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Photograph of all the finalists that attended the 2024 Student Awards on stage together.

The Manchester College Students' Annual Awards Achievements

Staff and students from across The Manchester College came together at the National Football Museum in Manchester city centre on Thursday 6 June for the College’s prestigious Student Awards.

The event, which was organised alongside the College’s higher education partner, UCEN Manchester, showcased some of the incredible achievements that the College’s students have accomplished over the course of the 2023/24 academic year.

All the students that attended the awards were nominated by a member of staff or fellow student in one or more of this year’s categories.  A panel of judges, which was made up of staff and students from across the College and UCEN Manchester, then shortlisted the best nominations in each category.

Finalists got the chance to take two guests with them to the ceremony and throughout the night they were treated to delicious food and incredible entertainment, including performances from Omogbolahan Solarin, a remarkable saxophonist who came second in the College’s student talent competition earlier in the academic year, and Cafu Jackson the talent competition winner.

Over the course of the evening, which was hosted by a current student at the College and the President of the Students’ Union, attendees heard about the finalists’ amazing achievements and found out why their nominators were inspired to recognise them.

The night ended with the coveted Student of the Year awards, which are awarded to both a 16-18 and adult student, and presented by the College’s Principal, Rachel Curry.  Speaking at the awards, Rachel said: “Our Student Awards ceremony is one of the highlights of the year, and I’m incredibly proud of everything that all our finalists have achieved.  The standard of this year’s nominations was outstanding and all our students here tonight have done remarkably well to be shortlisted in their respective categories.

Our finalists have seized every opportunity afforded to them, they have completed amazing work, developed high level skills that employers want and need, gone above and beyond to support their fellow students and expertly balanced their studies alongside their personal commitments.  There are incredible back stories and life changing experiences represented in the room tonight.  Anyone in need of joy should come to our Student Awards.

Shortly after collecting the Adult Student of the Year award Lucy Tallon added: “It feels so surreal to win and after a really tough year and facing a lot of challenges I’m so proud of myself, but I’m also so thankful for all the staff and students who have supported me.”

Full list of winners

The Manchester College and UCEN Manchester awards

  • Rising Star - Dantai Sonne-Owen
  • Most Inspiring - Chloe Burton.

The Manchester College awards

  • Automotive, Construction, Engineering & Logistics Student of the Year - Nick Nowicki
  • Business, Digital & Service Industries Student of the Year - Khola Sikander
  • Creative Arts Student of the Year - Lily Curbishley
  • ESOL Student of the Year - Aleksandra Ordon
  • Foundation Learning Student of the Year - Grace Prolze
  • Learning Support Student of the Year - Elena Radu-Buller
  • Sports, Public Services, Care Professions & Science Student of the Year - Emma Hartley
  • The Manchester College Adult Student of the Year - Lucy Tallon
  • The Manchester College 16-18 Student of the Year - Lil Mitchell.

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