Students from Newbury College’s Career Academy were celebrated at the College's annual award ceremony this week, which recognised commitment, development and contribution across a wide range of vocational programmes.
Held on what was officially the hottest day of the year so far, the Career Academy Awards brought together staff, students and guests to mark the achievements of those who have developed academically and personally.
Before the main event, guests were treated to a BBQ and refreshments prepared and served by the College’s catering students and staff, showcasing the practical skills developed through its Professional Cookery programme. Displays of exceptional student work from other programmes were also exhibited in the restaurant.
Moving into the Forum for the main ceremony, the Career Academy Awards recognised two students from each subject programme area—one for Best Development, awarded for significant personal or academic progress, and one for Best Contribution, acknowledging outstanding involvement in college life or the wider community.
Lee Probert, Principal of Newbury College, opened the event before handing over to Deputy Principal, Lee Jamieson, who presented the awards and praised the winners, stating:
“Our goal is to equip every student with the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to succeed in their chosen careers. We want them to be more than just job-ready—we want them to be truly career-driven. These awards celebrate the beginning of an exciting new chapter for many of our students, whether continuing their studies here, progressing to university, or stepping confidently into the world of work.”
Best Development Award Winners
In addition to the subject specific awards, special awards were also presented by the maths, English, PPD, and Student Support teams, celebrating students who demonstrated exceptional growth, engagement, and resilience across these vital areas of their college programmes.
Best Contribution Award Winners
- Poppy Tiltman - Achieve Programme
Poppy has grown tremendously in confidence and consistently contributes thoughtful ideas to discussions. She approaches her work with enthusiasm and attention to detail, always pushing herself to improve. Her positive attitude and willingness to engage make her an inspiring presence in the classroom. - Courtney Bradford - Art and Design
Courtney shows deep commitment to her artistic development, excelling in printmaking and graphic design. She’s explored how to promote her work creatively while generously supporting classmates and staff with patience and leadership. Her drive, collaboration, and creativity have had a real impact on her course. - Ruby Waters - Beauty Therapy
Ruby stands out for her dedication, professionalism, and an unwavering focus and commitment that she has demostrated throughout both Level 2 and Level 3. She supported younger students through workshops and always approached tasks with energy and care. Her positivity, team spirit, and deep passion for beauty therapy have consistently enhanced the learning environment for everyone around her. - Keeley George - Business
Keeley has made a lasting impact through mentorship and initiative. She helped first-year students understand Employer Set Projects, supported them with presentations, and fully committed to her Industry Placements. Her leadership, reliability, and strong communication skills make her a valued and influential member of the course. - Brandon Davies - Carpentry
Brandon approaches every task with determination and consideration. He consistently looks for ways to improve, engages fully with his learning, and supports those around him. His steady progress and positive attitude have made him a valued and reliable presence in the workshop. - Jacob Banting - Catering
Jacob has played a key role in supporting his catering classmates, often volunteering at events and helping others refine their practical skills. His strong sense of teamwork and commitment to shared success have made a real difference to the group dynamic. - Robin Hutton - Child Care
Robin brings creativity and thoughtfulness to every class discussion. They have demonstrated courage in challenging perspectives and their inquisitive nature ensure they fully comprehend and internalise the theoretical elements of the course. Their ability to ask meaningful questions not only enhances their own learning but also supports and scaffolds the understanding of their peers. Robin's contributions are a testament to their exceptional growing confidence and dedication. - Oliver Cole - Digital
Oliver is deeply committed to developing his digital skills. He regularly goes beyond the requirements, seeking out opportunities to improve and assist others. His dedication, discipline, and ability to learn quickly have set him apart throughout the course. - Damian Erasmus - Engineering
Damian stands out for his proactive attitude and willingness to take on challenges, particularly through his involvement with the Student Council and various clubs. He regularly helps others and contributes to a positive workshop atmosphere. His curiosity and consistent effort make him an excellent role model for his peers, both in and out of the classroom. - Emily McGraghan - English
Emily is a thoughtful and enthusiastic learner who enriches class activities with her consistent contributions and supportive attitude. She hase had a lasting impact on her peers and the overall learning environment. - Eloise (Ella) Canning - Essential Skills Pathway (ESP)
Ella has become more confident in expressing her ideas and regularly contributes to class discussions. She works well with others, showing maturity and curiosity. Her growing voice and collaborative nature have helped her flourish over the year. - Adam Kirby - Foundation to T Level BSE Electrical Installation
Adam is enthusiastic and dependable, always willing to help others understand challenging material. He takes part in peer learning and brings a strong work ethic to everything he does. His attitude makes him a valued member of the class. - Ilia Chibisov - Foundation to T Level Business, Digital and Media
Ilia has shown strong commitment to developing his skills, tackling assessments with focus and using feedback to improve. His determination and consistent work ethic have helped him make excellent progress and set a solid foundation for future success. - Joseph Foley - Foundation to T Level Construction
