England footballer Ella Toone and civil engineering trailblazer Santina Bunting inducted into FE Hall of Fame

A Lioness and an award-winning civil engineer apprentice have been honoured for their contribution to further education.

This week, as 2025 comes to an end, Ella Toone and Santina Bunting have been officially inducted into Association of Colleges' prestigious FE Hall of Fame, in recognition of their commitment to their former college and its students.

The FE Hall of Fame plays tribute to the outstanding contributions made by further education alumni to their college community and beyond. In 2024, AoC welcomed MasterChef: The Professionals winner Stuart Deeley, world champion boxer Savannah Marshall and MP Josh Babarinde OBE to the group, with others including singer and West End star Shaun Escoffery, rugby legend Kevin Sinfield, and Michelin-star chef Michael Caines MBE.

David Hughes, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges, said: “Colleges across the country offer high-quality teaching and training day-in day-out, and there are millions of people across the world who can thank further education for setting them on the path to success. We know that to thrive in the world beyond college, learners need more than grades and certificates; they need to have had real-life experiences and access to role models from their community who can demonstrate what’s possible in the world of work. That’s why our FE Hall of Fame is so powerful; only those alumni who have gone on to succeed in their respective fields and then returned to college to inspire and encourage current students, are inducted.

“I am so pleased that two more people are joining the Hall of Fame this year, and I want to say congratulations to both them and their colleges and thank them for their dedication and time in supporting the next generation of workers.”

Ella Toone, Wigan & Leigh College

Manchester United and England footballer Ella Toone attended Wigan & Leigh College from 2018 to 2019, and said that she was “delighted to be inducted into the FE Hall of Fame: “It is a real honour and I am always proud to be a role model in everything I do."

Ella played a pivotal role in England’s UEFA Women's Euro 2022 victory, scoring a key goal in the final against Germany, cementing her place as one of the top players. As a standout performer for Manchester United, Ella became the club’s all-time top scorer and helped the team rise to prominence in the Women’s Super League (WSL). Her consistent excellence earned her awards such as the Manchester United Women's Player of the Year (2023/24) and a spot in the FIFA FIFPro Women's World 11, voted by her peers.

Beyond the pitch, Ella has made significant contributions to the college, as well as to the wider community, both as a role model and through her involvement in local initiatives. She has been a vocal advocate for women’s football, using her platform to push for greater recognition and support for the women’s game. Her achievements have significantly raised the profile of women’s football in her hometown, encouraging more girls to take up the sport and join local teams.

Anna Dawe, Principal, Wigan & Leigh College: “Ella’s journey is a powerful example of what talent, determination and the right support can achieve. To see her recognised in the Association of Colleges’ FE Hall of Fame is a moment of immense pride for Wigan & Leigh College. Ella continues to inspire our students, our staff and our wider community, showing what is possible through further education and hard work. We are absolutely delighted to celebrate this outstanding and very well-deserved achievement.”

Santina Bunting, Solihull College & University Centre

Santina Bunting attended Solihull College & University Centre from 2021 to 2023, said it was incredible honour to be inducted into the AoC Hall of Fame.

“I began my career at 16 as the only one out of 150 students to choose an apprenticeship, and I’ve never looked back. Further education gave me the opportunity to combine college study with real-world experience, and that foundation has enabled me to progress to a degree apprenticeship while working on major infrastructure projects. FE opened doors I never imagined, from speaking at the House of Lords to visiting 10,” she said. “Downing Street, and this award shows what’s possible when you believe in yourself and embrace the opportunities FE provides. What makes this even more special is that my mum and brother also studied at Solihull College, so there’s a real sense of family legacy in this achievement!"

Santina was the only student out of 150 in her school to pursue an apprenticeship after GCSEs and today is qualified technician with the Institute of Civil Engineers and in her third year of a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship at Warwick University. With over one million annual LinkedIn impressions, Santina frequently shares her story and experiences online and is a visible and accessible role model in the community; her monthly newsletter, “No Gatekeeping Please”, which focuses on her experience and gives careers advice, has thousands of subscribers. She was the youngest-ever overall winner of the Solihull & Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professional Awards (aged just 19), and Apprentice of the Year.

Since completing her apprenticeship, she has remained an ambassador for inclusive education and skills development, using her voice, visibility, and lived experience to shape the future for others. Santina has returned to college to speak at careers conferences and currently attends the Solihull Employment and Skills Board where she where she helps shape strategic decisions that affect the next generation of talent.

Rebecca Gater, Principal and Chief Executive, Solihull College & University Centre, said: "We are immensely proud of Santina Bunting for being inducted into AoC’s FE Hall of Fame. This recognition celebrates her outstanding contribution to further education and her unwavering commitment to empowering learners and colleagues alike. Santina exemplifies the values and ambition of our sector, and her journey from GCSEs to becoming a trailblazer in civil engineering is nothing short of inspirational. Her academic excellence, professional achievements, and advocacy for apprenticeships demonstrate the transformative power of further education, and we are thrilled to see her achievements honoured nationally."

The FE Hall of Fame can be accessed here.