A North Staffordshire College has welcomed its first Celebration Awards for students and staff since being acquired by Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) in August of last year.

The Leek College Celebration Awards, held at Gradbach Mill on Wednesday 3 June, hosted learners from Vocational Studies and Apprenticeships, to skills & technology and sport accompanied by their family, friends and tutors to appreciate the successes of the last academic year.

Compered by Campus Director of NSCG Leek College, Becky Sargeant, the ceremony had awards presented by tutors, adding a personal touch to the evening.

Becky Sargeant said: "This event was a truly inspiring celebration of our students' hard work, resilience, and outstanding achievements.

"Celebrating success and empowering the next generation is exactly what we at NSCG do best, and events like this remind us all of the incredible potential we have the privilege of supporting every day."

The Health & Social Care Award Sponsored by Keele University was awarded to Kiera Mayo-Carney who studies the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care.

Following consistently excellent placement feedback, Kiera is progressing into a role in a school setting at Abbey Hill Academy and College.

Sam Shenton, a Level 3 T Level in Onsite Construction student was the winner of the Skills and Technology Award.

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On track for a Distinction, Sam has secured five conditional offers to study Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management, including offers from Loughborough University, University of Reading and Liverpool John Moores University.

The Leek College Celebration Awards were held at Gradbach Mill on Wednesday 3 June (images via NSCG)

The Apprentice Award was presented to Toby Eades, Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician student who has received consistently excellent feedback from apprentice employer Belle Engineering, who are impressed by his growth, reliability and professionalism.

Moving forward, Toby is excited to be growing his career within the company.

Sponsored by Leek Town Football Club, the Sport Award went to Josh Ferns, currently completing his first year on the Level 3 NCFE Diploma in Sport and Physical Coaching programme. His first-year success has fuelled his aspirations to pursue a career in teaching.

Having been recognised for her outstanding customer service and professionalism, Amelia Hyde, Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing was awarded the Creative Industries Award.

Amelia has grown in confidence and ability to become a highly capable and reliable member of the salon team, and is progressing onto Level 3 Hairdressing in September.

The final award presented during the evening was the prestigious Student of the Year Award which was awarded to Sam Shields who is currently studying the Level 3 T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control.

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Sam quickly secured a placement at K Tech Machinery, where they were so impressed by her contributions and work ethic that they invited her to continue working for the company.

An Employer of the Year Award was presented to Brooks Joinery Manufacturers LTD, with Will Wooley's leadership being praised alongside his high-quality mentorship.

Described as an asset to the College, the company goes above and beyond to foster professional curiosity and create opportunities for young people.

The Celebration Awards were sponsored by Keele University, Leek Town Football Club, Trenton Construction and 24-7 Group, further showcasing the strength of relationships with local businesses and the scope for work placements and apprenticeships.

A spokesperson for NSCG said: "With new courses being introduced for the 2027 academic year, there's never been a more exciting time to be a part of NSCG."

To find out more about courses on offer at NSCG, visit the website here.

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