South Hampshire College Group have celebrated the outstanding achievements of students, apprentices and employer partners at a memorable awards ceremony held at the Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl.
One of the most prestigious occasions in the college calendar, the Student Awards recognised 50 winners who have made a meaningful impact on the college community and the wider public. The celebratory event, hosted by Holby City and Hollyoaks actor Jeremy Edwards, welcomed nearly 300 guests to the Hilton Southampton. Hospitality students prepared and served canapés throughout the evening, while Music and Performing Arts students showcased their talents with live performances at various points during the event. Event Management and Production Arts students put their professional and technical skills to the test with the set-up and smooth running of the event.
Awards were presented across eight categories, including ‘Academic Excellence & Achievement’, ‘Personal Development & Resilience’, and ‘Community & Contribution’. The most coveted awards were given out during the final category, ‘Special Awards’, recognising four outstanding overall winners: Young Student of the Year, Adult Student of the Year, Higher Education Student of the Year, and Apprentice of the Year.
Andrew Kaye, Chief Executive Officer at South Hampshire College Group, said: “Evenings like this really remind me of why South Hampshire College Group, and all those who work in the college group, are so important to our students, communities, and businesses in the region. This event is a real showcase of the talent, and achievement of the students and apprentices across the whole college group.
“We are proud to work with students and apprentices from many communities across the region, with a broad range of life experiences, and with differing ambitions. We recognise too, in our values, that working together, collaboratively, pays dividends. And through our values we encourage everyone to be aspirational for their future. I am so proud to see so many students excelling at the awards and going on to better futures as a result of their time at South Hampshire College Group.”
Ceri Connor, Chief People Officer at South Hampshire College Group, said: “It’s a privilege to be part of the Student Awards. The core purpose of us all at South Hampshire College Group is to support the development, aspiration and success of all students, people and communities who are at the heart of everything we do. It is a joy to celebrate and recognise all the hard work and achievement that has happened over the past year.”
Kirsty Reed, a UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design student, won the Adult Student of the Year Award. She commented: “From the moment I first stepped through the college door, it’s been fantastic. I’ve absolutely loved every moment of it. The tutors and technicians have been so encouraging and supportive and the class has been so welcoming and wonderful. The course is so inclusive which is something I really love about the college. I’m really touched, overwhelmed and proud to be given the Adult Student of the Year Award.”
Andy MacKenzie, Executive Chef for the Exclusive Collection, was recognised with the Industry Champion Award. He commented: “It’s so important in our industry to work with the next generation of chefs at colleges and schools because they are the future and these skills are so valuable. The career opportunities are endless to take your knowledge around the world and to see all the different cultures out there. I hope these students can gather all the opportunities that are open to them and take them as far as they can.”
2026 Award Winners:
Academic Excellence & Achievement
Ava Carver – Outstanding Achievement
Chiana Hillier – Outstanding Achievement
Elizabeth Dobson – Outstanding Achievement
William Leslie – Outstanding Achievement
Daisy Moody – Academic Excellence
Ellie Taylor – Academic Excellence
Lee Goble – Academic Excellence
Rafal Puchalski – Academic Excellence
Personal Development & Resilience
Georgina Rogers – Commitment to Learning
Henry Avery – Commitment to Learning
Kirsty Reed – Commitment to Learning
Mohammed Hussain Bashir – Commitment to Learning
Dixie Martin – Personal Development
Edie Travers – Personal Development
Kacey Melsome – Personal Development
Leah Batchelor – Personal Development
Community & Contribution
Archie Smith – Contribution to the Community
Courtney Cosgrove – Contribution to the Community
Leland Treagust – Contribution to the Community
Sonny Garfoot and Isla Parkes – Contribution to the Community
Caitlin Pogson – Student Ambassador
Dylan Minard – Student Ambassador
Harvey Young – Student Ambassador
Jason Collins – Student Ambassador
Inspirational Journeys
Darcie Winwood – Inspirational Journey
Leon Peatroy – Inspirational Journey
Skye Martin – Inspirational Journey
Tobi Collier – Inspirational Journey
Archie Smith – Inspirational Journey
Emily Newton – Inspirational Journey
Mohammad Stanikzai – Inspirational Journey
Ryan Cook – Inspirational Journey
Sofiia Heorha-Kopulos – Inspirational Journey
Employer & Stakeholder Recognition
Sunrise Nursery – Outstanding Workplace Provider
Browns Hair Lounge – Apprenticeship Partner (SME)
NHS Hampshire & Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board – Apprenticeship Partner (Large)
Andy MacKenzie Exclusive Hotels – Industry Champion
Employer-Voted Awards
Harry Goggin – Employer Voted T Level
Murray Taylor – Employer Voted Apprenticeship
Local Recognition Awards
Lean Peatroy – Eastleigh College Principal Award
Caitlin Pogson – Fareham College Principal Award
Leah Batchelor – Southampton College Principal Award
Dylan Cope – CEMAST Director Award
Naomi Evans – CETC Head of Centre Award
Eniola Ogunleye – Head of Adult, Online & Community Award
Special Awards
Jason Collins – Young Student of the Year
Kirsty Reed – Adult Student of the Year
Tara Walton – Higher Education Student of the Year
Kacey Melsome – Apprentice of the Year
