Annual awards ceremony celebrates students’ success
Staff and students from across The Manchester College gathered at the National Football Museum in Manchester city centre for the College’s annual Student Awards, celebrating the outstanding achievements of students throughout the 2025/26 academic year.
All students invited to attend the 2026 ceremony, which was organised alongside the College’s higher education partner, UCEN Manchester, were nominated by staff or their fellow students across a range of award categories.
A judging panel made up of both staff and students then shortlisted the strongest nominations in each category.
Finalists were each invited to bring two guests and enjoyed an evening of delicious food and incredible student performances from the winners of the College’s and UCEN Manchester’s 2026 student talent competitions.
The night was seamlessly hosted by Ahmad Hajjoul, a Level 2 Business student at the College’s City Campus Manchester and Liv Rnjak, a Vocal Studies student from UCEN Manchester.
During the ceremony, attendees heard some of the inspiring stories behind each finalist’s achievements and why they were recognised by their nominators.
The night ended with the prestigious Student of the Year Awards, which was presented by the College’s Principal, Rachel Curry, and awarded to Marshall Collins (Adult Student of the Year) and Ayyub Al-Asad (16–18 Student of the Year).
Shortly after collecting the Student of the Year Award, Ayyub said:
I’ve been facing a lot of struggles recently and so to have been given this award, it means the world to me. Having the College support me and see me as a positive student means the world
2026 winners
- Most Inspiring - Ayyub Al-Asad
- Automotive, Construction, Engineering & Logistics Student of the Year - Oliver Studman
- Business, Digital & Service Industries Student of the Year - Marshall Collins
- Creative Industries Student of the Year - Ava Smith
- English Studies Student of the Year - Bianca Andreea Chirita
- ESOL Student of the Year - Minatalla Nujeili
- Foundation Learning Student of the Year – Amanda Murray
- Maths Studies Student of the Year - Ahmed Ali
- Sports, Public Services, Care Professions, & Science Student of the Year – Libbie Murphy
- The Manchester College Students' Choice Award - Nazar Chornovol
- The Manchester College Adult Student of the Year – Marshall Collins
- The Manchester College 16-18 Student of the Year - Ayyub Al-Asad