied with Ideal Schools. The college nominated Jemma Upton, while four other students who put themselves forward independently were shortlisted. Their success reflects their individual commitment to learning and professional development.
Does an award shortlist matter when choosing a bookkeeping training provider?
Awards can provide useful evidence of a training provider's reputation and the achievements of its students and tutors. However, prospective students should also consider course suitability, the quality of tutor support, flexibility and whether the provider's approach meets their individual learning needs.
Your Own Bookkeeping Journey
Every bookkeeping career has its own story, and there's always room for another chapter. Whether you're thinking about taking your first steps into the profession or considering where to develop your skills next, we're always happy to talk through the possibilities.
Get in touch with Ideal Schools and let's see where your next step might take you.