From future engineers and healthcare professionals to aspiring Cambridge undergraduates, East Lancashire Learning Group (ELLG) celebrated the remarkable achievements of learners from across its colleges and learning communities at its annual Student Awards.
More than 200 students, families, governors, staff, employers and partners came together at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel to recognise the people whose determination, resilience and ambition have made them stand out over the past year.
The celebration came during a landmark year for ELLG, following its recognition as the number one college group in England in the Department for Education’s National Achievement Rate Tables, and showcased the breadth of talent across Nelson and Colne College, Accrington and Rossendale College, Lancashire Adult Learning, East Lancashire Apprenticeships and East Lancashire UC.
The evening recognised excellence across 17 award categories, but two learners received the night’s highest honours.
Lucas Spencer was presented with both the 16-18 Apprentice of the Year Award and the Principal’s Award after progressing from a Foundation Engineering programme to a Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship with Brooksbank Valves, highlighting his remarkable journey from an entry-level course to a career in advanced engineering.
Mahnoor Shahzad received the A Level Academic Excellence Award and the Chair’s Award for Endeavour ahead of beginning her studies at the University of Cambridge, recognising not only her outstanding academic achievement but also her contribution as a Student Governor and role model to other learners.
Among the other winners were Steven Mercer, whose return to education has put him on course for a career in physiotherapy, and Rajan Burlakoti, who transformed a period of unemployment into a new career through Lancashire Adult Learning.
Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust was also recognised for its outstanding commitment to creating opportunities for learners through its long-standing partnership with ELLG.
Lisa O’Loughlin CBE, Principal and CEO of East Lancashire Learning Group, said:
“Every learner recognised this evening has a different story, but they all share something in common – determination, ambition and the courage to keep going.
“These awards celebrate much more than qualifications. They celebrate people who have challenged themselves, overcome barriers, supported others and made the very most of every opportunity.
“Watching our learners celebrated alongside their families, teachers, employers and friends was incredibly special. They represent everything we stand for as East Lancashire Learning Group, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved.”
Jack Carrington, Student Governor, said:
“What made the evening so special wasn’t just the awards. It was seeing the journeys behind them. Every winner has worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and celebrating those achievements together is something I’ll always remember.”
A full list of winners is below.
- 16-18 Apprentice Award — Lucas Spencer
- A Level Academic Excellence Award — Mahnoor Shahzad
- Access to Higher Education Academic Excellence Award Student of the Year — Steven Mercer
- Adult Apprentice Award — Leanne Conroy
- Adult Community Learner of the Year — Rajan Burlakoti
- Adult Skills Award Learner of the Year — Clare Heron
- Entry Level Skills Award Student of the Year — Abbie Lonsdale
- Higher Education Student of the Year — Rebecca Oldham
- Level 1 Skills Award Student of the Year — Dawood Noreen
- Level 2 Technical Skills Award Student of the Year — Amina Badar
- Level 3 Technical Skills Award Student of the Year — Xulekha Akbar
- Supported Intern Student of the Year — Summer Taylor
- T Level Skills Award Student of the Year — Raluca Tandea
- Extraordinary Contribution to Student Life — Bea Coutinho Novoa
- Employer Skills Commitment Award — Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (Kevin O’Hara)
- Extraordinary Student of the Year— Lucas Spencer
- Chair’s Award for Endeavour — Mahnoor Shahzad
The event was proudly sponsored by Lancaster University, Media Village, Protec and Ascentis.
