Descendants Calls for Nominations for the Dr John Roberts Awards
Given each year to students of African and Caribbean heritage who excel
Arsenal and England footballer Bukayo Saka is a previous recipient of an award. Photo: Descendants
May 5, 2026
Descendants, the long‑established Acton-based children’s charity, has launched its call for nominations for the 21st annual Dr John Roberts QC, CBE Education Achievement Awards. Letters have gone out to all primary, secondary, special schools, colleges and alternative provisions across the borough of Ealing inviting staff to put forward pupils of African and Caribbean heritage who have excelled in their studies or shown exceptional promise.
Founded in 1993 and supported by Ealing Council since the awards began in 2005, Descendants says the ceremony continues to have a “positive ripple effect” across the borough’s schools. The awards recognise a wide range of achievements, from academic excellence to success in the arts, sport, STEM subjects, entrepreneurship and leadership. Named legacy awards are also presented each year in honour of influential figures connected to the charity.
This year’s ceremony will take place on Saturday 11 July at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at Ealing Common. The evening will include guest appearances, live music and a two‑course meal, with entrepreneur Careeta Robert‑Green, CEO of Born With A Gift, returning as compere. Among the invited guests are actor Rudolph Walker OBE and Descendants patron Dr Jak Belau, described as an entrepreneur, cultural activist and award‑winning game inventor.
Founder Margaret Noel said the awards remain one of the charity’s proudest achievements. “The Annual Dr John Roberts is a highlight in Descendants’ calendar,” she noted in the announcement. Last year’s ceremony was attended by Tim Campbell MBE, who later visited two local schools after meeting pupils at the event.
The impact of the awards is reflected in the experiences of past recipients. Amirah Stewarts, a student at Alec Reed Academy and winner of the Entrepreneurial Qualities Award, said the recognition had inspired her to take new opportunities. “I followed your example and reached out to Tim Campbell MBE… and he kindly agreed to a virtual session which took place on Friday 13th March and it was a success,” she said, adding that the award “wouldn’t have been possible without you and your team.”
Arsenal and England footballer Bukayo Saka won an award in the sports category back in 2017.
Nominations for the 2026 awards close at 7pm on Friday 22 May, after which a judging panel will select the winners. Schools seeking further information or guidance on the nomination process can contact descendantscharity@gmail.com or manager@descendants.org.uk, and full details are available at www.descendants.org.uk .
Descendants’ patrons include RT Hon Lord Paul Boateng, Camara Fearon, Sister Monica Tywang DW, Cllr Dr Abdullah Gulaid, Dr Jak Belua and Marcus Gayle.
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