Stafford College Higher Education student makes the finals of the Association of Colleges Student of the Year awards.​

Courtney Pitt, who recently completed his Foundation Degree in Sport Coaching & Physical Education at Stafford College has made the finals in the 'Higher Education Student of the Year' category.

Former professional footballer, Courtney was nominated for is outstanding contribution to the course department and his peers. During his studies, he acted as a leader for his fellow students, and provided guidance and support above and beyond that expected of him as a student on his degree. This ensured that the cohort – including those in the levels above and below continued to seek out Courtney as a model of inspiration and leadership. He is known for his infectious positive attitude and enthusiasm to improving the experiences of those around him.

Courtney also acted as a fundamental bridge between lecturers and students. His maturity as a person often meant that he was the student involved to help implement the objectives of lecturers inside and outside of lessons, and as the main communication point between lecturers and his fellow students.

Alongside his commitments to a full time degree course, Courtney also worked at Codsall High School, providing tutoring and leadership for young people with whom, he shares an amazing professional relationship. Courtney also found the time to lead a football academy in the centre of Birmingham, catering for hundreds of children stretching across all age groups, which is further testament to his passion and love for teaching, coaching and leading young people.

Courtney balanced all of this while being father to three young children, which underpins and showcases his dedication in achieving what he has done academically at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group.

Courtney is now studying for a Physical Education and Youth Sport Coaching 'top-up' degree at Staffordshire University, and works for Burton Albion Football Club as a Lead Coach in their Academy and is still working at Codsall High School as a Trainee Teacher.

Sally Dicketts, President of the Association of Colleges, said "The standard of entries this year was incredibly high and all the nominated students deserve praise for the contribution they make to their colleges. It is inspiring to hear the stories from a range of students and colleges each year and the awards are an opportunity to highlight their outstanding achievements. The finalists this year have done fantastically well to reach this stage and I look forward to seeing them all at the awards evening at annual conference.

The award winners will be announced on 8 February during the Association of Colleges’ Annual Conference. Annual conference showcases the ways that colleges are transforming the lives of more than two million people across England and how vital colleges are to the future of the British economy in the 21st century.

The judging panel was made up of members of the AoC Charitable Trust Board, AoC President and chaired by Kirsti Lord (AoC Deputy Chief Executive-Member Services). All the judges were very impressed by the variety of inspirational stories and the success achieved by the students.

Amazing Courtney, we are all so proud of you!