Association of Colleges Student of the Year 2025/26 winners announced

The Association of Colleges has announced the winners of the Student of the Year Awards 2025/26 at the AoC Annual Conference and Exhibition in Birmingham. These awards celebrate outstanding achievements, resilience, and contributions from students across the country.

Adult Student of the Year (19+) Award

Sponsored by Gateway Qualifications

Winner: Reanna Chambers, NESCOT (North East Surrey College of Technology)

NESCOT said: “Reanna’s story is a powerful example of what determination can achieve. From leaving school with no qualifications to excelling in her studies and leading community initiatives, she has shown extraordinary courage and resilience. Reanna overcame cultural barriers and personal challenges to progress from Level 1 to Level 3 hairdressing, achieve GCSEs, and become a mentor to others. Her commitment to charity work, sustainability, and supporting peers makes her not only an outstanding student but a true role model for change.”

Runner-up: Ivy Knight, Moulton College

Apprentice of the Year Award

Sponsored by The Association of Colleges

Winner: Jack Lewis, Weston College

Weston College said: “Jack has set a new benchmark for what apprenticeships can deliver. Starting as a BTEC placement student, he returned as Singer Instruments’ first Level 6 engineering apprentice and has since driven transformative innovation. Jack introduced advanced 3D printing technologies that cut costs, reduced environmental impact, and streamlined production – one project alone paid for itself in a single run. His redesign of microscope components eliminated hazardous chemicals, and his leadership in knowledge-sharing has strengthened resilience across teams. Combining academic learning with real-world problem-solving, Jack has led complex engineering projects that improved efficiency and sustainability. His achievements have shaped the company’s apprenticeship programme and inspired a new generation to see vocational pathways as a route to excellence.”

Runner-up: Harry Clayton, Barnsley College

Inspiring Project Award

Sponsored by AQA

Winner: Kea Masters, Halesowen College

Halesowen College said: “Kea’s Extended Project Qualification was an outstanding example of creativity and ambition. They developed a pilot script for a children’s TV programme inspired by Arthurian legends – combining a lifelong interest in mythology with aspirations in film and television. Kea carried out extensive research, consulted a professional screenwriter, and produced a high-quality, original screenplay. Their presentation reflected a deep understanding of the process and a thoughtful evaluation of the challenges and rewards. We’re incredibly proud of Kea’s achievement and excited to see them continue their journey studying film and television production at university.

Runner-up: Ambeta Balla, Barnet and Southgate College; Marnie Crump, Christ the King St Mary’s

Higher Education Student of the Year Award

Sponsored by QAA

Winner: Zoe Toole, Plumpton College

Plumpton College said: “Zoe is an outstanding student, advocate, and leader in the field of animal behaviour and welfare. Joining Plumpton College in 2024 to complete her BSc (Hons), Zoe brought with her a deep passion for assistance dogs, fuelled by both academic interest and lived experience. Her ground-breaking dissertation on the health economics of medical alert dogs for individuals with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome was conducted with Medical Detection Dogs UK and is being considered for publication. Zoe also co-authored national guidance with the Royal College of Nursing, now used across the NHS, and actively supports and assesses assistance dogs through multiple charitable organisations. A gifted communicator, she has delivered lectures, presented at national conferences, and represents her college as a Student Ambassador. Zoe also runs her own business, Doggie Bandannas Ltd, creating functional products for working dogs. She is already influencing public understanding, sector policy, and welfare practice, and is set to make an even greater impact in the future.

Runner-up: Presley Beckham, Barnsley College

Young Student of the Year Award (16–18 years old)

Sponsored by Edge Foundation

Winner: Samiha Kalam, Sandwell College

Sandwell Colleges said: “Samiha is an inspiring example of resilience and leadership. Despite facing profound personal challenges, she has excelled academically and personally. Studying English literature, politics, and sociology at Cadbury College, part of The Sandwell Colleges, Samiha demonstrates exceptional intellectual maturity and a passion for social impact. Beyond the classroom, she has founded and chaired advisory groups tackling violence against women, served on the Youth City Board and the Home Office Board for Young People, and contributed to sustainability initiatives. Her ability to balance academic excellence with advocacy and leadership work is remarkable. Samiha’s story is one of courage, determination, and hope. She is a role model for young people everywhere.”

Runners-up: Mackenzie Bird, HSDC (Havant & South Downs College); Eva Abley, City of Wolverhampton College