Celebration of Success is an annual awards ceremony that recognises the outstanding achievements of our FE students. Students of all ages and disciplines were nominated by college staff for their incredible contributions to their study programme and the wider community, accomplishing greatness and succeeding against all odds. Take a look at our 2023 winners below.
Special Recognition Award
Aiden
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Aiden has shown outstanding perseverance and growth, progressing from Level 1 to Level 2 Art with increasing confidence and creativity. His commitment shines through extra workshops, revision sessions, and a distinction-level Final Major Project. He also contributed to community projects, exhibitions, and intergenerational workshops, making him an exceptional representative of Weston College.
Animal Management Student of the Year
Evie
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Evie brings exceptional positivity, determination, and kindness to her Level 1 Animal Care studies. She approaches every task with enthusiasm and a smile that lifts others.
She shows empathy toward classmates and animals alike, working with patience and care. Her resilience inspires her group, and her cheerful presence creates a supportive atmosphere.
Evie even fosters small animals for a local rescue centre, demonstrating her commitment to animal welfare. She is now proudly progressing onto Level 2 Animal Care.
Principal's Gold Award: Adult Student of the Year
Ewa
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Ewa is an inspirational learner at Weston College, currently gaining experience at BayTree School in Weston. She is dedicated to supporting children with complex learning difficulties and medical needs, ensuring their safety, welfare, and access to meaningful education.
Known for her compassion, adaptability, and tireless work ethic, Ewa consistently goes above and beyond to support both learners and her peers. She creates an inclusive, welcoming environment where everyone feels valued, demonstrating patience, empathy, and professionalism in every task.
Her commitment extends beyond the classroom, uplifting those around her through her positivity, resilience, and leadership. Ewa embodies the values of Weston College and the wider community, serving as a true role model and inspiration to all.
Education and Early Years Student of the Year
Ewa
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Ewa is an inspirational Weston College learner gaining experience at BayTree School, supporting children with complex needs with compassion and professionalism. Her adaptability, positivity, and tireless work ethic uplift those around her. She creates an inclusive environment, supports peers, and consistently embodies the values of the college and wider community.
A Level Student of the Year 2023
Gemma
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After achieving remarkable results in her GCSEs at Priory School, Gemma joined Weston College to study A Level French.
Gemma is a perfect example that excellent linguists do exist in this country! Not only did Gemma achieve a remarkable A* in her French A-level, but she scored full marks in her speaking exam. Her love for French went far beyond the classroom and for her work experience, Gemma decided to work for the Alliance Française de Bristol, a not-for-profit organisation teaching French across Bristol. There, not only did she astound the management team by her confident and accurate French, but Gemma also developed a range of impressive teaching resources for them!
With her fantastic A Level results, Gemma secured a place at the University Institute of London in Paris, France and went on to winA Level Student of the Year at Celebration of Success 2023.
Health and Social Care Student of the Year 2023
Holly
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Holly joined the College on the Level 2 course and successfully completed with a Distinction by working hard online to achieve all elements of the programme.
Through her success she gained a place on the Level 3, where she found her purpose within the care sector through the work experience opportunities.
Holly's confidence has grown massively during her time at Weston College and she has shown outstanding resilience in overcoming barriers to ensure she could achieve her goals and aspirations.
Holly has a clear passion and ambition for supporting individuals with a range of needs. She also wonHealth and Social Care Student of the Year at Celebration of Success 2023.
Protective Services Student of the Year
Jay
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Jay is an exceptional UPS learner who applies himself fully in every lesson, consistently achieving Distinctions. His natural fitness ability and positive attitude motivate his peers, and he communicates professionally while showing patience when challenged. He has contributed to charity events, community activities, and volunteering. A national-level tennis player, he earned a triple distinction star, the highest cohort score. Jay is now enrolled in his Army Training.
