Newbury College has celebrated the achievements, development and contribution of students at its Career Academy Awards 2026.
The awards were hosted in The Street at Newbury College on Thursday 02 July. A packed audience included the student award winners, their friends and families, and college staff who have supported them throughout their journeys.
Lee Probert, Principal and CEO of Newbury College, presented the awards with special guest Jo Day, Mayor of Newbury.
A total of 48 awards were presented to students from across the College’s industry-focused, full-time study programmes.
Students were recognised in two categories: Best Development and Best Contribution.
Best Development Award
The Best Development Award celebrated the academic, vocational and personal progress made by students during their studies.
Winners were recognised for growing in confidence, responding positively to feedback and showing resilience when faced with challenges. Their achievements included improving their attendance and organisation, exceeding course targets and preparing successfully for employment, apprenticeships or further study.
Grayson Arnold (Catering)
Grayson is nominated for the distance travelled since September and for the enthusiasm now shown in professional settings, with customers and with peers. Grayson completes theory work and practical logs well and on time, has developed strong presentation skills, and has grown significantly in confidence in the kitchen and restaurant. This is meaningful personal and vocational progress.
George Berry (UPS)
George is nominated for taking every opportunity to develop and turning that commitment into strong results. George continues to produce very good work, has achieved well in maths, and is on course to finish above his predicted grade. This progress shows a learner who has made the most of the chances offered and kept moving forward.
Troy James Bolland (Achieve)
Troy James is nominated for the maturity and confidence developed this year. Troy James has worked hard, continues to achieve the required units and has shown progress that staff have clearly noticed. His growing knowledge, respectful approach and readiness to look towards the future make this development especially worthy of recognition.
Jay Bourne (Motor Vehicle)
Jay is nominated for excellent attendance, dedication to vocational learning and the confidence he has built since September. Jay approaches lessons with care, responds positively to feedback and shows a genuine willingness to improve. His steady progress and commitment across vocational learning, and other areas of this Skills Programme, show a learner who is incredibly capable.
Samuel Bradley (Engineering)
Samuel is nominated for exceptional progress in Engineering. His tutor describes him as setting a very high standard in both theory and practical work, and his results consistently exceeded targets. Samuel’s development shows strong technical ability, real vocational promise and the kind of progress that makes an apprenticeship a very exciting next step.
Max Cooke (MultiTrades)
Max is nominated for the clear and consistent improvement made this year. Max has made a noticeable effort in MultiTrades, completing woodwork and plumbing tasks with increasing independence, while also showing focus and determination in English. His progress reflects a positive attitude to learning and the confidence that comes from persevering.
Emma Cox (Early Years)
Emma is nominated for the significant progress she has made during her time at college. She joined with clear enthusiasm for working with children, but has grown into a thoughtful, curious and increasingly confident practitioner. Her coursework has developed from being descriptive to becoming more focused, detailed and purposeful, and in lessons she now asks thoughtful questions about the impact of her practice. This journey of growth, reflection and confidence makes Emma a very deserving Development Award nominee.
Fillip Dolata (Creative Media)
Fillip is nominated for the admirable commitment shown throughout the year. Fillip has pushed himself to learn new creative and technical skills, from experimenting with media processes to gaining a drone pilot licence, and he encourages others to try new approaches too. His confidence with software, curiosity in asking questions and successful work placement show real development and professional promise.
Tom East (Music Technology)
Tom has excelled on the Level 2 Music Technology course, producing one of the strongest portfolios his tutor has seen and working beyond pass requirements. His enthusiasm for practical activities, willingness to answer questions and readiness for Level 3 make his progress a real success story.
Harry Evans (Carpentry)
Harry is nominated for excellent development in Carpentry, built on a strong attitude, commitment and pride in the course. Harry is up to date with practical and theory work, works confidently, and continues to show good skills that improve week by week. His tutor describes him as proactive and already looking towards employment and an apprenticeship, which speaks highly of his ambition.
Gabriel Hood (Digital)
Gabriel is nominated for the determination shown across the study programme. Tutors describe Gabriel as polite, conscientious and capable of achieving highly, with consistently good work and the potential to go even further. His progress reflects quiet determination, steady effort and a growing belief in his own ability.
