Further Education Awards Recognise Truly Extraordinary College Students for 2024

Shining a spotlight on students from Lincoln and Newark College, along with the Air and Space Institute, the annual ceremony was again a resounding success.

Students and their families as well as staff gathered at Lincoln College-managed venue, The Drill, to celebrate the accomplishments of those who found academic success this year but also overcame personal challenges and milestones to do so.

Hosted by BBC Radio Lincolnshire presenter Jennifer Watters, the ceremony celebrated our previous cohort but was also a forum to highlight the skills and talents of our current students.

The Drill came alive with a Hollywood theme this year, with performances from Dance students as well as solo performance from singer and Level 3 Performing Arts student Meave Fogg and a closing performance from Level 3 Performing Arts Students Holly Clarke and Freya Ellais.

Catering and Hospitality students also created and served a delicious three-course meal for winners and their families to enjoy.

Mark Locking, Principal & CEO of Lincoln and Newark College, said: "A huge congratulations to all of our student and apprentice winners, everyone who has been recognised should be very proud, just as we are of them. Our learners who have taken home awards tonight have all shown what true resilience is and some of the stories we've heard are testament to that.

"It's often said that you don't know what people have going on in their lives and the circumstances that the majority of our winners have come up against and still managed to remain focused on studies, learning and attaining skills is truly inspiring.

"Our FE Awards continue to shine a light on the extraordinary journeys that our learners embark on with us.”

Account Director at Bauer Media, Richard Greaves, said: "We are thrilled to have been part of this year's Lincoln College FE Awards.

"Being at the event really confirms why we support the awards as it's a great celebration of the students and apprentices' success over the past year and shows what can really be done in the face of adversity. Lincoln College nurtures talent and development wonderfully and you can see that in action here."

Among the award winners were Jake Green, who took home both the Kev Gibbons Award fpr Most Improved Student and the Student of the Year for people aged 19 and over.

Jake’s tutors nominated him following an amazing journey with Lincoln College. Jake initially attended St. Christopher’s School and has a condition called hydrocephalus, as well as left hemiparesis and epilepsy, which impacts his gross and fine motor skills, balance and quality of movement.

Before he enrolled at St. Christopher’s Jake attended a mainstream school where he experienced significant bullying which impacted his confidence, self-esteem and social skills.

Jake enrolled at Lincoln College on Level 1 Bricklaying, successfully completing the course. Following this, Jake initially enrolled on Level 2 Brickwork, before embarking on a Level 1 Plumbing, which he successfully completed as well as achieving his GCSE Maths – Grade 5 and GCSE English – Grade 4. Jake also achieved his CSCS card which enabled him to gain invaluable experience working on site two days a week around his college timetable.

In September 2021 Jake enrolled in Level 2 Plumbing. During the academic year Jake required major surgery related to his diagnosis of hydrocephalus, which led to missing some exams and a considerable amount of learning. This meant he was unable to complete the course that academic year.

Jake then returned to college to complete Level 2 Plumbing and completed the course in December 2023. During his course he developed his social and communication skills significantly. This development boosted his confidence and has enabled him to access his wider community, gain full-time employment in the plumbing sector and pass his driving test.

Winner of the Richard Arbon Award for Overcoming Adversity and Student of the Year 16-18 Years was Kayleigh Clavin, whose tutors stated in nominations is a hardworking student that has shown determination to succeed alongside taking on a part-time job and being a young carer.

Kayleigh cared for her mum who had a chronic health condition as well as her four younger siblings. Kayleigh’s family also experienced a traumatic life changing event this academic year as her mum passed away suddenly.

From this point Kayleigh has been supporting her dad to look after her four younger siblings through this transition.

At College, Kayleigh decided she wanted to carry on with her studies and has shown extreme resilience in the face of adversity. She has completed placement assessments and handed in work submissions; despite the difficult times she has faced.

Full list of winners:

A Level Student (Including Access to HE) Award - Nicole Cameron

Performing Arts & Creative Arts Award - Eleanor Clark

Business & Education Student - Julia Choplek

Business & Education Apprentice Award - Saffron Hartley

ASI Civil & Military – Elle Barnaby

Policing College Award – Betsey Jessop

Care Services Award - Megan Newson

Construction Award - Callum Brown

Construction Apprentice Award - Dior Regan

Engineering & Technology Award – Molly Clements

Engineering & Technology Apprentice Award - Brad Norris