Feature

EVC of the Year

By The EVC Magazine · 1 May 2026

Meet the EVC of the Year!

Marie Towns from St Edmund’s College and Prep School in Hertfordshire has been named EVC of the Year 2025, chosen from an impressive field of entrants from the UK and overseas.

Marie was nominated by her colleagues Emma Harvey and Nick Lee for combining a genuine passion for educational visits with a rigorous approach to training, compliance and safety.

The judges agreed that Marie was an outstanding candidate. “It’s clear from the evidence provided that her impact stretches far beyond the organisational aspects of the EVC role. She leads by example, setting high standards for safety, inclusion and outcomes.” The panel was also impressed by her commitment to developing herself and her team, which is important for the future of educational visits at St Edmund’s College and more widely.

Over her nine years as EVC, Marie has developed an ambitious educational visits programme, ranging from cricket tournaments and French exchanges to climbing Kilimanjaro and visiting schools in India. The programme offers life-changing adventures that are meticulously planned so that every student can step safely out of their comfort zone.

Inclusivity is important to Marie, and she works closely with the school’s SENDCO to ensure that every pupil can take part. She finds a balance between affordability and aspiration, and has streamlined payment systems to ease some of the financial challenges for families.

But it is not just the students that benefit. Marie runs a programme of training sessions for staff and provides one-to-one coaching, creating a supportive culture for staff and empowering them to lead ambitious, safe and enriching visits. She also shares knowledge and good practice gained from her regular EVOLVE Advice training.

Marie says: “I am truly delighted and honoured to have received the EVC of the Year Award, and incredibly grateful for the nominations. Since my very first trip to the Science Museum in 2000, each visit has reinforced my strong belief in the value of learning outside the classroom. I feel so lucky to do a job that allows me not only to lead these experiences, but also to train and support new teachers in delivering them safely and confidently.

“I still remember my first EVC training prior to COVID with Jake Wiid, who emphasised the importance of balancing safety with challenge, encouraging us to step beyond our comfort zones while ensuring students are supported and secure. That message has stayed with me throughout my career.

“Educational visits open doors. They inspire, challenge, and create lasting memories. I am proud to be part of a profession that makes this possible, and I remain passionate about continuing to provide students with experiences that take their learning beyond the classroom gates and into the wider world.

What her colleagues said:

“Marie’s work has had a profound and lasting impact on pupils at St Edmund’s. Through her leadership, students experience exceptional learning outside the classroom, gaining confidence, independence and global awareness that cannot be replicated within school walls” – Emma Harvey

“Marie always demonstrates exceptional diligence and professionalism, ensuring that every school visit meets the highest standards of safety, inclusivity and educational value” – Nick Lee

“Marie’s enduring legacy at St Edmund’s is defined not only by the exceptional trips she delivers, but also by the confident, capable team of trip leaders she has developed” – Emma Harvey