Tatenda Hungwe (Plumbing)
Tatenda is nominated for the focus, effort and pride shown across both practical and theory work. Tatenda pushes himself beyond what is required, engages positively in discussions and produces organised written work. He is also always willing to help out, which makes his development even more impressive.
Aaron Ingleson (Sport)
Aaron is nominated for the confidence, resilience and positive contribution he brings to both theory and practical Sport lessons. Aaron shows strong organisation, discipline and focus, produces quality work and continues to meet deadlines while aiming high. His continued confidence and willingness to contribute make a real difference to the learning environment for his peers.
Madison Joaquim (Beauty)
Madison is nominated for the resilience and growing confidence shown in Beauty Therapy. Madison has worked hard to build practical confidence with clients and has shown good strengths in the treatments she enjoys. With improved attendance, completed assignments and exam progress, Madison’s development reflects determination and a willingness to keep pushing forward.
Kailani Lamb (Marketing)
Kailani is nominated for excellent progress made through dedication, hard work, strong attendance and impressive organisation. Kailani contributes confidently and thoughtfully, works well with others and brings academic maturity to lessons. Her resilience, motivation and positive attitude have made her development stand out this year.
Victoria Lee (Hairdressing)
Victoria is nominated for the impressive progress made after joining Level 2 and quickly building on her existing hairdressing skills. Victoria started fresh with the cutting programme, caught up with determination and became one of the first in the group to complete the qualification. Her tutor describes her as a pleasure to teach, with growing confidence and strong readiness for Level 3.
Alfie Lunn (English)
Alfie is nominated for the consistent progress and commitment he has shown in English throughout the year. He engages positively in class discussions, maintains focus during reading tasks and responds well to feedback. His analysis of language has become more precise, his confidence with comparison tasks is improving, and his writing shows clear organisation. Alfie’s steady effort and strong results make him a very deserving Development Award nominee.
Anne Maidment (PPD)
Anne is nominated for the incredible personal growth, courage and resilience she has shown throughout the year. Her journey has been one of real strength, as she has continued to show up with warmth, individuality and determination, even when things have been challenging. Anne has grown in confidence, begun to see a positive future for herself and shown great pride in who she is becoming. Her progress is something her tutors are deeply proud of, and she is a very deserving Development Award nominee.
Jack Maltby (Electrical Installation)
Jack is nominated for the exceptional progress he has made in Electrical. Tutors describe Jack as keen, capable in practical work and inquisitive in his learning. He has made good overall progress, shown steady improvement in written work and has exceeded target on the course. His growing knowledge, practical confidence and positive attitude make his development especially worthy of recognition.
Emily McGraghan (Health and Social Care)
Emily is nominated for a journey that her tutors describe with real pride. Over three years at Newbury College, Emily has progressed from Level 2 into Level 3 Health and Social Care, growing into a confident, self-assured young person with outstanding commitment, resilience and willingness to grow. Her placements have been highly successful, with staff praising her maturity, communication and care, and her tutors are confident she has all the qualities to become an excellent care practitioner.
Ewan Philip (Maths)
Ewan is nominated for the clear academic and personal growth he has shown throughout the year. Tutors describe Ewan as a positive, polite and hardworking student who consistently attends lessons, engages well with tasks and has achieved all units so far. He has developed confidence in Maths, tackling problem-solving and contributing to conversations, showing maturity, determination and a growing belief in his own ability.
Lela Taylor (Business)
Lela is nominated for outstanding commitment and the consistently high standard of work produced across the T Level. Tutors describe Lela as switched on, detailed and totally committed to achieving well. Her reports and modelling show pride, precision and professionalism, making her progress a clear example of excellence through effort.
Scarlett Louise Waite (Health and Social Care)
Scarlett is nominated for the confidence and development she has built this year. Scarlett has become a confident member of the group, engages well and really thinks about her work. Her course evidence is being completed to a very good standard, and her readiness to progress to Level 2 shows meaningful personal and academic growth.
Poppy Young (Art and Design)
Poppy is nominated as an inspiring example of resilience, determination and creative perseverance. Poppy has shown excellent commitment to a highly personal Art and Design theme, exploring 90s and 2000s Japanese street fashion through illustration, printing, sewing and thoughtful research. Her ability to connect visual culture with her own creative direction shows impressive artistic development.
