Determination, talent and triumph: Northamptonshire students celebrated at The Bedford College Group Annual Awards

Outstanding students from across Northamptonshire have been recognised for their achievements at The Bedford College Group's annual Northants Student Awards.

The awards celebrated the success, dedication and resilience of students from Tresham College's Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough campuses, The National College for Motorsport and The Corby Sixth Form, with learners honoured across more than 40 curriculum areas and special award categories.

The event brought together students, staff, families and supporters to celebrate those who have excelled academically, overcome personal challenges, demonstrated exceptional leadership and made a lasting impact within their college communities.

The Awards are more than just recognition for the winners; they are a celebration of the hard work, determination and ambition shown by students throughout the academic year, highlighting the transformative impact of further education across Northamptonshire.

Honours presented on the evening included Student of the Year Awards across a wide range of curriculum areas, alongside a series of Outstanding Achievement Awards recognising exceptional contributions both inside and outside the classroom.

Among the evening's highest honours were The Bedford College Group's overall Northamptonshire Student of the Year Award, presented to Samuel Folarin-Coker from The Corby Sixth Form and Valeriia Kuzmenko from The National College for Motorsport. Selected from across the Group's Northamptonshire campuses, they were recognised for their exceptional commitment, personal development and achievements throughout their studies.

From academic excellence and technical achievement to perseverance, leadership and personal growth, the evening showcased the talent and potential of students who are building successful futures through further education.

Yiannis Koursis OBE, Chief Executive of The Bedford College Group, said: "Our annual Student Awards mark a significant moment in recognising the continuing impact of further education across The Bedford College Group and the communities we serve.

"These awards not only celebrate achievement but also highlight the important role our students play in shaping the future workforce and contributing to economic growth. Through their learning, they are developing the technical expertise, professional behaviours and confidence required to succeed in an evolving world.

"Further education is at the heart of opportunity and progression. It provides the foundation for individuals to advance into skilled employment, apprenticeships and higher levels of study, while also supporting the needs of local and regional industry. The students recognised this evening exemplify this contribution, demonstrating how education can open doors and create lasting impact.

"These awards also reflect the strength of collaboration between students, staff and partners, all working together to create learning environments in which individuals can succeed and progress. It is this collective effort that underpins all the achievements being recognised today.

"We are committed to delivering high-quality education that responds to the needs of young people, adults, employers and the wider economy.

"Congratulations to all the students recognised this evening. Their achievements reflect the talent, ambition and determination that exists across our Northamptonshire campuses, and they should be incredibly proud of all they have accomplished."

Samuel Folarin-Coker, a student at The Corby Sixth Form and winner of The Bedford College Group Student of the Year Award for Northamptonshire, reflected on his achievement: "Winning the Student of the Year Award is a huge honour and something I’m incredibly proud of. When I started this year, one of my biggest goals was to help shape a more positive and engaged student experience. I wanted students to feel that their voices mattered, that they could get involved, and that they had the power to make a difference within their college community.

“Through my role in the student leadership team, I’ve worked hard to encourage people to take part in activities, share their ideas and speak up about the issues that affect them. Seeing more students become confident, engaged and willing to contribute has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about listening, supporting others and helping create opportunities for people to thrive.

“On a personal level, this award means even more because it reflects the challenges I’ve had to overcome. Studying A Levels in Law, Media Studies and Politics has pushed me academically, and there have been times when balancing everything felt difficult. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t about being perfect; it’s about continuing to move forward, even when things don’t go to plan. I’ve had moments where I doubted myself, particularly in subjects I found challenging, but I learned that the small steps you take every day can make the biggest difference in the long run.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the staff and tutors who believed in me, encouraged me through difficult periods and helped me recognise my potential. Their support has given me the confidence to keep striving for my goals and to believe that setbacks are just part of the journey, not the end of it.

“This award is a reminder that getting involved, being proactive and supporting others can have a real impact. I hope my experience encourages other students to put themselves forward, embrace opportunities and never underestimate what they can achieve. Receiving this recognition is something I’ll carry with me as I take my next steps towards studying Law and Politics at university, and I’m excited to continue making a positive difference wherever that journey takes me."

