Warwick Law School News

University of Warwick celebrated recognition across four categories at the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Awards, held on 13 November 2025 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. School Tasking, created by Dr Ali Struthers, was shortlisted in the Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year and Warwick Mediation, created by Professor Jane Bryan, was shortlisted in the Outstanding Support for Students category.

School Tasking is a creative legal outreach programme that uses the format of Channel 4’s Taskmaster comedy game show to inspire Year 5 pupils from widening participation backgrounds. Led by university law students, sessions introduce children to legal thinking through fun, interactive classroom tasks.

Created by Warwick Law School's Dr Ali Struthers in 2021, School Tasking has grown into one of the UK’s largest widening participation collaborations. In 2024-25, more than 3,500 pupils from 31 universities took part, with a Champion of Champions final hosted by Taskmaster creator Alex Horne.

Dr Ali Struthers, Reader at Warwick Law School and Creator of School Tasking said:

“We’re absolutely delighted that School Tasking was shortlisted for Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year for 2025 in the Times Higher Education Awards. It’s such an honour for us to be recognised amongst such valuable and impactful widening participation projects. All of us in the School Tasking team extend our warmest congratulations to the worthy winners, Liverpool John Moores University.”

Warwick Mediation is a multi-award-winning, sector-leading peer mediation service that supports student well-being through informal conflict resolution. Established by Prof Jane Bryan in 2021, the service offers free, confidential and impartial support to students and provides accredited mediation training recognised by the Civil Mediation Council. In 2024, Warwick Mediation had grown in size to such an extent, that a full-time lead was appointed, James Donovan. Jane continues to chair the Civil Mediation Council Academic Forum.

Professor Bryan and James Donovan, Lead Mediator said:

"We're honoured that Warwick Mediation was shortlisted for this prestigious award. It’s a wonderful acknowledgment of the dedication of our team of peer mediators who volunteer their time and talent to supporting students.

“Being recognised alongside such inspiring initiatives is recognition that the project has helped students create connections and support each other to create positive change. We’re grateful to everyone who has contributed to the success of the service in providing students with invaluable skills that extend beyond their time at the University.”

Congratulations to Ali and Jane and the rest of their teams.

Find out more about the other Warwick nominees in the University press release.