On Thursday 6th July selected students and staff were joined by official sponsors and honoured guests to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the academic year, at Buxton & Leek College’s annual FE Awards. This year was a particularly special occasion as BLC turns 10 years old in 2023.
The momentous milestone was celebrated at college’s annual awards ceremony for students, which saw over 100 people attend with 29 student awards presented. Always keen to celebrate the hard work of their students, BLC were determined to make 2023 their best awards event yet. Offering a two-course meal, complimentary drinks and photographs of the winners and sponsors, the evening has all the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood film premier. The spectacular setting of Buxton’s 18th century, 45-metre largest unsupported dome in Europe only adds to the sense of occasion.
Principal Len Tildsley said,”Colleges like BLC largely focus on technical and professional qualifications, a slightly different flavour of education aimed at those that like ‘doing’ rather than more academic study. We are highly successful at improving the skills and life chances of those who choose that alternative route and study with us. There are many many people who owe their success to colleges like BLC.”
Part of the University of Derby, BLC has a campus based at the famous Devonshire Dome in Buxton and at an equally historic facility in the nearby Staffordshire town of Leek. Focussing on creating opportunities for school leavers and adults alike, the college has now delivered a successful curriculum for a decade and has much to celebrate. Offering a diverse range of educational courses and apprenticeships, BLC has evolved with the times but its core principles remain on creating quality learning environments and opening doors for its students, regardless of their age, ability and ambition.
“We offer the widest possible range of education and training, from leisure courses to degrees to traineeships to higher apprenticeships. We start at the age of 14 offering something for everyone through to those already retired. We are a public service in the heart of the community.”
“We are proud to support the people and employers of Derbyshire and Staffordshire and the surrounding areas. We are immensely proud of the achievements of our students, this celebration and the awards we give this evening shout that loud and clear to everyone”, said Principal Len Tildsley.
This year’s notable achievers were:
Hairdressing Award: Ella Wells
Barbering Award: Layla Wood
Beauty Therapy Award: Maisy Wood
Engineering Award: Finley Edwards
Carpentry and Joinery Award: Ethan Watters
Media Award: Dylan Marriot Richardson
Computing ICT Award: Harry Torr
Art and Design Award: Jesika Tugwell
Motor Vehicle Award: Kiran Hodgson
Catering Award: Izzy Carol
Derby County Community Trust Award: Amber Doney
Buxton Football Academy Award: Nathan Wood
Sport Award: Avleen Kaur
Public Services Award: Keira Jadczak
Health and Social Care Award: Sophie Mellor
Access Award: Jemma Porter
Foundation Pathways Award: Angela Davies
Business Award: Katie Blackwell
Employability Award: Clarice Ash
Childcare and Education Award: Kyla Stafford
Maths Award: Ashley McCue
English Award: Ethan Stewart
Step Up to Independence and Life Skills Award: Jacob Reilly
Traineeships Award: Carter Yorke
Step Up Award: Dylan Pennington Smith
Adult Skills Award: Victoria Burgess
Apprenticeships (L2-L4) Award: Franchescia Davies
Outstanding Achievement Award: Helen Morten
Unsung Hero Award: Joshua Lever
If you’re interested is what Buxton and Leek College has to offer, they have a fantastic website and regular opening days. You never know, you could be an award winner one day!
Buxton and Leek College
T: 0800 074 0099
Find out more or sign up: blc.ac.uk/subject-areas/adult-short-courses