Northants Student Award Winners 2025

The Bedford College Group Student of the Year Award

Samuel Folarin-Coker - A levels in Law, Media Studies and Politics, The Corby Sixth Form

Valeriia Kuzmenko - King's Trust Level 1 Certificate in Employment, Teamwork & Community Skills, Tresham College & National College for Motorsport

Student of the Year Awards – Curriculum Subjects

Adult English
Najim Boussyoum
Edexcel Level 2 GCSE English Language

Adult Maths
Hannah Paris
Edexcel Level 2 Functional Skills Mathematics

A Levels (Languages & Creatives)
Katie Dodd
A Levels in English Language & Literature, Media Studies and History

A Levels (Social Sciences & Humanities)
Angel Pereira
A Levels in Law, Criminology and Psychology

A Levels (Sciences, Maths & Business)
Troy Constantinou
A Levels in Maths, Further Maths and Physics

Art & Design
Alfredo Brown
UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication – Fashion & Clothing

Business – sponsored by Mindful Education
Victoria Strimbanu
AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting

Care & Childcare
Heidi McAlindon
NCFE Level 3 Technical Qualification in Education & Early Years – Assisting Teaching

Computing & IT
Ryan Day
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Computing

Construction
Blain McArthur
NOCN CSkills Level 1 Diploma in Bricklaying

Education & Training
Tim Bowers
CG Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement

Electrical
Evan Scanlon
CG Level 1 Diploma in Electrical Installations

Engineering
AJ McCardie
CG Level 3 Technical Qualification in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing

ESOL
Satiel Gomes
ESB Entry Level 1 Award in ESOL Skills for Life Reading & Writing

Esports
Tymon Slezak
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Esports

GCSE English
Darius Buzatu
Edexcel Level 2 GCSE English Language

Natasha Howlett
Edexcel Level 2 GCSE English Language

GCSE Maths
Damaris Carr
Edexcel Level 2 GCSE Mathematics

Adam Mawby
Edexcel Level 2 GCSE Mathematics

Hair & Beauty
Ellie Masters
CG Level 3 Certificate in Barbering

Health & Social Care
Aisha Ali
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care

Hospitality & Catering
Ash Bish
CG Level 1 Certificate in Introduction to the Hospitality Industry

Media
Evie Wheeler
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology – Television and Film

Motorsport
Kanisha Barker
EAL Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Technology – Motorsport

Motor Vehicle
Justin Kisby
IMI Level 1 Diploma in Automotive Maintenance

Music
Oliver Garner
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production

Pathways
Cayden Payne
Gateway Entry 3 Certificate in Skills for Independent Living

Performing Arts
Ruby Peartree
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts – Musical Theatre

Plumbing
Patryk Pluta
CG Level 3 Technical Qualification in Building Services Engineering for Construction

RESET
Kimberly Cordell
Gateway Level 1 Award in Employability Skills

Science
Blossom Mutch-Logue
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science

The King's Trust
Valeriia Kuzmenko
King's Trust Level 1 Certificate in Employment, Teamwork and Community Skills

Travel & Tourism
Ash Jeffery
NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Travel and Tourism

Sport
Antonio Gomes
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport Coaching and Development

The Learning Centre
Aliona Saracuta
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Business Administration (VRQ)

Uniformed Public Services
Jackson Carter
NCFE Level 3 Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services

Outstanding Achievement Awards

Access to Higher Education Student of the Year Award
Shade Sadiq
Tresham College - LASER Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma: Psychology

Citizenship Award
Laura Muceniece
The Corby Sixth Form - A Levels in Business, Fine Art and Media Studies

Citizenship Award
Andris Nicholson
Tresham College & National College for Motorsport - Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Award in Progression

College Ambassador Award
Robyn Turner-Allen
The Corby Sixth Form - A Levels in Fine Art, Graphic Communication and Media Studies

College Ambassador Award
Mary Yiu
Tresham College & National College for Motorsport - ESB Entry Level 1, 2 & 3 ESOL Skills for Life Reading, Speaking & Listening and Writing

Leadership Award
Samuel Folarin-Coker
The Corby Sixth Form - A Levels in Law, Media Studies and Politics

Leadership Award
John Paton
Tresham College & National College for Motorsport - Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Award in Digital & IT Skills

Outstanding Advancement Award
Finlay Crowle
The Corby Sixth Form - A Levels in Classical Civilisation, Film Studies and History

Outstanding Advancement Award
David McDonald
Tresham College & National College for Motorsport - Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Award in Digital & IT Skills

The Bedford College Group congratulates all award winners and is proud of the achievements of every student across its Northamptonshire campuses. The Group remains committed to delivering high-quality education that responds to the needs of young people, adults, employers and the wider economy, equipping students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to progress into employment, apprenticeships and higher levels of study, while making a positive contribution to their communities.

The Northants Student Awards are the first of three celebrations taking place across The Bedford College Group, with two further award ceremonies taking place next week to recognise student achievement across Bedfordshire. Together, the events celebrate the achievements, ambition and progression of learners from across the Group's campuses.

To find out more about the courses available across Northamptonshire with The Bedford College Group, visit https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/