RNCM wins sixth Times Higher Education Award

The RNCM has taken home the award for Outstanding Library Team of the Year at ‘the Oscars of higher education’, the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2025.

At a glittering ceremony in Edinburgh hosted by comedian Ed Byrne, Head of Library Services Sarah d’Ardenne accepted the award alongside Alison Allerton, Deputy Librarian (Acquisitions), and Professor Wiebke Thormählen, RNCM Director of Research. The team was commended for its innovative and student-centric approach in which collaboration, well-being, and community engagement are central to its operations.

Commenting on the win, Sarah said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to win this prestigious award. We place students at the heart of everything we do and it’s wonderful to have our specialist approach recognised.’

The RNCM was also shortlisted in a second category for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership in recognition of its The Future is Green programme. The initiative embedded climate issues and the College’s environmental impact in all decision-making and across its programming, seeking ways to reduce its carbon footprint while asking ‘What role could and should musicians and creative artists have in response to the climate crisis?’.

Speaking about this year’s finalists, THE editor Chris Havergal said:  ‘The winning entries stand as a reminder that university staff continue to excel across teaching, research and professional services, day in, day out. This consistently high performance can often go overlooked amid a challenging environment in which institutions’ licence to operate is questioned seemingly daily – making it all the more important to salute such achievements.’  

This year’s win marks the sixth THE Award the RNCM has secured in recent years. Previous accolades include: Excellence and Innovation in the Arts, Outstanding International Student Strategy, Widening Participation and Outreach Initiative, Technological and Digital Innovation, and Outstanding Entrepreneurial University.

14 November 2025