The Aston Pride ICT project has won UK's highest level commendation for the best e-Government and technology-driven services by winning the National eGovernment Award 2008, in the category "Building a fairer society through ICT and eGovernment Services" for its Aston Pride Computers in the Home project. The project administered by Service Birmingham, through involving the schools, pupils, parents, the local authority, local universities, E-learning Foundation and IT companies provides services which, through innovative online delivery or IT implementation, have positively transformed the lives of citizens, local communities, business and stakeholder groups.

68 finalists, across 11 categories, attended a glittering awards ceremony at London's Guildhall on 20th January. The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, addressed the ceremony via video link, saying "the 2008 awards saw a record number of nominations from across the country - individuals, teams and organisations who are using new technologies in innovative and creative ways to deliver better public services. When times are tough, as they are now, it is more important than ever for government to work as smoothly and efficiently as possible, so it's good to see technology providing real efficiency gains at the same time as increasing the effectiveness of services. "

The Cabinet Office Minister for Digital Engagement and Civil Services, Tom Watson MP,  presented awards. "While there is still plenty more can be done, these awards show that a huge amount of fantastic, innovative work is going on across the country to ensure that the best advice, information and services are easily available in a way that fits in with busy and diverse modern lifestyles. The winners, and all the nominees, should be very proud of what they have achieved." Mr Watson said.

The Aston Pride project beat off stiff competition from the other finalists, the Department for Children, Schools & Families (DCSF), Greater Norwich Housing Partnership, Milton Keynes Council, Royal National Institute of Blind People Cymru, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and UK Online Centres to win the coverted award.

The project was, and continues to be, a ground breaking example of how ICT can support childrens learning to the benefit of the whole community.