City College Plymouth honoured its remarkable students at the annual Student Awards on Thursday 25 June.
The awards ceremony, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, is the College’s biggest celebration of the successes students have achieved over the past academic year, and recognises the incredible talent and hard work of students across all curriculum areas, with awards reflecting not only academic excellence, but also character, determination and community spirit.
Award winners, their families, College staff and employer guests enjoyed an address by guest speaker, Colin MacLachlan. The former SAS operative, leadership expert, and television personality – widely known for his hit television series, Who Dares Wins – is renowned for his experience operating in some of the world’s most high-pressure environments, and he captivated the audience with an inspirational speech that featured anecdotes from his distinguished military career.
Students from across the region were recognised for their achievements and contributions, spanning the College’s 30+ curriculum areas.
From Computing Student of the Year, Quinn Fell, who demonstrated astonishing resilience following major surgery, to Protective Services Student of the Year Dylan Eddy, who balanced dedication to his studies with a successful sporting career in wheelchair rugby, the evening was full of moving, uplifting and powerful stories.
Eight of the curriculum award winners were also specially selected to receive additional merits by the College’s employer partners. These employers work closely with the College to create real-life learning experiences, develop training and curriculum programmes, and contribute to the College’s state-of-the-art facilities.
This year’s recipients of the employer sponsored awards were: Lucas Larkins, Endeavour Award sponsored by BIT Group; Theo Huxtable, Employability Award sponsored by the China Fleet Country Club; Cameron Fitzpatrick Knight, Inspiration Award sponsored by Kier Construction; Josie Bartlett, Leadership Award sponsored by Kawasaki; Sarah Parry, Peer Support Award sponsored by the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust; Molly Tasker, Perseverance Award sponsored by Princess Yachts; Chloe Carpenter, Student Voice Award sponsored by Babcock International Group; and Dylan Eddy, Volunteering Award sponsored by Taurus Events.
Awards were also presented to Ruby Airton by the Students’ Union for her professionalism, resilience and enthusiasm, and Chloe Carpenter received the Governors’ Award in recognition of her advocacy for other students and commitment to her work with the visually impaired.
The final award of the evening went to Liam Ashby, who received the Chief Executive’s Award. Liam was recognised for his commitment to representation, his willingness to go above and beyond, and his genuine desire to make a difference.
City College’s Chief Executive Jackie Grubb said, “One of the most rewarding parts of what we do is seeing people realise what they are capable of – we watch confidence grow, ambitions take shape, and futures open up as individuals become the best versions of themselves. The students we have honoured at this awards ceremony are all shining examples of resilience, dedication, and kindness towards others. Tonight’s recognition is only the beginning – I’m sure that for all of them, further success will be sure to follow. They truly represent the best of City College Plymouth.”
FULL LIST OF SOTY 2026 WINNERS
Access to Higher Education Student of the Year – Sarah Parry
The Art & Design Student of the Year – Nette Findlay
Automotive Student of the Year – Max Pope
Business & Professional Studies Student of the Year – Lamiya Miah
Our Computing Student of the Year – Quinn Fell
Construction Services Student of the Year – Jodie Byrne
Construction Trades Student of the Year – Mia Major
Creative Media Student of the Year – Josie Bartlett
Engineering Student of the Year – Alexander Withey
English for Speakers of Other Languages Student of the Year – Fayez Wahdat
Future Skills Student of the Year – Lucas Larkins
Hairdressing & Barbering Student of the Year – Kelisa Moate
Health & Childhood Education Student of the Year – Cameron Fitzpatrick-Knight
Higher Education Student of the Year – Keith Couling
Higher Technology Skills Student of the Year – Marc Haddy
Hospitality & Catering Student of the Year – Theo Huxtable
Music Student of the Year – Noah Tippett
Pathways for Progression Student of the Year – Chloe Carpenter
Performance Industries Student of the Year – Ruby Airton
Protective Services Student of the Year – Dylan Eddy
Science Student of the Year – Rupert Torr
Sport, Health & Fitness Student of the Year – Ruby Johnson
Travel & Tourism Student of the Year – Tilly-Rose Winterton
The Georgie Francis Memorial Award for English – Molly Tasker
Jayne Collins Memorial Award for Maths – Lauren Ellicott
SPECIAL AWARDS
Endeavour Award – Lucas Larkins
Employability Award – Theo Huxtable
Inspiration Award – Cameron Fitzpatrick Knight
Leadership Award – Josie Bartlett
Peer Support Award – Sarah Parry
Perseverance Award – Molly Tasker
Student Voice Award – Chloe Carpenter
Volunteering Award – Dylan Eddy
Students’ Union Award – Ruby Airton
Governors’ Award – Chloe Carpenter
Chief Executive’s Award – Liam Ashby
