News Jun 7, 2024

IEG Student Awards 2024: Celebrating Success with an Oscars Style Student Awards Ceremony

Inspire Education Group (IEG) held its highly anticipated, annual Student Awards Ceremony, celebrating the exceptional achievements of students from Peterborough and Stamford Colleges.

Compered by BBC Radio Presenter, Kev Lawrence, the Oscar-style ceremony was a night to remember, bringing together students, families and distinguished guests to honour the hard work, dedication, and success of the Colleges’ brightest stars.

The Student Awards Ceremony took place at The Holiday Inn, Peterborough, which was adorned with elegant decorations, shimmer walls and a 360 camera, filling the hall with an atmosphere of excitement and pride as guests eagerly awaited the announcement of this year’s award recipients.

Rachel Nicholls, CEO of Inspire Education Group who delivered an inspiring opening speech, said,

‘Tonight’s celebration extends beyond our award winners. To every single student here I want to acknowledge your achievements. Being a nominated finalist in your category out of 10,000 students, is something to be immensely proud of and a testament to the exceptional talent we have here at the Inspire Education Group. No doubt you will have overcome obstacles, expanded your knowledge base, learnt new skills and we are immensely proud of all of you.’

Mayor of Peterborough Marco Cereste, who is also a former student of Peterborough College and Governor of Inspire Education Group, said,

“Education is singularly the most important thing we have today and the more you get the meaning and importance of education out to the wider community, the better it is for everybody. Somebody once said he was very interested in the future because he wanted to live there – and the future is education”.

Oscar Cutmore, who won Further Education Student of the Year, commented, “I was really excited to have two award nominations, and being here with my mum and aunt, who are so proud, means a lot to me. I feel very grateful for winning Student of the Year! College has been fantastic – great people, brilliant lecturers, and I’ve won awards! I am glad I went to that open event, it led me right here, and now I am progressing to study BA (Hons) in The Art of Visual Effects at Escape Studios in London!”

Alabama Thompson, who won the Higher Level Award for Excellence, was also full of praise for the award ceremony, saying, “Winning an award is a great way to show how much hard work you’ve done throughout your studies, and I was taken by surprise – I didn’t expect to be winning an award! It was great to meet students from other areas tonight and hear their stories. They are so inspiring. The venue looked absolutely fantastic. Next year, I’m going to do Occupational Therapy at university, but thanks to College, I’ve already secured an Occupational Therapist Assistant job!”

The ceremony was concluded with a heartfelt thank you from Inspire Education Group’s Chair of Governors, David Pennell who praised the students for their remarkable accomplishments, sharing, “It is really important to recognise all of our students’ hard work, dedication and resilience they have shown over their last year. Their aptitude and excitement for learning is amazing and they’ve really shown off what they can do. To recognise those achievements is key to rewarding their success”.

The Student Awards Ceremony is a testament to the exceptionally talented students studying at Inspire Education Group and the endless possibilities that lie ahead for all students.

Congratulations to all the award winners and nominees! Your hard work and dedication is truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you and look forward to seeing the remarkable things you will achieve in the future.

Entry Level Award for Excellence

Ibrahim Junaid and Chloe Burford

Level 1 Award for Excellence

Finlay Mayer and Shayne Nyerere

Level 2 Award for Excellence

Simone Vraciu and Sophie Benton

Level 3 Award for Excellence

Ceren Lomax and Holly Seaton

Adult Student of the Year Award

Sarah Palir and Silvija Zamblauskaite

Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Award

Poppy Ludgate and Sharon Freckingham