Newcastle College Access to HE Learners Celebrate Success at Annual End-of-Year Awards
22 June 2026
NSCG Newcastle College hosted it's annual end-of-year awards for its Access to Higher Education students, marking a year of hard work, perseverance, achievement and personal growth.
Students and staff came together to celebrate the achievements of learners who have successfully completed the intensive 10-month Access to HE programme. The event recognised the determination, perseverance and commitment shown by students throughout their studies as they worked towards their academic and career goals.
A number of awards were presented during the ceremony, recognising outstanding academic achievement, personal growth, resilience in overcoming challenges and the positive contributions students made to their fellow learners across the various Access to HE pathways.
For many, the event marked the culmination of a transformative journey. Returning to education as an adult requires courage and dedication, and these learners have embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and determination, supporting each other with empathy along the way. Having successfully completed their Access to HE Diploma, they now look forward to the next stage of their journey, many of who will be progressing to university with the skills, confidence and ambition to achieve their future aspirations.
Our worthy winners by course pathway are:
HEALTH PROFESSIONS (EVENING)
Outstanding Contribution in Psychology: Mel Hawkins
Most Progress in Psychology: Paula Sims
Outstanding Contribution in Biology: Danielle Burton
Outstanding Contribution in Health Studies: Viviana Watson
Most Progress in Health Studies: Gabrielle Bloor & Sophie Greensmith
Study Skills Student of the Year: Sabawoon Wisiri
HEALTH PROFESSIONS (DAY)
Outstanding Contribution in Psychology: Hanna Gallimore
Most Progress in Psychology: Hayley Hall
Outstanding Contribution in Biology: Joanne Shepherd
Most Progress in Biology: Millie Hassall
Outstanding Contribution in Health Studies: Sophie Howe
Most Progress in Health Studies: Ella Firth
Study Skills Student of the Year: Sophie Howe
SOCIAL SCIENCE
Outstanding Contribution in Psychology: Marade Greaves
Most Progress in Psychology: Jazmine Finley & Mustafa Ali
Outstanding Contribution in Related Studies: Amber Starkey
Most Progress in Related Studies: Savannah Dawson
Outstanding Contribution in Criminology: Leanne Morris
Most Progress in Criminology: Mahek Osman
OVERALL ADULT STUDENT OF THE YEAR FOR ACCESS TO HE: DAN HAWKINS
Commenting on the awards, Anthony Walton, Curriculum Manager for Access to Higher Education said: "Our Access to HE learners have achieved something truly remarkable this year. Returning to education takes courage, commitment and determination, and throughout the past 10 months they have demonstrated all of these qualities in abundance.
We are incredibly proud of what each student has accomplished since they joined us in September, not only academically but personally and we have loved being part of this chapter. Their hard work, perseverance and support for one another have made this year a memorable one for everyone involved. We wish them the very best as they move on to university and begin the next exciting chapter of their journey."
To find about more about studying an Access to HE Diploma at Newcastle College, visit nscg.ac.uk/adults.