Best Contribution Award
The Best Contribution Award recognised students who have helped to make Newbury College a stronger, more supportive and inspiring place to learn.
Winners were praised for supporting their classmates, volunteering for extra responsibilities and representing their study programmes with maturity and professionalism. They demonstrated kindness, reliability, teamwork and a genuine desire to help others succeed.
Chelsea Bartholemew (Health and Social Care)
Chelsea is nominated for the highly positive contribution she has made to Health and Social Care over the past two years. Chelsea is a valued member of the class, often one of the first to volunteer when something needs organising or a job needs doing. Her successful placement with the local council, polite manner, growing confidence and willingness to take on new challenges show how well she represents both herself and the college.
Sophie Blissett (Health and Social Care)
Sophie is nominated for the thoughtful contribution she makes to Health and Social Care. Sophie contributes regularly in class, gives strong answers and shows genuine interest in all aspects of the course. Her work often exceeds expectations, and as course student rep she provides a positive voice within the group.
Aaron Bushnell (Motor Vehicle)
Aaron is nominated for excellent attendance and for the dedication shown in supporting lower-level students in the Motor Vehicle workshop. Aaron is willing to have a go at any challenge set for him and uses his practical learning to help others. That generosity and teamwork make a valued contribution to the course.
Jack Faretra (Digital)
Jack is nominated for the way he supports others in Digital. Jack is confident, keen and consistently willing to help peers without needing to be asked. What stands out is that he wants to succeed, but he also wants others to progress and succeed alongside him, making him a valued influence in the group.
Emma-Leigh Fitt (Music Technology)
Emma-Leigh is nominated for the positive contribution that has come through her growing confidence and engagement in Music Technology. Having progressed from Level 2, Emma-Leigh’s work has continued to improve, and her developing skills now allow her to put herself forward for practical tasks and answer questions in theory sessions. That progress adds positively to the class environment.
Penny Gatmell (English)
Penny is nominated for the thoughtful and supportive contribution she makes in English. She works extremely hard, shows an excellent attitude to learning and has made steady progress in producing clear, effective written work. What makes Penny stand out is the way she supports those around her, helping peers stay organised and reminding them about classes, tasks and upcoming commitments. Her dedication, kindness and positive influence make her a very worthy Contribution Award nominee.
Penny Gatmell (Maths)
Penny is nominated for the highly motivated, focused and dedicated contribution she has made throughout the academic year. Penny works hard, gets fully involved in the course and consistently contributes to class discussions in a thoughtful and positive way. Her excellent attendance, resilience when tasks are challenging and steady achievement show a student who sets a strong example to others and brings real commitment to the group.
Reece Horwood (PPD)
Reece is nominated for the strength, kindness and empathy he continues to show both in and beyond the classroom. Despite facing personal challenges, Reece has maintained strong attendance, shown an excellent work ethic and progressed from completing Level 1 work to taking on Level 2 content. He is thoughtful towards others, quick to notice when someone may need support and brings encouragement to those around him. His resilience, generosity and positive influence make him a very worthy Contribution Award nominee.
Mostyn Isaac (Plumbing)
Mostyn is nominated for being helpful, reliable and supportive within Plumbing. Mostyn is always happy to help staff and other students, including giving time to support Open Evening. His practical and theory work are completed well, and his helpful nature makes him a valued member of the course community.
Kailani Lamb (Marketing)
Kailani is nominated for the thoughtful and positive contribution made to Marketing. Kailani is dedicated, hardworking and consistently engaged, contributing confidently in lessons and working well with others. Her excellent organisation, strong time management and supportive presence help create a focused and encouraging learning environment.
Charlotte Lucas (Hairdressing)
Charlotte is nominated for the outstanding support and encouragement she gives to others in Hairdressing. Charlotte has worked hard to develop her own skills while also helping students in other year groups. Her tutor describes her as a pleasure to teach, a great team player and someone whose confidence with clients and classmates makes her a valued part of the salon community.
