Telford College recognised the outstanding achievements of the ‘Class of 2026’ at a special night of celebration.

Students and their families joined staff and governors at the Mercure Telford Centre hotel for the annual Student of the Year Awards evening.

The overall student of the year trophy went to music student Rory Black, a singer-songwriter whose talents have been spotted by Robbie Williams’ long-time collaborator Guy Chambers. “I don’t come across this level of talent very often,” he said.

College staff added: “To have someone of Guy Chambers’ calibre recognise Rory’s talent is a huge endorsement, and a testament to the hard work, creativity and ambition Rory shows every day on his music course here at Telford College.”

The inspirational learner of the year award was presented to Connor Oswin, a hard-working student council member who has set up a new Telford College chess club – leading the team to a second-place finish in their debut at the Shropshire Junior Chess Championships.

Other award winners included access to higher education student Lily Wilson, who has her sights set on a career in occupational health and was described as ‘positive, resilient, determined and truly inspiring’.

Callum Glaze won the business student of the year prize. He began as a level one computing student before making the bold decision to transfer. “His journey exemplifies commitment, self-belief and hard work,” tutors said.

The A level award was given to Summer Costello, described as someone with a passion for history who had grasped every opportunity offered by the college’s sixth form, filling her two years with enriching experiences and working incredibly hard.

Axel Young won the automotive and construction student award. He has progressed from level two construction into level one bricklaying while consistently maintaining distinction-level grades.

Aviation and engineering student Omar Adam was recognised for his dedication, maturity and positive approach to learning. In addition to his 100% attendance record, he is also a leading player in the college’s successful new robotics club.

The digital department’s award went to Ann Dorothy Uke Omanko, who has taken on a class representative role for the BTEC level three group and volunteered as a student ambassador alongside her excellent academic progress.

Early years student Hannah Partridge was rewarded for showing ‘exceptional focus and dedication’ to her studies, coupled with overwhelmingly positive feedback from her work placement.

This year’s English department award went to Iqra Naik, described by tutors as friendly, kind, positive, approachable, and always keen to help her friends by volunteering to join in on speaking and listening activities.

Miller Bury was the foundation department’s award winner. His placement at Telford manufacturing firm Hoshizaki saw him rotating between three departments, demonstrating what tutors described as ‘remarkable adaptability and a strong work ethic’.

Ryan Pollen, who took a job in a bakery and discovered a passion for hospitality, won the catering department award. Since starting his course, he has 100% attendance and has passed his English GCSE.

The health and social care winner, Courtney Jones, was described as an outstanding student who has shown ‘commitment and resilience’. She plans to study paramedic science at university, and earned praise for ‘perseverance, dedication and ambition’.

Marwa Halimi, another hard-working health and social care student, was named maths student of the year. She is described by tutors as friendly, kind, positive and always prepared, and is on track to achieve a grade four in her studies.

This year’s public uniformed services student of the year was Markku Reynolds, who has consistently worked at distinction standard and received university offers to study sports science. He is also an international athlete, having represented Ireland in BMX racing.

Lawrence Wood, the college’s principal and chief executive, paid tribute to all the winning students for their fantastic achievements, and thanked staff for their ‘hard work and dedication’ to making the college a wonderful place to learn.

He also recognised and praised families, friends and carers who continue to support the college’s students to be successful.

Robert Lees, the college’s vice principal for curriculum, said: “What makes further education so special is its power to transform lives. It offers second chances, fresh starts, and new directions.

“It builds confidence where there was once doubt, ambition where there was uncertainty, and opportunity where there may once have been barriers. When we celebrate our students, we celebrate those transformations.”