WLC Celebrates Student Successes at Annual Awards

West London College celebrated the exceptional achievements of its students at the Student Awards 2026, bringing together students, families, partners, staff and governors for an inspiring evening of recognition and celebration. The annual event honoured students from across the college’s curriculum areas, recognising academic excellence, determination, personal growth and contributions to the community. Guests also enjoyed delicious food and drink prepared and served by the college’s Hospitality and Catering staff and students.

CEO and Principal Karen Redhead OBE welcomed guests and thanked students’ families, college staff, Board members, partners and sponsors for the part they had played in supporting student success, before Chair of Governors Carole Kitching congratulated the students on the determination, resilience and dedication they had shown. The ceremony also provided an opportunity to reflect on a successful year for the college and its students. West London College received the Mayor of London’s Inclusive Provider of Adult Education Award at the 2025 Adult Learning Awards, while science students Nour and Sheila took first prize in the biology and chemistry categories respectively at the London inter-college skills competitions.

This year’s guest speaker was Disun Majekodunmi, a West London College teacher who led both the Student with Voices poetry challenge and the Unseen documentary project. Disun was recently named a Silver Award winner in the SEND and Inclusive Practice category of the Pearson National Teaching Awards, in recognition of his impact within the college community. He shared his experiences with guests before the awards presentations began.

The first award of the evening, Excellence in Construction and Motor Vehicle, went to Jack. During his Level 2 Plastering studies, he produced exceptional practical work and became a trusted mentor to fellow learners. Meckenzy received the award for Excellence in English and Maths. After previously missing the GCSE English grade he needed, he showed excellent attendance, determination and a strong commitment to improvement.

The Excellence in English for Speakers of Other Languages award went to Hamda. Her enthusiasm, hard work and growing confidence have supported her ambition to progress into ICT, Level 1 ESOL and Functional Skills Level 2. Molly won the Excellence in Foundation and Business award, sponsored by Red Kettle Media. While adapting to a new country and education system, she became a valued team member on placement and earned the title of “star barista”.

The Driven by Determination Award, sponsored by FE Associates, went to Andrew. He balances his T Level Health studies, placement and wider responsibilities with maturity, while his Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award reflects his willingness to embrace new challenges.

The Excellence in Health, Care and Science award was shared by Nour and Sheila. Nour progressed from Level 2 to Level 3 Applied Science and went on to win the Biology category at the Greater London Skills Competition for Science. Sheila took first place in Chemistry at the same competition after completing additional training during half-term and on her days off. They both volunteers at open evenings, taster days and science events.

Sara received the award for Excellence in Inclusive Learning. She supports classmates academically and emotionally, uses sign language to encourage inclusion and has demonstrated creativity, independence and resilience.

The award for Excellence in IT, Digital and Creative Media went to Seyyedamirparsa. He regularly gives up his breaks to help other learners with maths and will progress to Queen Mary University of London to study Computing and Artificial Intelligence. Alex won the Excellence in the Service Industries award. While studying Level 3 Travel and Tourism, he has also been completing a Ukrainian degree and coping with events in his home country. His perseverance and progress reflect his ambition to build a career in aviation.

Billy received the Apprentice of the Year Award. He has excelled throughout his electrical apprenticeship and was also named joint winner of the Crown House Technologies Apprentice of the Year Award. The Jamal Edwards MBE Contribution to the Community Award, which was introduced in 2022 to pay tribute to former student, Jamal Edwards MBE, was presented to Anuska. As student president and a student board member, she represents learners, supports college activities and works to improve the student experience, despite facing personal health challenges.

The evening concluded with the Board of Governors Award for Excellence, selected from the category winners. Carole announced Jack as the overall winner.

West London College would like to thank sponsors Aramark, FE Associates, Kindred, Learning Curve Group, Mindful Education and Red Kettle Media for their support.