College Comes Together to Celebrate Student Success!
Students, staff and special guests joined together in College this week to celebrate a fantastic year of student achievement and success at the Further Education Student Awards 2026.
Nominated students were joined by Dean Langton, Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors, Sara Wright, Governor, Ann Moralee, Governor, Mark Petit, Governor, Susan Francis, Director of Governance, and Ian Lockwood, Chair of The Skipton Mechanics’ Institute to celebrate a year of triumph, academic achievement and resilience at this special occasion.
We are incredibly grateful to The Skipton Mechanics’ Institute for their generous sponsorship of the prize-giving in the form of a £500 donation. Craven College and Skipton Mechanics’ Institute have been inextricably linked for over 200 years, and it was therefore fitting that Ian Lockwood joined us to help give out the prizes.
Heads of Department made submissions of entries in each of the diverse range of award categories, with a shortlist being made for the event, where the winners (decided upon by members of the Senior Leadership Team) were announced as follows: –
The Technical Excellence Award
Gold: Erica Richardson
Silver: Amanda Allman
Bronze: Asher Lord
The Rising Star Award
Gold: Lydia Gilrane
Silver: Grace Welsh
Bronze: Hanzala Shazad
The Achievement Award
Gold: Freya Collings
Silver: Edward Bailey
Bronze: Amy Lawson
The Extra Mile Award
Gold: Harry Swithenbank
Silver: Alice Goddard
Bronze Tetiana Sapelnikova & Tetiana Polonska
The Work Placement Award
Gold: Dominic Fletcher
Silver: Falak Arvi
Bronze: Jayden Cuttriss
The Student Supporter Award
Gold: Isaiah Sison
Silver: Ray Roberts
Bronze: Eliza Suarez
The Digital Innovator Award
Gold: Finnlay Ross
Silver: George Lister
Bronze: Grace Taylor
The Craven College Community Award
Gold: Meredith Aspinall
Silver: Enya Howarth
Bronze: Jenelle Bird
The Apprentice of the Year Award
Gold: Lucas Hatfield
Silver: Evan Picken
Bronze: Charlie Brain
The Attendance Excellence Award
Gold: Daniel Hargreaves
Silver: Reece Ellerton
Bronze: Joseph Chew
The English and Maths Award
English Award
Gold: Jessica Watson
Silver: Oscar Hamblett
Bronze: Rebecca Longfoot
Maths Award
Gold: Leo Hutchinson
Silver: Glen Griffiths
Bronze: Emma Brewin
The Principal’s Award
Gold: Shuraim Nadeem
Silver: Laura Webb
Bronze: Emily Scott
Anita Lall, Principal and CEO of Craven College said in her address, “I want to extend my congratulations to everyone who has been nominated. The nominations highlight the personal strengths and achievements of each of you, and I hope you will take pride in being put forward for the 2026 FE Student Awards as recognition of your commitment and success on your course so far.
“To the students of Craven College – as you continue on your journey, I encourage you to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with the same enthusiasm and determination that have brought you this far. I have no doubt that you will continue to achieve great things and make significant contributions.”
Dean Langton, Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors commented, “This afternoon is about much more than certificates. It is about recognising determination, resilience, and the willingness to keep going, even when things are difficult.
“Further education plays a unique and vital role in our communities. It opens doors, creates opportunities, and helps people of all ages develop the skills and confidence they need to build successful futures.
“To our students, I hope you take a moment to reflect on what you have accomplished. Be proud of yourselves. Celebrate your successes but also remember learning is a lifelong journey. The qualities that have brought you here – hard work, perseverance, and ambition – will continue to serve you well whatever path you choose.”
A huge congratulations to all students nominated, you should all be very proud of your efforts!