Re-Engage Student of the Year
Kiera
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Kiera began at the NEET base — a programme for young people who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training. Although she arrived with strong GCSEs, she was unsure of her next steps.
She excelled in the Re-Engage programme, particularly in Hospitality, supporting peers and gaining experience in a local café. With guidance, she transitioned successfully into Level 1 Animal Care.
Kiera’s resilience, adaptability, and determination make her journey truly inspiring.
Early Years and Education Student of the Year 2023
Liberty
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Liberty consistently achieved distinctions and, put 100% effort into everything that was thrown at her. She took a mature approach to her studies and staff found her to be a co-operative and productive member of her class.
Whilst at college, Liberty secured several volunteering roles, which in turn, developed her knowledge and understanding; she attended Brownies and was working towards her leadership qualification, volunteered at a SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) unit and was a SENDCAS buddy for North Somerset Council.
These roles gave her the necessary experience to fully understand the demands of working in the education sector and has highlighted some of her best skills, including working independently and as part of a thriving team.
Her ability to attend volunteering sessions and still achieve high level grades showed her commitment to the course and developing her skill set which in turn gained her a place at Liverpool Hope University.
Liberty wonEarly Years and Education Student of the Year at Celebration of Success 2023.
Hospitality and Catering Student of the Year
Lily
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Lily’s time at college has been transformative. After a difficult school experience and low confidence, she initially struggled with attendance, but through perseverance she completely turned things around.
She re-engaged with her studies, achieved GCSE Maths, and gained her vocational qualification with a Distinction.
Lily has grown into a confident young chef with creativity and professionalism. She now represents the Hospitality department at events and inspires others through her resilience. Lily has successfully progressed onto Level 2.
Preparation for Life Student of the Year
Lucy
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Lucy has had a highly successful journey, progressing to Level 2 English and achieving Level 1 and Entry 3 Maths.
She now travels to college independently, applies strategies from the Autism and Me curriculum, and engages confidently in enrichment trips and new experiences.
She attends Extension Studies Animal Care, completed a placement at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, and is preparing to progress to Level 1 Animal Care.
Hair and Beauty Student of the Year
Megan
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Megan has been an exceptional learner, always approaching tasks with enthusiasm and determination while supporting peers who find the course challenging.
She has successfully completed, qualifying as a hairstylist and achieving excellent results, including a distinction in her professional discussion.
Meg now shares her skills with new learners, particularly in blow-drying, and is furthering her development by completing the Level 2 Certificate in Barbering.
Special Recognition Award
Mohammedamin
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Mohammedamin arrived in the UK in October 2024 with no English, yet has achieved full marks in Entry 1 Speaking and Listening through remarkable focus and determination. He supports his peers, plays football, and fully engages in the ESOL programme, showing impressive commitment and progress.
Special Recognition Award
Morgan
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Morgan has progressed from Foundation Learning to Level 3 Teaching Assistant, embracing challenges and gaining confidence. Now in permanent employment, she supports SEND children with skill and compassion, taking on greater responsibility and becoming a highly valued member of the school staff team today.
Hospitality and Catering Student of the Year 2023
Oliver
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Oliver joined the college on the advanced professional cookery fast track course. Despite holding a full-time job as a chef, Oliver had great attendance and showed a real passion to improve. He has always wanted to excel and often in his own time practices the dishes that have been created at college every week to show his progress and improvement.
Being a head chef himself, he is very proud of his training and often uses his experience to help support the younger workers. He works alongside our 16-19 provision and has often acted as a mentor for skills and industry skills and behaviours.
Oliver also wonHospitality and Catering Student of the Year at Celebration of Success 2023.
Special Recognition Award
Shay
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Shay has shown exceptional growth since joining Level 1 Hairdressing, developing confidence, skill, and strong commitment to learning. Their talent led to winning the South West Skills Competition and inspiring peers. Now progressing to Level 2, Shay continues to excel with creativity, determination, and a positive, supportive attitude.