Student winners get VIP treatment

Students entered Dewsbury Town Hall on a red carpet and sipped champagne at the College Outstanding Learner Success Awards.

They were nominated by college tutors and more than 100 students were honoured at the ceremony.

Awards were presented from 17 different curriculum areas in the following categories – remarkable individual achievement award, overall exceptional performance award, learning and life changing award and the Armytage award.

Principal Peter McCann explained how proud the students should feel to receive an award.

Addressing an audience of around 300 on Friday night he said: “In a college of 20,000 where 96 per cent of our students passed their exams last year, to stand out is no mean feat and all award winners should be proud of their personal achievement.

Sisters Anisa and Hafeesah Soni, from Dewsbury, were both recognised for their achievements in the fashion category.

The overall student of the year award went to Maxwell Matambura, 30, from Lindley.

His inspirational story and achievement on the level 3 BTEC Diploma in Sport won him the accolade.

Maxwell moved to England from Zimbabwe with few family and friends.

Following a tough time living on the streets, Maxwell gained the support of local organisations to help him find employment.

He decided to return to education to allow him to progress to university and eventually achieve his aim of becoming a sports coach.

The audience was treated to luxury sharing platters and a disco.