The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, formed of Castleford College, Selby College and Wakefield College, celebrated the achievements of its students at its annual Student Awards.
Held on Wednesday 16th December at Castleford College, 33 awards were presented across all subject areas, including both 16-18 students and adult students.
The students, who had completed their studies in the 2024-25 academic year, were invited back into college to accept their awards, recognising them as the stand-out stars of their provision and curriculum area.
The awards were generously sponsored by the late Les Walshaw, Dearne Valley Pet Centre, Navigate, Supply Me, GUNT Technology Limited, Academy of Live Technology, Complete Care West Yorkshire and Create Café – most of whom are regional and local employers connected to the Group.
Heads of Curriculum, Directors and Governors of the Group presented the awards, with a student winning in each subject area at each college. The winning students were invited up to the stage to accept their award, which was accompanied by a £100 cheque.
Business Student of the Year, Leon Watson, said: “It has made me feel incredibly proud to be recognised at the Student Awards after all the hard work and effort I put in, including completing my work placement at Vico Homes.”
Leon Watson (right), receiving the Business Student of the Year Award form Group Vice Chair of Governors, Dr David Powell (left).
After securing a Distinction in his T Level Business course at Wakefield College, Leon has now secured an apprenticeship in HR administration.
Level 2 Maths student, Matthew Lund, who was awarded the Adult Level 1 Vocational Award for his remarkable perseverance in his studies, said: “I feel elated about winning this award. After losing my job to illness, I came to Castleford College to top-up my qualifications in Maths. The College has been fantastic, supportive and patient and coming to classes here has made me feel capable again.”
Matthew Lund (right), receiving the Adult Level 1 Vocational Award from Group Chair of Governors, Andrew McConnell OBE (left).
The Construction & Civil Engineering Awards across the Group were presented by Alistair McLoughlin from sponsor, Waystone Ltd, the construction and development specialists involved in the development of Castleford College. One of the students who received the Construction Student of the Year Award, Oliwia Loc, has now progressed on to study at university.
Jeffrey Utley MBE from the Institute of Engineering and Technology was also in attendance and presented the Engineering Prize for Student Excellence to Liam Wainwright for his outstanding work, enthusiasm and professionalism.
Sam Wright, Principal and Chief Executive at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: "The annual Student Awards ceremony acknowledges our students who have demonstrated exceptional growth, commitment and excellence towards their learning, so it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate these remarkable achievements alongside their loved ones, staff across the Group and our employer partners. Many of our student winners have now moved on to some of the UK’s top universities, employment or higher levels of study with us here at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, highlighting their significant development and progression.”
The Group offers courses in a variety of subject areas including Health and Social Care, Engineering, Business, English for Speakers of Other Languages, Foundation Learning and more.
You can find out more about the Group’s course offer for both school leavers and adults at: https://www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/