From engineering marvels to creative masterpieces, students at Newbury College and University Centre Newbury (UCN) have dazzled the community with an innovative end-of-year exhibition and celebratory award ceremonies.
The second annual UCN Expo launched the week on 02 July 2024, showcasing the talent and innovation of University Centre Newbury students and providing a platform for them to present their projects and dissertations. Students from programmes such as Engineering, Graphic Design, the Foundation Degree in Children’s Learning & Development, and Access to HE demonstrated their dedication and hard work to an audience of local dignitaries, employers, and community members.
Dr Jo Houghton, Vice Principal for Higher Education and Skills, expressed her pride:
“UCN students have demonstrated exceptional creativity and technical prowess. The Expo is a testament to their relentless effort and the high-quality education they receive here. It’s a privilege to share their accomplishments with local employers and dignitaries, showcasing the future leaders and innovators of our community.”
The event included an awards ceremony and afternoon tea, attended by Cllr David Harman, Deputy Mayor of Newbury, and Cllr Petra Pemberton, Deputy Mayor of Thatcham, along with local employers who support UCN's Higher and Degree Apprenticeship programmes.
The ceremony also celebrated the winners of the Apprenticeship Awards 2024, announced during National Apprenticeship Week.
The following day, on Wednesday 03 July, a ceremony was held for Foundation Learning students. Hosted by Deputy Principal Lee Hunt and Leanne Butters, Head of Department for Foundation Learning, this programme supports young people with profound and complex disabilities or learning difficulties. These students participate in education tailored to their individual needs, abilities, and aspirations.
Later on, Newbury College recognised students from the Career Academy in a dedicated ceremony that celebrated their achievements, contributions, and development. Awards were presented for Best Development and Best Contribution in each subject area, highlighting the outstanding progress and dedication of the students.
The Career Academy offers career-focused qualifications and training for school leavers aged 16-19 through full-time study programmes and T Levels. Students benefit from a blend of vocational and academic training, including industry placements. Each subject area nominated students for their contributions to the College or their programme, or for their outstanding commitment to personal or professional development. Principal Iain Wolloff and Deputy Principal Lee Hunt presented the awards:
| Subject | Best Contribution | Best Development |
| Achieve | Leonora Greasley | Luca Carbone |
| Art and Design | Evie Ortiz | Vincent Hosey |
| Beauty | Ruby Waters | Kelly Jenks |
| Business | Keeley George | Lily Canning |
| Foundation to T Level Onsite (Carpentry) | Jack Vincent | Callum Annetts-Bates |
| Carering | Harvey Foxwell | Jason Fairchild |
| Child Care | Kelsey Hamilton | Connor Palfrey |
| Creative Media | Myles Dadd | Aaron Smith |
| Digital | Pedro Alves Cavalari | Conner Abery-Blizzard |
| Foundation to T Level BSE -Electrical Installation | Luke Carlin | Cameron Wells |
| English | Evie Ortiz | Kelly Jenks |
| Foundation to T-level - Digital | Fillip Dolata | Kaiden Webster |
| Hairdressing | Olivia Boezalt | Otylia Popkowska |
| Health & Social Care | Ruby Fisher | Hamna Dawood |
| Maths | Jason Fairchild | Aliesha Stoneley |
| Motor Vehicle | Reuben Pibernik | Harvey Breakspear |
| Multi-Trade | Ben Bailey | Harry Pullen |
| Music Technology | Connor Taylor | Haydan Wells |
| T Level Onsite | Finley Clucas | Billy Dunster-Charnock |
| Foundation to T-level - Const | Tommy Robinson | Brandon Stacey |
| UPS | Alexander Morgan | Alexander Morgan |
Deputy Principal Lee Hunt reflected on the day:
“Celebrating the achievements of our students is always a highlight. These young individuals have shown remarkable growth and resilience, overcome challenges and achieved personal milestones. It’s inspiring to see their hard work pay off and to witness the positive impact our educational programmes have on their lives. We are proud to support them as they embark on their next adventures, confident in their abilities and ready to contribute meaningfully to society.”
These events underscored the hard work and determination of students across various disciplines, emphasising the exceptional commitment these students have demonstrated in their vocational studies, work related activity, and personal development.
Find out more information about post-16 education at Newbury College and UCN, including Career Academy programmes, T Levels, Apprenticeships, and Foundation Learning