Hard Work Pays Off for Newcastle’s Standout Students

04 April 2025

Each month Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group hold a ‘Student of the Month’ awards presentation that highlights and recognises the individual effort, progress and dedication of students who go above and beyond throughout the year.

This month saw the March round of nominees collect their awards. The presentations included a number of inspirational stories from staff about their nominees, including: overcoming personal challenges, going above and beyond on their chosen courses, exemplary attendance and hard work. We want to say a huge thank you to Trevor McMillan, Vice-chancellor of Keele University, for joining us and presenting the awards.

Chloe Horner - Vocational Studies Award

Chloe has shown exceptional dedication and positivity throughout her Health & Social Care studies. After excelling at Level 2, she’s now thriving on the Level 3 course, always uplifting her peers and bringing valuable insight from her placement experiences. Alongside her studies, Chloe plays a key role in caring for her younger sister and has gone above and beyond with her placement hours at her sister’s school. Her tutor, Kelly Keeling, describes her as insightful, hardworking and an absolute pleasure to teach. The whole department is incredibly proud of Chloe and can’t wait to see her bright future in Health & Social Care.

Em Williams - Arts Award

Em has made a lasting impression since day one, arriving with an outstanding summer project that immediately showcased their creative flair and independence. Their nurturing nature shines through in how they support peers with diverse needs, helping to create a calm and inclusive classroom environment. Em’s love for practical, multi-disciplinary work is evident in their sketchbooks, always beautifully presented and well-researched. Currently working at Distinction level, tutors are confident this will continue through their final major project. Outside of college, Em is gaining real-world experience at Hot Ink Tattoo Studio, preparing for artists and learning the craft first hand.

Fatoumata Camara - Vocational Studies Award

Fatoumata’s hard work, resilience and infectious passion for learning have made her a stand-out student at Newcastle College. Since joining, Fatoumata has impressed every tutor with her determination and constant hunger for knowledge, tackling every challenge with a big smile and even bigger ambition. Despite English being her third language, she throws herself into every subject with enthusiasm. She’s known for lifting the spirits of everyone around her and for demanding work, not waiting for it! Even with a daily commute from Manchester and personal challenges, her attendance remains strong and her assignments are always completed to a high standard.

Samuel Carr - Skills and Technology Award

With 97.6% attendance, Samuel consistently produces work to the highest industry standards and always shows up with a strong work ethic and positive attitude. After achieving a Distinction in Level 3 Engineering, Samuel made the bold and mature decision to enrol on a lower-level, more practical course to build the hands-on skills needed for his future career. While studying, Samuel also works part-time as a landscaper and takes on responsibilities as a young carer – balancing it all without letting his standards slip. He’s also a valued College ambassador, helping at open events and student reviews.

Harry Keen - Sixth Form Studies Award

A highly motivated and conscientious learner, Harry is known for his thoughtful contributions in Media lessons and outstanding practical work. His news website and video/audio content are polished professional and always well-researched. With exemplary attendance and strong academic achievement, Harry has also gone above and beyond to explore his career path. Through impressive extracurricular involvement and skill-building beyond the classroom, he secured a Degree Apprenticeship with the BBC in Digital User Experience! Harry embodies the values and talent that organisations like the BBC look for, and we couldn't be prouder of all he’s accomplished.

Taylor Pullin - Professional Studies Award

Currently in her second year of Level 3 Sport & Exercise Science, Taylor is smashing her goals. She’s on track for D*D*D* and recently earned Distinctions in both Physiology and Sports Nutrition (dropping just two marks in the latter!). Taylor is also a Dual Career Athlete on the NSCG Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme, specialising in aerial and pole arts. She recently soared to 1st place at the United Aerial Arts Championships in Birmingham. With a place at Keele University for Physiotherapy and plans to open her own Aerial Studio, the sky’s the limit!

Lotti Anderson - Apprentice of the Month Award

Lotti has gone above and beyond in her role, supporting phonics, physical development and progress tracking, all while building strong relationships with staff and children alike. She was even observed by Ofsted, who saw her working seamlessly as part of the team! Her employer says: “Lotti works so hard and deserves this so much. Lotti uses her own time to provide opportunities for her key group and other children in our school. She always remains calm and considerate with the children. She continues to develop her knowledge of our curriculum and different ways to support the children in their learning.”