Sean Mason (Catering)
Sean is nominated for the excellent attitude shown throughout the year and for being a reliable, trustworthy member of the Catering team. Sean is consistently available for extra activities and events, remains positive in challenging moments and sets a strong example for others. His tutor also recognises his real potential for the industry.
Harvey McNiffe (Engineering)
Harvey is nominated for going beyond the expected contribution in Engineering, including helping with additional technical drawings. Harvey is mature, reliable and producing quality work while exceeding target. His strong practical ability, very good attendance and willingness to support extra work make him a valued member of the course.
Chelsey Miles (Creative Media)
Chelsey is nominated for the positive force she has become within Creative Media. Chelsey brings maturity, strong attendance and active contribution to lessons, and her willingness to experiment with new processes, software and equipment benefits both her own learning and that of her peers. As a team player who enjoys working with others, she helps the course community succeed.
Clarissa Munetsi (Early Years)
Clarissa is nominated for the mature, thoughtful and valuable contribution she makes to classroom discussion and group work. She confidently connects different themes and subject areas, applies them to her own experience and shares her insights in a way that supports the learning of others. Clarissa reflects carefully, demonstrates understanding in practice and often goes beyond what is expected at her level. Her depth of thinking and positive influence make her an outstanding Contribution Award nominee.
Olivia Needham (UPS)
Olivia is nominated as a leading example to her peers in Public Services. Olivia throws herself into everything, submits work at a high level and is totally committed to the course. Her positivity, resilience and willingness to take an active part wherever she can make her a powerful contributor to the group.
Addison Newland Marshall (Carpentry)
Addison is nominated for consistently good work, a positive attitude and a willingness to help others in Carpentry. Addison works collaboratively, supports those around him and continues to progress in both practical and theory work. His contribution helps create a cooperative and encouraging workshop environment.
Liam O'Sullivan (MultiTrades)
Liam is nominated for the exceptional contribution made through dedication, enthusiasm and willingness to support others. Liam arrives prepared, shows respect for staff and peers, and responds well to guidance and feedback. His positive attitude and steady perseverance help create a respectful and encouraging learning environment in MultiTrades.
Broderic Patterson (Electrical Installation)
Brodie is nominated for the exceptional contribution he makes to his course and to the other learners around him. Brodie is knowledgeable in both theory and practical application, and uses that understanding to help others with their own progress. His resilience, positive attitude and supportive approach make him an inspirational presence in the group and a valued member of the Electrical course.
Levannah Prout (Art and Design)
Levannah is nominated for consistently enriching Art and Design with thoughtful, articulate and insightful contributions. Levannah brings imagination and commitment to creative work, producing expressive character designs, thoughtful Claymation research and confident animation with clear storytelling. Her ideas and reflections add real value to the learning environment.
Jessica Reynolds (Beauty)
Jessica is nominated for the enthusiasm, dedication and generosity she brings to Beauty Therapy. Jessica has achieved excellent exam results, submits work on time and frequently asks insightful questions to deepen her learning. She is also quick to put herself forward for extra clients and to offer help around the salon and to other students, making her an outstanding contributor.
Adam Roe (Business)
Adam is nominated for the contribution made through class discussion and peer assistance. Adam brings a well-structured approach to learning, frames his ideas clearly and draws useful links between tasks. When called upon, he supports classmates thoughtfully, helping to strengthen discussion and shared understanding in the group.
Eva Treen-Parr (Achieve)
Eva is nominated for the calm, supportive contribution made within Achieve. Eva works hard, produces detailed and concise course work, and helps peers when they are struggling or need support to stay on track. Her polite manner and willingness to share opinions respectfully make her a positive influence in the group.
Sidney Williams (Sport)
Sidney is nominated for the high level of contribution he has made across the Sport course. He shows a positive attitude, strong punctuality and a reliable approach to his work, consistently handing tasks in on time and engaging well in lessons. Sidney contributes well in both theory and practical sessions, demonstrating maturity, focus and a commitment to achieving at the highest level he can.
The awards reflected Newbury College’s focus on ‘Careers, not courses’. They highlighted the technical skills, confidence and professional behaviours students have developed as they prepare for their next steps.
To learn more about the College’s industry-focused, full-time study programmes, visit newbury-college.ac.uk/school-leavers.