Joseph is always ready to help his classmates, showing strong teamwork and leadership during collaborative tasks. He willingly shares knowledge and supports others, making him a reliable and influential member of the group. - Kaye Buckland - Hairdressing
Kaye has shown excellent growth in confidence and technical ability. She supports her team, takes on new tasks without hesitation, and has become a standout member of the salon. Her dedication over the past three years has shaped her into a confident and capable hairdresser, and she has been a pleasure to teach. - Harvey Breakspear - Maths
Harvey is a focused learner who consistently works to improve his maths skills. He seeks extra practice, asks thoughtful questions, and shows a real commitment to deepening his understanding through persistence and curiosity. - Tyler Moody - Media
Tyler has made significant progress, transforming from having very little subject knowledge to becoming one of the strongest in the class. His creativity, teamwork, and dedication have made him a driving force in the classroom. Tyler brings energy to every task, lifting the standard of work around him and inspiring his classmates. - Fardin Eskandari - Motor Vehicle
Fardin stands out for their positive attitude, reliability, and eagerness to learn. They take pride in their work and help create a focused and respectful workshop environment. Their professionalism and consistency are highly valued. - Jean Carbon - Multi Trades
Jean brings intelligence, care, and respect to everything he does. His teachers consistently praise the effort he puts into his work, and his outstanding results reflect his dedication and thoughtful approach. - Connor Taylor - Music Technology
Connor has been a key contributor in everything from group projects to enrichment activities, offering creative ideas and supporting classmates. His love for music and strong collaborative skills have helped create a productive and positive learning environment. - Ella Budge - Pastoral Personal Development (PPD)
Ella is a natural leader in group settings, helping to build a supportive and respectful learning space. She engages in thoughtful, critical conversations and consistently brings fresh perspectives to class discussions. What sets Ella apart is her ability to take ideas from our lessons and return with deeper reflections and questions, showing genuine curiosity and a passion for learning that enriches the whole classroom. - Dylan Burnett - Pastoral Support
Dylan has shown remarkable dedication and effort across all aspects of his education. In his vocational course, he consistently applies himself to mastering the practical skills and knowledge required for his chosen field. During his work placement, Dylan's proactive attitude and willingness to learn have made a significant impact, earning him praise from his supervisors. Additionally, in his Maths and English sessions, he demonstrates a strong commitment to improving his academic skills, seeking extra help when needed and always striving for excellence. - Jack Hyde - Plumbing
Jack is a reliable and enthusiastic student who takes great pride in completing his work to the highest standard. His dedication to excellence is evident in every task he undertakes. Jack's willingness to share knowledge and his positive attitude have helped foster a collaborative and productive environment in the plumbing workshop. His pride in his work not only elevates his own performance but also inspires his classmates to strive for their best. - Oliver Alemany - Sport
Oliver leads by example. He motivates others, takes initiative in training, and consistently contributes to the success of the group. His strong leadership and team spirit are invaluable to the course. - Lucy Reader - Uniformed Public Services
Lucy goes above and beyond in every area, regularly volunteering to help tutors, and contributing to the community. Her enthusiasm, reliability, and generosity make her an outstanding role model for others.
Best Development Award Winners
- Ethan Bellinger - Achieve
Ethan has made impressive progress, developing both the quality and depth of his work. His determination, resilience, and increasingly confident approach to challenges have helped him thrive. He’s become a more independent learner who embraces feedback and stays focused on improvement. - George White - Art and Design
George has demonstrated exceptional dedication to developing his illustration skills, actively experimenting with new techniques and responding thoughtfully to feedback. His progress has led to work of a professional standard, and his growing confidence has opened new opportunities, including a place at University of the Arts Bournemouth (UAB) to further his creative journey. - Lisa-Marie Adams-Hughes - Beauty Therapy
As a mature student, Lisa has overcome significant challenges with resilience and creativity. Returning to education after an injury, she developed unique learning strategies to succeed and inspired peers with her determination. Her steady progress, supportive attitude, unique perspective, sense of humour and perseverance set a powerful example for others. - Lela Taylor - Business
Lela has grown significantly in confidence this year. She has become more vocal in group work, improved her presentation skills, and embraced collaboration. Her openness to learning and calm, focused attitude have contributed to both her own development and the success of her peers. - Jacob Hunter-Gardner - Carpentry
Jacob has made consistent progress in both his practical abilities and confidence. He has stayed focused throughout the year and is now well-prepared to transition into employment. His calm persistence and readiness to take on challenges have shaped his success. - Joshua Mowat - Catering
Joshua has shown exceptional growth, improving both his culinary skills and his confidence in the kitchen. He is highly motivated, takes pride in his development, and consistently contributes to group tasks with energy and professionalism. - Ellie Prismall - Child Care
Ellie has shown incredible commitment to their studies, producing high-quality work and demonstrating in-depth knowledge. Their focus and determination have led to exceptional progress, and they're now set to continue on to Level 3 with purpose and ambition. - Jonas Pearson - Digital
