Students, staff, alumni, and other guests joined for an evening of celebration, highlighting the achievements of College of North West London’s students, as CNWL held its annual Student of the Year Awards.
The event was hosted by Deputy Principal, James Wilson, and included an address by Group Principal and CEO of the United Colleges Group, Stephen Davis and former student and performer, Anton Peris who helps creative artists share their stories.
Over 100 students, staff, friends, and family gathered to attend the glittering round table award ceremony in The Sir Richard Eyre Theatre. Also in attendance was the Mayor of Brent, Abdi Aden.
The awards are not just given for academic achievement but also for the challenges students have faced to overcome very difficult personal challenges.
More than 40 awards were given across the curriculum areas, including A Levels Science and Higher Education, Business, Creative Industries, Engineering Constructions and the Built Environment, English Maths and Skills, Health Wellbeing and Care, Lifelong Learning, and Supported Learning.
A range of special awards were also presented – to name but a few:<
- Governor’s Award – Temitope Alebiosu
- Star Student of the Year Award – Valentin Ursu
Valentin Ursu, studying for his BTEC Higher National Diploma in Computing was named 'Star Student of the Year' and presented with CEO and Group Principal Award. He also won the ‘Adult Learner Student of the Year’ award for Creative and Digital Industries career cluster.
Despite visual challenges, Valentine overcame all odds in his academic work and excelled in his course. He needed a Learning Support Assistant to walk him around the college premises and take notes for him in the class. He is also a social media celebrity with over a million followers on TikTok. He is an accomplished illusionist performing on various high streets in East London.
Temitope Alebiosu scooped the Governor's Prize as well as the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion / Student Champion Award. She was an active student member of the College governing body and proactively helped secure Investors in Diversity Accreditation for UGC following interviews with the assessor.
College of North West London, and the entire United Colleges Group, sends its sincerest congratulations to all the winners and thanks them for everything they have done to build, grow, and nurture the college community.
Valentin Ursu, winner of the CEO and Group Principal Award said:
"I discovered my capabilities to achieve the best I could with hard work and willingness. Winning the award has given me great confidence".
Anton Peris, former student and performer said:
“I have so many great memories of my time at CNWL; I made many great friends there and learned so much that has helped me build my career”.
Stephen Davis, Group Principal and CEO of the United Colleges Group, said:
“At College of North West London, we take great pride in supporting our students to achieve their life goals and these awards represent their successes.
“I was delighted to see such a high level of accomplishment, of all kinds, across many different subject areas, among our student community.
“My congratulations go to out to all our winners and I hope that their awards inspire them to continue to be great examples for others to follow.”