Stafford College Recognises Exceptional Students in Monthly Awards

12 December 2025

All Courses

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.

It's time for our final Student of the Month presentation of 2025, where we celebrate all of the individual efforts, progress and dedication of students who have truly gone above and beyond this year! This month, we’re joined by our incredible November winners and they were selected for a variety of reasons, from standing out in their studies, their inspiring ability to overcome challenges and their commitment to supporting their local community.

Esme Newby - Award for the Faculty of Professional Studies

Esme is being recognised for her outstanding dedication, exceptional achievements and positive impact both in college and the wider sporting community. Studying Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science, Esme completed Year 1 with a distinction profile and has started Year 2 in equally impressive style, achieving distinctions in coursework and in her Nutrition and Physiology mock exams. Alongside this, she maintains an impeccable 100% attendance record.

Beyond the classroom, Esme is an elite athlete, competing at county level as County Captain, playing first team rugby for Sale Sharks and recently trialling with Ireland. She also gives back through coaching, mentoring and inspiring younger players, while working towards a future career in Physiotherapy.

Luca Allen - Award for the Faculty of Professional Studies

Luca has made outstanding progress and undergone a personal transformation. Over the past year, Luca’s journey has been remarkable. After facing early challenges and being placed on a behaviour contract, he chose to take responsibility, learn from his experiences and make positive changes. Since then, he has shown real maturity, resilience and determination to succeed.

He has grown in confidence, built strong relationships with peers and become an active, supportive member of the class. Luca also completed an excellent work placement, securing a part-time role with Jenkinsons Caterers, where feedback has praised his professionalism, attitude and work ethic. A brilliant example of growth and commitment. Well done, Luca!

Luke Cresswell - Award for the Faculty of Academic Studies

Despite only being in his first year of A Level study, Luke has showcased outstanding dedication and a range of impressive accolades. Studying Chemistry, Maths and Physics, Luke has shown exceptional commitment to a demanding programme, combining strong theoretical understanding with excellent practical skills and a genuine curiosity for learning.

A standout highlight was his success in the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge, where his score placed him above all second-year students across both campuses. This achievement earned him a place in the prestigious Andrew Jobbings Senior Kangaroo challenge, where he excelled again, achieving the top score in the college, placing in the top 20% nationally and earning a Silver Certificate. Beyond academics, Luke is a dedicated athlete, competing nationally with Cannock & Stafford Running Club and proudly representing NSCG in inter-college competitions.

Angus Mitchell - Award for the Faculty of English

Angus has made some incredible progress and personal growth throughout the year. Once lacking confidence and motivation, Angus has completely transformed his approach to learning. Where English was previously a challenge, he now engages with positivity, purpose and determination. He works proactively with support staff, participates confidently in lessons, asks thoughtful questions and embraces every task with resilience, even when it’s difficult.

His attendance has been outstanding and he has become a positive influence in the classroom, supporting peers and contributing with confidence and humour. One of his proudest moments was sitting his November resit feeling prepared and believing in his own ability to succeed. Excellent work, Angus!

Kirsty Carr - Apprentice of the Month

Kirsty has had an exceptional apprenticeship journey, defined by ambition, commitment and outstanding achievement. Excelling on the MOET apprenticeship, Kirsty completed her Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications within just one year before progressing to an HNC and HND, all while travelling across the UK to work on major power station sites. Her work ethic is exemplary, with work consistently completed ahead of deadlines, placing her on track to finish her apprenticeship six months early.

Alongside gaining key professional qualifications, Kirsty actively supports fellow apprentices at GE Vernova, helping others reach their potential. Now completing her End Point Assessment and aiming for another distinction, she has already been offered a permanent role with GE Vernova and is being sponsored through her degree. A truly outstanding apprentice with a very bright future ahead.

Harrison Andrews - Award for the Faculty of Vocational Studies

With an impressive 100% attendance record and faultless punctuality, Harrison approaches every session ready, eager and determined to do his best. His dedication shines through in all aspects of his work, proving that nothing holds him back from achieving his goals.

For the past two years, Harrison has completed weekly work experience at Francesco’s, earning excellent feedback from his employer. This has helped him develop strong industry skills, excellent client care and a real confidence with customers, where his warm personality makes him a firm favourite. A fantastic team player, Harrison is always supportive of peers and helpful to staff. His progress and attitude are a credit to him and his future in the industry looks very bright.

Eleanor Kent - Award for the Faculty of Vocational Studies

Throughout her time at college, Eleanor has given 100% to every aspect of her course, achieving strong results in both practical and theoretical work. She arrives fully prepared for lessons, produces beautifully presented work and goes above and beyond by independently researching theory to deepen her understanding of early years practice.

In class, Eleanor contributes thoughtfully, confidently linking ideas to real-world settings, while also supporting her peers with kindness and generosity. On her placement, she has settled seamlessly, building positive relationships with children and becoming a valued asset to the setting. Eleanor’s upcoming volunteering trip to Kenya reflects her desire to grow personally and professionally, and her commitment to making a difference.

Anna Caddick - Award for the Faculty of Skills and Technology

Currently studying on the Level 2 Craft Engineering course, Anna has shown outstanding commitment and skills that have impressed staff members in the Skills & Technology faculty. Consistently hardworking and conscientious, Anna completes all tasks to an excellent standard, often ahead of schedule and maintains an impressive 100% attendance and punctuality record. Her practical ability in engineering and welding is outstanding, matched by clear communication skills that saw her trusted to support an instructor during an assessor qualification.

Beyond college, Anna’s leadership shines through her involvement with the Army Cadets. A Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award holder, Junior Cadet Instructor and C Company Cadet of the Year 2024/25, she demonstrates discipline, confidence and drive. With self-sourced work experience and aspirations to secure an apprenticeship with Collins Aerospace, Anna’s future looks incredibly bright.