Students Celebrate Their Success

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