A Night to Remember: The Bedford College Group Celebrates Outstanding Students

Students from across Bedford College, Shuttleworth College and The Bedford Sixth Form were celebrated for their achievements at The Bedford College Group Student Awards 2026.

This was an evening recognising outstanding academic achievement, personal development and commitment to excellence.

The annual awards ceremony brought together students, staff, governors and guests to honour students who have shown exceptional commitment to their studies, overcome challenges, made significant progress and inspired those around them

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Awards were presented across a wide range of curriculum areas, recognising achievements in subjects spanning the arts, sciences, engineering, construction, health and social care, business, land-based studies and more. Alongside curriculum awards, students were also recognised for their leadership, citizenship and ambassadorial contributions.

Dr Robin Jones, Deputy CEO and Executive Director of Curriculum at The Bedford College Group, said:

“Our Student Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of students from across Bedford College, Shuttleworth College and The Bedford Sixth Form, and to recognise the dedication, determination and ambition that have helped them reach this point.

“Behind every award is a unique story. Some of our students have excelled academically, some have overcome significant personal challenges, and others have demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity or commitment to supporting those around them. What unites them all is their willingness to work hard, embrace opportunities and strive to achieve their goals.

“At The Bedford College Group, we are proud to support students from all backgrounds as they develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for their next steps. Seeing so many students flourish, achieve their goals and make a positive impact within their learning environments is incredibly rewarding for our staff and wider college community.

“I would like to congratulate every award winner and nominee. They should be immensely proud of what they have achieved. Their success is a testament not only to their talent and perseverance, but also to the bright futures that lie ahead of them, whether that is progressing to higher education, entering employment or pursuing new opportunities within their chosen industries.”

Among the evening’s biggest honours were The Bedford College Group, Student of the Year Awards. Lucas Ayers and Sherelle Weeks shared their reflections on receiving the prestigious recognition.

Lucas Ayers, a Level 3 Computing student who was named Bedford College Student of the Year, said:

“I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved during my time at college. I’ve worked hard on my course and achieved distinctions across my assignments.

“I’ve enjoyed helping and mentoring other students when they need support. The tutors have been great and have helped me learn throughout my time here.

“I’m looking forward to progressing on to higher education with The Bedford College Group. For anyone thinking about studying here, I’d say do it. It’s a different experience to school, it’s more relaxed, more encompassing, and it’s been a really positive experience for me.”

Lucas’s tutor and parents highlighted how, throughout his studies, he had overcome significant personal, medical and academic challenges while maintaining an outstanding attendance record and achieving distinctions in every assignment. They also praised his willingness to mentor and support fellow students, both in college and from home.

Sherelle Weeks, who studied Law, Psychology and Sociology and was named The Bedford Sixth Form Student of the Year, said:

“Winning the award is fantastic; it is an accurate reflection of the year. I have had incredible people beside me who have helped me grow. The teachers around me have been brilliant and so supportive.
“One of my proudest achievements this year has been my Student President role, alongside becoming Student of the Year. The Student President role has made academics a bit harder, especially because I’m trying to aim for those top grades, but the teachers around me have been amazing. They’ve helped me so much and it’s just made this year a blast.

“I am moving on to the University of Nottingham to study Law. If someone is considering Bedford Sixth Form, I would say come over. The past two years have been fantastic. From the teachers to the head teacher, everyone has been so supportive, and through the Student Union I’ve created wonderful memories and been involved in fantastic events that have really enhanced student life at Bedford Sixth Form.”

Proud to celebrate achievements

The Bedford College Group congratulates all award winners and is proud to celebrate the achievements of all students across Bedford College, Shuttleworth College and The Bedford Sixth Form.

To find out more about studying with The Bedford College Group, visit www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk