Harrow College student is crowned the best in Britain

A student from Harrow College has officially been crowned as one of Britain’s best students at the British Education Awards 2019, held at the Hilton Manchester on 31st January 2019.

Venelina Urlachka (20) scooped the top prize after being nominated by her tutors at Harrow College following an excellent academic year in 2017/18 where she completed her Access to Higher Education Diploma (Business) with Distinction and was praised for her teamwork and leadership skills. She additionally undertook a six month, extracurricular employability course with Raw Talent Academy – an enterprise launched by Lord Sugar’s protégé BBC’s Apprentice Winner Lee McQueen. Venelina was one of five students to secure a paid internship with Raw Talent and Capita following the course.

Now in its third year, the British Education Awards (BEA) celebrates the academic and extracurricular achievements of students in the UK. The Awards are a unique event as they are the only national awards to shine a spotlight on individual student attainment. Students are also judged on their extracurricular responsibilities, which may be anything from running an after school club and volunteering in the community, to dedication to sports and the arts.

Amira Thompson was Venelina’s tutor at Harrow College. In the nomination form submitted to the BEA, Amira proudly described Venelina as “the kind of driven, engaging and curious student that help classrooms become a lively environment and safe place for everyone to express themselves. All staff members who have had the privilege to get to know Venelina think highly of her”.

Awards were presented to winners in five regions, including England (divided into two zones), Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales; and within four categories – GCSE or Scottish National 5, A Level or Scottish Advanced Higher, Vocational and Degree. Venelina’s winning award was in the England Zone 2 Vocational category.

Students attending the red carpet gala event at the iconic Beetham Tower in Manchester enjoyed a free three-course gala dinner and entertainment, and celebrated alongside education professionals, politicians and celebrities.

Speaking after receiving her award, a delighted Venelina said:

“I feel so happy to have won this award. The evening was amazing and it is such a big honour for me to be a finalist and a winner of this award. A huge thank you to Harrow College for all the support and encouragement”.