• Swindon & Wiltshire Education, training and skills
• Monday September 28 2026

Students’ achievements celebrated at awards ceremony

Students from across Wiltshire College & University Centre took centre stage at the College’s annual Student Awards, celebrating exceptional achievement, determination and progress.

The Student Awards 2025-26, held at The Civic Centre in Trowbridge last week, brought together students, their families and friends, College staff and special guests to recognise some of the inspiring individuals who make up the College community.

A total of 22 students were recognised in this year’s awards, with 15 winners attending the ceremony to receive their awards and a further seven recognised in their absence. Students from across Pre-16, Full-Time, Apprenticeships, Higher Education and Adult Learning were celebrated for academic and practical success as well as resilience, personal development and commitment.

Principal and chief executive Iain Hatt welcomed students and guests, including the Right Honourable Dr Andrew Murrison, MP for South West Wiltshire, and leader of Trowbridge Town Council Councillor Mel Jacob.

Representatives from Wiltshire Council, Wiltshire Creative and BBC Radio Wiltshire also attended, alongside members of the College’s governing body and senior leadership team.

Guests also heard from former Motorsport Engineering student Rachel Robertson, who recorded a special video message while at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, ahead of the F1 Academy round next month.

Reflecting on her journey from College student to a career in motorsport, Rachel encouraged the winners to embrace opportunities and not be afraid to take on new challenges.

She said: “I’ve learnt we’re all capable of far more than we think we are. You don’t need to have everything figured out, and you don’t need to know exactly what you’re doing. You just need to be brave enough to take that next step.”

Among those recognised was Travel and Tourism Student of the Year Archie Heywood, 19, from Warminster, who ran 5km every day for 100 consecutive days to raise money for Samaritans and awareness of mental health.

Archie said: “Last year I had some mental health struggles, so I thought instead of just letting it weigh me down, I’d do something good, raise some money and spread awareness.
“Everyone struggles with something, so you never really know. It’s about spreading awareness that it’s okay to speak to people.”

Archie now hopes to study Airline and Aviation Management at university before gaining experience abroad and pursuing a career in airline or airport management.

Daniella Barata, 23, from Chippenham, was named Apprentice of the Year following a seven-year journey with the College which has seen her study Business, complete an online course in personal health, fitness and nutrition and progress to an IT apprenticeship.

Daniella said: “The apprenticeship was, I think, my favourite because you really get to learn on the job, and I think that, for me, is the most effective way to learn.

“There’s no rush, and you shouldn’t expect yourself to know exactly what you’re going to do right away. Just try different things that you know you like. For me, I didn’t think I’d go into IT. Just see where things lead you.”

Carpentry Student of the Year Kris Hurst, 18, from Trowbridge, was recognised for his talent and dedication after completing his Level 2 Diploma in Bench Joinery.

Chris said: “For me, it’s the way you can turn a block of wood into something so intricate. When I first saw how detailed it could get, that’s what got me into this. That’s where I want to get to in my future.”

Chris hopes to begin his career as a joiner, gain experience in cabinetry and ultimately open his own workshop.

The awards celebrated achievements from across the College, with winners representing students studying at its Chippenham, Lackham, Salisbury and Trowbridge campuses.

2025-26 Student Award winners included:

• Apprentice of the Year – Daniella Barata
• Adult Learner of the Year – Elizabeth Bees
• Pre-16 Student of the Year – Aimee Hurren
• Business & IT Student of the Year – Emma Preston
• Agriculture & Land Based Student of the Year – Harry Blakeney
• Engineering Student of the Year – Lucy Harding
• Automotive & Motorsport Student of the Year – Tristian Reynolds
• Early Years Student of the Year – Deshmi Perera
• Carpentry Student of the Year – Kris Hurst
• Media Student of the Year – Danny Hughes
• Sport and Public Services Student of the Year – Ruby Barrett
• Pathways, Inclusion & Support Student of the Year – McKenzie Beck
• English & Maths Student of the Year – Emily Raybould
• Visual Arts Student of the Year – Mackenzie Foster
• Service Industries Student of the Year – Xanthe Gattiker
• Travel & Tourism Student of the Year – Archie Heywood
• Animal Care & Equine Student of the Year – Toby Chatman
• ESOL Student of the Year – Maryam Ehsan
• Health & Life Sciences Student of the Year – Ritika Gurung
• Higher Education Student of the Year – Leah-Grace Boonaert
• Performing Arts Student of the Year – Seren Maskelyne
• Plumbing Student of the Year – Harry Mee