Monthly Awards Honour Outstanding Stafford College Students
06 February 2026
Each month Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group hold a ‘Student of the Month’ awards presentation that highlights and recognises the individual effort, progress and dedication of students who go above and beyond throughout the year.
This month saw the January round of nominees collect their awards. Our inspiring winners were selected for a variety of reasons from standing out in their chosen studies, their inspiring ability to overcome adversity and their commitment to supporting the local community. We want to say a huge thank you to Kevin Shakesheff, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University for joining us and presenting the awards.
Sara Ceesay – Award for Access to HE
Sara has shown incredible resilience, compassion and determination on her Access to HE course. Since relocating to the UK and returning to education with English as a second language, Sara has overcome significant barriers with courage and commitment. Despite personal loss and the challenge of balancing study with raising a young family, she has shown outstanding strength and focus, even making the difficult decision to step away from work to fully pursue her goals.
Sara is now consistently producing distinction-level work, actively seeking feedback and striving to improve every step of the way. Her confidence has grown enormously, and she is a valued, supportive member of her class. With a secured place at Staffordshire University to train as an Operating Theatre Practitioner, Sara’s journey is truly inspiring and richly deserving of recognition.
Hansadi Kaluhannadige - Award for the Faculty of Maths
Hansadi’s journey this year has been nothing short of inspiring. After emigrating from Sri Lanka in February and missing the chance to sit GCSE Maths last year, Hansadi bravely entered the November resit. Through sheer determination and an incredible work ethic, she achieved a fantastic Grade 5, securing the highest Maths mark across the college for 16–19 learners with an outstanding 194 out of 240.
Her commitment shines every day with 100% attendance, strong engagement in lessons and an impressive 85% average on Century Tech. Alongside her academic success, Hansadi is pursuing Food Preparation and Cooking, reflecting her creativity and future aspirations.
Eve Wright - Award for the Faculty of Vocational Studies
Currently studying a T Level in Education, Eve consistently goes above and beyond, demonstrating exceptional commitment, professionalism and enthusiasm both in college and on placement. Her work is always produced to an outstanding standard, with detailed activity plans that show a strong understanding of child development and effective practice. Her proactive approach and confidence on placement have made such a positive impression that she has successfully secured employment within her setting.
Within college, Eve actively contributes to lessons, supports her peers and helps create a positive learning environment. Beyond her studies, she represents the college through the student union, open days and upcoming global volunteering in Kenya. Accepted onto a Primary Education degree, Eve is an inspiring role model with a very bright future ahead.
Lola Corcoran – Award for the Faculty of Arts
Throughout her two years on her Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion & Textiles course, Lola has shown exceptional motivation, creativity and commitment, achieving the highest possible grades across every area, from design and illustration to styling and promotion. Her innovative and complex designs at the annual fashion show stood out well beyond expectations, reflecting both her talent and professionalism.
Lola’s resilience and drive truly set her apart. In one recent brief alone, she produced three full designs, while also helping to create costumes for the annual pantomime in December. Her impressive portfolio has already earned university offers, including Fashion Design and Bespoke Tailoring courses, with Nottingham Trent as her top choice. With her passion, skill and determination, Lola has a very bright future in fashion ahead.
George Kirby – Apprentice of the Month
George has made exceptional progress as a Level 4 Engineering apprentice, now in year three of his four-year programme. He demonstrates outstanding ownership of his apprenticeship, confidently managing evidence, prioritising tasks and organising placements to support his learning. Articulate, quietly confident and highly mature, George consistently shows understanding well beyond his years and is already setting his sights on progressing to an HND or degree.
Academically, he achieved an overall Distinction in his Level 3 BTEC and is on track for a Distinction in his Level 4 HNC. At GE Vernova, George has made a strong impression, mastering complex systems and earning a place on a prestigious international special project involving work in Turkey, Korea and India.
Congratulations to all our students on their outstanding achievements and the admirable commitment shown to their studies.
