Stephen Hughes from Magnolia Court Care Home in Child’s Hill, Hampstead, has been named Apprentice of the Year for the South East Division in the Barchester Care Awards 2026 and has secured a place in the national finals.

The Barchester Care Awards celebrate colleagues who go above and beyond for the benefit of residents living in Barchester’s care homes and hospitals across the UK. This year, almost 6,000 nominations were received, making Stephen’s achievement even more impressive.

The Apprentice of the Year award recognises an apprentice who has made a meaningful impact through their apprenticeship by putting the skills, knowledge and behaviours they have learned into practice. It celebrates individuals who show initiative, make a positive contribution to their workplace and demonstrate how apprenticeships can help deliver outstanding care.

Stephen has embraced every opportunity throughout his apprenticeship. His commitment to learning, willingness to support colleagues and dedication to creating a safe, welcoming environment for residents made him a deserving winner of the London Division title.

Stephen Hughes said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have won the South East Division Apprentice of the Year award. My apprenticeship has given me the confidence to develop new skills and grow in my role. I’m grateful to everyone for their support and encouragement, and I’m looking forward to representing Magnolia Court in the national finals.”

As the South East Division winner, Stephen will now go forward to the national finals, where he will join other regional winners from across the UK at a special awards ceremony in October.

Wayne Hughes, Senior General Manager at Magnolia Court Care Home, said: “We are all incredibly proud of Stephen and this well-deserved achievement. He has worked hard throughout his apprenticeship and has shown real commitment to developing his skills. Stephen is a valued member of our team, always willing to help others and always striving to do his best. We wish him every success in the national finals and will all be cheering him on.”

Magnolia Court care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Magnolia Court provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 60 residents from respite care to long term stays.