Jonas has grown steadily across all areas of his course, and his dedication has paid off in a significant way. He was offered, and has now started, a full-time job at the company where he completed his Industry Placement. Jonas approaches each new project with greater skill and confidence, achieving strong academic results. His thoughtful attitude and commitment to self-improvement have been key to his success and have opened up exciting new opportunities for his career. - Kian Beamish - Engineering
Kian has shown significant growth in both practical and theoretical aspects of engineering. He engages fully with lessons, learns from setbacks, and has become much more confident in his abilities. His steady development reflects strong focus and resilience. - Amelia Smith - English
Amelia's writing beautifully illustrates her passion for literature, with her short stories unfolding like absolute magic on the pages. She has made excellent progress in her writing and analysis skills, approaching feedback with maturity and always seeking to improve. Her quiet determination and growing confidence have helped her produce thoughtful, well-structured work throughout the year. Amelia's talent and dedication ensure she will go far in life. - Chloe Richardson - Essential Skills Pathway (ESP)
Chloe has developed both academically and personally, becoming more confident and independent. She tackles new concepts with determination and works well in group settings. Her hard work and steady growth highlight her commitment to progress. - Henry Millson - Foundation to T Level BSE Electrical Installation
Henry is eager to improve and takes responsibility for his learning. He attends extra lessons, asks for support, and demonstrates a real interest in his subject. His dedication and proactive mindset have helped him achieve strong development. - Oleksandr (Sacha) Heresymov - Foundation to T Level Business, Digital and Media
Sacha has embraced every creative challenge with energy and persistence. He’s made steady, meaningful progress and developed inventive solutions in his work. His motivation and originality have been key to his personal growth throughout the year. - Thomas (Tommy) McNeil Aitken - Foundation to T Level Construction
Tommy has worked hard to improve throughout the year, demonstrating that consistent effort leads to success. His determination and resilience have been inspiring to those around him, and his skills have developed significantly as a result. - Louise Chaney - Hairdressing
Louise’s progress has been remarkable. Through extra practice and consistent effort, she has improved her skills and built her confidence. She is now moving on to the next level and her commitment has made it possible. - Maryann Bell - Health and Social Care
Maryann has shown great resilience, balancing personal challenges with her studies to complete the course successfully. Her quiet determination and refusal to give up have enabled her to grow both academically and personally. - Jay Jerome - Maths
Jay approaches maths with a strong drive to succeed. He tackles challenges head-on and shows clear improvement in both confidence and results. His dedication and consistent effort have helped him reach his academic goals. - Elle Smart - Media
Elle has consistently demonstrated her commitment to excellence, thriving to stay ahead and completing her work to a very high standard. She has made remarkable progress in both creativity and technical skill. Continuously challenging herself, Elle pushes her ideas further with each project. Her enthusiasm, meticulous attention to detail, and growing confidence have significantly elevated the quality of her work. - Thomas Johnson - Motor Vehicle
Thomas has significantly improved his motor vehicle skills, both practical and theoretical. He approaches tasks with care and commitment, constantly refining his techniques. His determination to improve has led to impressive progress. - Lewis Hicks - Multi Trades
Lewis has shown remarkable transformation over the year. Once hesitant, he now takes initiative and consistently goes above expectations. His improved attitude and strong work ethic have helped him unlock his potential and become a confident and capable student. - Haydan Wells - Music Technology
Haydan has made clear strides in music production, embracing feedback and pushing himself to improve. With each project, his confidence and technical skills have grown. His progress reflects his dedication to mastering his craft. - Abigail Needham - Pastoral Personal Development (PPD)
Abigail has grown in confidence and engagement. She has taken on new challenges with enthusiasm and shown real maturity in her personal development over the year, become more vocal in discussions and sharing thoughtful opinions on a wide range of topics. - Mostyn Isaac - Pastoral Support
Mostyn has made an excellent transition into college life, working hard to stay on top of his studies while attending extra support sessions. His perseverance and willingness to grow have led to real personal and academic success. - Kieran Marcham - Plumbing
Kieran has shown great improvement throughout the year. He now approaches tasks with confidence, learns from feedback, and takes pride in his progress. His growth reflects his commitment to becoming skilled in his trade. - Eloise Kadzidlo - Sport
Eloise has developed into a confident and capable team player. Initially quiet, she now leads activities and supports others. Her personal growth and increasing presence in class have been a joy to witness. - Molly Maltby - Uniformed Public Services
Molly has faced significant challenges but never let them hold her back. Through resilience and determination, she has achieved strong academic results and shown impressive personal growth.
Newbury College offers full-time study programmes and T Levels for school leavers aged 16–19, with some courses also open to adults seeking to retrain. Students benefit from vocational and academic training, supported by pastoral care, personal development sessions and industry placements that provide real-world experience.
This event reflects the College’s ethos, ‘careers, not courses’, which underpins every aspect of its delivery, creating opportunities to transform lives, and enabling students to progress into higher education or meaningful employment in their chosen industry. If you're a school leaver still deciding your next steps, it’s not too late to get a taste of what Newbury College has to offer. Register now for the upcoming Taster Day at: newbury-college.ac.uk/taster