On Thursday 4th December, Weston College came together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of more than 30 learners at its annual Celebration of Success event. Hosted at the historic Winter Gardens Pavilion, the evening highlighted the dedication, progress, and exceptional accomplishments of students and staff from a diverse range of ages and subject areas.

Nominations were submitted by college staff, with the final winners chosen by a panel comprising the College’s Principal, Deputy Principal and Chief Operating Officer.

Guests enjoyed a festive two-course Christmas meal, created by our talented Level 3 Hospitality and Catering students and professionally served by those on the Level 2 programme.

As the ceremony unfolded, each award recipient was welcomed to the stage to warm applause from friends, family members, and invited guests. Presenting the awards were Principal and Chief Executive Pat Jones, Weston-super-Mare Mayor Martin Williams, and Brigadier Nigel Beacom.

In addition to honouring students from across Weston College’s provision areas, this year’s event introduced a brand-new accolade: the Alumni Impact Laureate. Launched as part of the College Group’s 180th-anniversary celebrations, the award recognises former learners who are making a significant impact in their field. The inaugural honour was presented to former Weston College student James McGuinness, who now works as a Label Relations Manager at YouTube.

With heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors: Pace Agency and Image Sign.

Students in attendance were thrilled to be recognised. Toby Gibbs said: “I feel very, very proud of myself. I can’t explain how much this means.” 

Evie Littlewood added: “All of my hard work last year has paid off - I am so proud.” 

Yulia Dmytrenko commented: “It is an amazing feeling; I feel like I am with my family.” 

Alex Howard said: “I implore people who are on the edge to take that extra step - it makes you feel hungry, it makes you want more and makes you wonder where your ceiling really is.”

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said:

“The Celebration of Success remains one of the standout moments of our year, showcasing the incredible talent, commitment and resilience demonstrated by our FE students. Every winner has shown exceptional dedication to their learning and personal development, and it is a privilege to commend their achievements.

“We were also thrilled to spotlight our first Alumni Impact Laureate, James McGuinness, whose journey from the classroom to working with major artists including Ed Sheeran, offers a powerful reminder of what is possible through further education.”

“At Weston College, we are committed to nurturing an environment where every individual can excel and create meaningful change within their communities. Congratulations to all our winners you continue to inspire us.”

The evening’s winners were:

Inclusive Practice

• Extension Studies Student of the Year - Thomas Barnes
• Pathways Student of the Year - Caitlin Edgerley
• Preparation for Life Student of the Year - Lucy Browning
• Re-Engage Student of the Year - Kiera Paul

The Arts

• Art, Graphics and Fashion Student of the Year – Evie Aylott
• Performance and Production Student of the Year – Dan Fogg

Business & Academic Pathways

• A Levels Student of the Year – Tasneem Mohamed
• Access to HE Student of the Year – Alex Howard
• Accounting Student of the Year – Debbie Delap
• Business and Tourism Student of the Year – Ellie Starling

Construction & Engineering

• Automotive and Engineering and Green Skills Student of the Year – Jessica Kellow
• Construction Professions, Trades and Services Student of the Year – Toby Gibbs

Computing and Creative Media

• Creative and Digital Student of the Year – Olivia Gray
• Computing and IT Student of the Year - Callum Kavanagh

Essential Skills

• English Progress Award – Isobel Tanner
• ESOL Progress Award – Yuliia Dmytrenko
• Maths Progress Award – Esther A. Larsen

Health & Sport

• Counselling Student of the Year – Caroline Gower
• Health and Social Care Student of the Year – Aidan Badman
• Sports Student of the Year – Jessie Hall
• Sports Academy Student of the Year – Joshua Oliver

Service Industries

• Animal Management Student of the Year – Evie Littlewood-Hillsdon
• Education and Early Years Student of the Year – Ewa Bowman
• Hair, Barbering and Beauty Student of the Year – Megan Hedges
• Hospitality and Catering Student of the Year – Lily Long
• Protective Services Student of the Year – Jay Weall

Special Recognition Awards

• Aiden Hunt
• Shay Da Silva-Williams
• Mohammedamin Issaq
• Morgan Lade
• Toby Moger

Principals Gold Awards

• Social Action Award - Biscuit and Benches
• Alumni Impact Laureate - James McGuinness
• 16-19 Student of the Year - Toby Gibbs
• Adult Student of the Year - Ewa Bowman

Lucy studies on the Preparation for Life course at the College. Over her time with us, she has made outstanding personal, academic and social progress - so much so that she has been named the 2025 Celebration of Success Winner for the Preparation for Life programme.

Lucy’s journey this year has been remarkable. She has advanced academically - achieving a Level 2 English qualification, having progressed from Level 1, and attaining Level 1 and Entry 3 Maths, having progressed from Entry 2. These accomplishments reflect her hard work, dedication and growing competence in core academic skills.

One of Lucy’s biggest achievements was learning to travel independently to college - a milestone reflecting increased independence, confidence, and self-reliance. Through the “Autism and Me” curriculum, Lucy has also developed greater self-awareness and emotional regulation. She now uses a variety of strategies to manage her emotions in different contexts, which has helped her navigate college life more independently and confidently.

Lucy has developed increasing confidence and resilience in social situations, actively engaging in a wide range of enrichment activities. She eagerly participated in pathway group trips, including visits to the Harry Potter film studios and Thorpe Park, embracing each experience and enjoying every opportunity to challenge herself and try new things.

As part of broadening her skills and exploring her interests, Lucy joined Extension Studies Animal Care sessions, which had a profound impact on shaping her future ambitions. She completed a work placement at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, where she gained confidence working with animals and in an active workplace. Building on this experience, Lucy has now progressed into the Extension Studies pathway with the aim of working toward a Level 1 qualification in Animal Care.

Lucy’s achievements stand out because they reflect growth not just academically, but personally - in independence, emotional regulation, social participation and self-confidence. Her journey shows how the Preparation for Life course, combined with tailored support and opportunities, can enable individuals to unlock potential, build resilience, and lay the foundation for meaningful further education or employment.

We celebrate Lucy’s progress, her award, and look forward to supporting her as she aims to complete Level 1 Animal Care and pursue her ambitions for the future.

Last month, Health & Social Care students enjoyed an exciting and educational trip to Disneyland Paris, combining two days of park experiences with valuable professional development opportunities. 

As part of the visit, students attended an international Healthcare Support Worker Conference, where they explored how principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) are embedded in the design of the park to ensure accessibility for all visitors. The conference also highlighted the importance of AED awareness, particularly in large-scale organisations, offering insights into how health and safety measures are implemented in globally recognised settings. 

This experience allowed students to apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios, network with industry professionals, and gain a deeper understanding of how healthcare support roles operate within diverse sectors. The trip broadened their knowledge and provided a unique perspective on the application of healthcare principles in an international context. 

A huge well done to all students for their maturity and professionalism throughout the trip, and special thanks to Health & Social Care staff members, JJ Stallard-Gasson and Lauren Chapman, for their support and supervision, ensuring the visit was both educational and enjoyable. 

This curriculum trip forms part of the Health & Social Care Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. 

Progress to the next level in Healthcare! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here!

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.