Dozens Of Students Recognised At College Awards Ceremony

Weston College has celebrated the successes and accomplishments of its students at a glamorous awards ceremony at the Winter Gardens Pavilion.

The annual Celebration of Success recognises the students who have gone above and beyond in their studies, and have achieved results greater than their own expectations. Many of the students celebrated at the event previously had challenging experiences of education or personal struggles that they had to overcome to facilitate their success.

The award winners and their families were treated to a three course meal cooked by the professional chefs at the Winter Gardens, entertainment from University Centre Weston’s Musical Theatre students, followed by a presentation ceremony which saw winners take home trophies, certificates and prizes.

Each faculty nominated a ‘Student of the Year’ for their subject area and the nominations were judged by a panel comprising members of the College’s governing body and leadership team, including its Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Paul Phillips CBE.

Out of the faculty winners, Dr Phillips then chose who to name ‘Overall Weston College Student of the Year’. This year, the top title went to two students – Tommy Beaton and Tom Moore.

Tommy, who studied IT at the College before moving onto a degree at University Centre Weston, was nominated for his outstanding performance both in and outside of the classroom which saw him represent the College at the regional finals of the WorldSkills UK competition, as well as working as a mentor for other students on his course.

Tom was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum shortly after joining the College, where he studies public services and attends sessions at Weston Bay, the College’s residential centre for students on the autism spectrum. Tom was nominated for achieving independent living, full time employment and maintaining a network of friends.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, said: “These awards seek to highlight the fantastic achievements of College students and learners from our link schools.

“Many of our students have inspiring stories and personal accomplishments, and our Celebration of Success recognises the students who have gone the extra mile and far surpassed their expectations and the expectations of their parents.”

The Weston College Celebration of Success 2018 was sponsored by Midas Group, which recently worked with the College to redevelop the Winter Gardens Pavilion, as well as Honeyfield Property Services, the Royal Hotel, Segemoor Publicity, Priddy Engineering and Pace.