The 2025 'Peoples Honours' presented at Palace of Westminster

Nathan Atkinson, from Leeds, was among 26 exceptional individuals honoured with the esteemed British Citizen Award (BCA) at the Palace of Westminster. This recognition celebrates their outstanding contributions to society.

The Medal Presentation, held on 23rd January, saw Nathan receive the coveted BCA Medal of Honour for Service to Education (BCAe). Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominals to commemorate their achievements.

Nathan has been engaged in a mission to combat health inequalities and enhance educational outcomes for over a decade. Former headteacher Nathan, witnessed the challenges children face when attending school hungry, a barrier that limits their ability to learn. This experience catalysed his vision to bridge the gap between health inequalities and education, leading to the founding of Rethink Food, a Community Interest Company focused on delivering 10 million hours of health and food education. Nathan's work is more than just about feeding children, he is re-shaping their understanding of food and empowering them with lifelong skills - healthy people and healthy planet.

His work is not confined to classrooms in Yorkshire. Through Rethink Food, Nathan has expanded his vision to a national scale with an online learning platform and his speaking engagements show the breadth of his influence. His ability to take a local issue and produce a nationwide solution demonstrates the exceptional commitment he has to this cause.

By fostering partnerships with businesses, organisations, and other educational institutions, Nathan has built a network that amplifies the impact of Rethink Food. His commitment to tackling hunger through education has improved children’s lives and also set the foundation for a wider conversation around food education.

Nathan was presented with the BCA Medal of Honour by Stewart Reid, regional managing director for Sponsors Wates said: “The event was an opportunity to recognise people who have worked to make a considerable difference in their communities through incredible contributions to support others. This is something that resonates with our purpose to create homes and workplaces where people can thrive, so we were so proud to meet them and hear their amazing stories and I was humbled to present their Medals of Honour.”

The presentation was hosted by TV presenter Matt Allwright, and attended by BCA Patrons Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, supporters from Sponsors One Stop, Specsavers, Places for People, Wates and Novus Solutions as well as Peer Host The Rt Hon Lord Dholakia. Following the ceremony, medalists enjoyed an Open Top Lap of Honour tour provided by Big Bus London.

Picture L-R Matt Allwright, Presenter and Nathan Atkinson, Rethink Food