High achieving college students from across South London took a trip to the House of Lords this week - for a special afternoon tea to celebrate their successes.
The annual South London Best Learner Awards are presented on behalf of the Committee of South London Principals (COSLP) and organised by London South East Colleges. This year’s event was hosted by Lord Tope and saw 13 students from colleges across South London presented with awards.
Proceedings were led by Peter Mayhew-Smith, the Group Principal and CEO of South Thames Colleges Group, with Chief Executive of the Association of College, David Hughes, as guest speaker. Former education secretary Justine Greening, MP for Putney, Roehampton and Southfields also attended the event and congratulated the students on their success.
The winners were presented with their awards by a representative from their own college. Each student had an inspirational story, having achieved success despite facing a range of challenges. London South East Colleges had winners from each of its three main campuses - Bromley, Bexley and Greenwich. James Yull Nowell, Jade Wong and Harry Pell were delighted to accept their awards, supported by their tutors.
Bromley student, Jade Wong, was praised for her 'can do' attitude and consistent hard work. Impressing both tutors and employers with her graphic design skills, Jade has been offered a place at Kingston University in September.
Harry Pell is studying performing arts at our Bexley Campus. A caring and helpful student, Harry has battled to be accepted as transgender for most of his life. His confidence has grown dramatically since joining London South East Colleges and his tutor Lisa Stubbs was delighted to present Harry with his award today.
Greenwich student, James Yull-Nowell has managed to achieve good grades in both his vocational qualification and maths GCSE mock exam, despite spending several months in hospital this year. As a result, he has now been offered employment from a local care home and is aiming to become a mental health nurse in the future.
Attending the afternoon’s inspirational event, Principal and CEO of London South East Colleges, Sam Parrett congratulated all the students. She said: “This event never fails to move me. The students here today are proof that barriers to learning can be overcome with determination, hard work and belief in one’s own abilities.
“Further Education offers people the chance to reach their aspirations and career goals, and this must be recognised and supported. There are some amazing teaching and support staff across all the COSLP colleges - and their hard work is reflected in their students’ success, being celebrated here today.”
In the news: .@UKHouseofLords celebration for exceptional South London students
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