We are proud to announce that our Tutor, Michelle Brookes, has won at the Scratch Awards 2025!
Michelle, a valued member of the SNE team for the past eight years, has officially been named Scratch Educator of the Year 2025—a prestigious honour that recognises the very best in the UK nail industry.
Since joining SNE in August 2017, Michelle has consistently exemplified excellence in teaching and a deep passion for the nail industry. Her award win is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her learners and her profession.
The submission that led to Michelle’s win highlighted her exceptional ability to motivate and inspire learners. Her commitment to sharing her industry knowledge and experiences has not only enriched the learning environment at SNE but has also significantly contributed to the personal and professional growth of her learners and colleagues.
The Scratch Awards, hosted by Scratch Magazine, are known for celebrating outstanding talent, creativity, and commitment across the UK nail sector. Winning this award is a remarkable achievement and a well-deserved recognition of Michelle’s impact, innovation, and influence as an educator at SNE.
Michelle states:
Wow… I’m still processing this surreal moment – Educator of the Year at the Stars Awards 2025! What an honour to be recognised, and I feel genuinely overwhelmed with gratitude.
I really want to shine a spotlight on a team that has played such a huge role in my journey – the Skills North East (SNE) family.
For the past 8 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most supportive, inspiring, and driven individuals I’ve ever known. Donna, Jade, Michael & Tracey, your belief in me, your constant encouragement, and the way you champion education and growth it’s meant everything. You’ve created an environment where passion thrives, where learners come first, and where educators like me are empowered to be the best versions of ourselves.
SNE isn’t just where I work, it’s where I’ve grown, where I’ve found my voice as an educator, and where I’ve been able to pour everything I have into my learners. This award doesn’t just have my name on it, it belongs to us.
To my amazing learners who nominated me, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are the reason I do what I do, and your support inspires me every day.
To Jade, my amazing colleague at the academy, you’re an inspiration, and I can’t wait to watch you shine even brighter in the years to come.
Here’s to Skills North East, to teamwork, passion, and the power of education. This win is for all of us. Let’s see what we can achieve next.
The entire SNE team is incredibly proud of Michelle and celebrates this exciting milestone in her career. Her success reflects the values we uphold at SNE—excellence, inclusivity, and a passion for empowering the next generation of nail professionals.
