Wiltshire College & University Centre celebrated students’ performance and achievement at its end-of-year Student Awards. The event, held at the Civic Centre in Trowbridge on Thursday 26 June, brought together around 120 guests for an uplifting and emotional evening celebrating twenty-one student successes across a wide range of subject areas.
Awards were presented by multiple Paralympic medallist and local champion Stephanie Millward MBE, who said it had been “incredible” to meet the winners and hear their stories.
“I hope they believe in themselves and go on to become the stars they want to be,” said Stephanie, who brought along her Paralympic gold medal and torch to inspire the audience.
The 2025 winners represent subject areas including Creative Arts, Media, Construction, Engineering, Sport, ESOL and Animal Care.
Alongside the wide variety of full-time courses for post-16 students, WCUC is also a provider of apprenticeship training programmes, part-time courses for adults and Higher Education programmes.
College Principal and Chief Executive, Iain Hatt, opened the evening and praised students for their achievements.
“You could feel the pride in the room – from the students, their families, and everyone who’s been part of their journey,” he said. “This is a milestone moment. It’s a chance to reflect on what they’ve achieved and take that next step with confidence.”
One of those honoured was 17-year-old Eliza Brindle, from Frome, who studies at the Trowbridge campus and was named Creative Arts Student of the Year.
“I didn’t realise how big this event was – it’s awesome,” she said. “I love making art and it’s been really amazing studying here. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my time.”
Other winners included Charlie Farmer, 16, from Melksham (Media & Games Student of the Year), who praised his lecturers for giving him the space to be creative, and Ella Gould, 18, from Chippenham (Engineering Student of the Year), who is about to begin an apprenticeship with her college placement employer.
Sport & Leisure winner Calan Gilmour, 17, who studies at Lackham, said his hearing loss had never stood in the way of doing what he loves. “I love sport and I get to study it, play it and teach it. College has made that possible.”
The event included live music from a student band, twinkling lights and balloon decorations, and was supported by a British Sign Language interpreter to ensure it was welcoming and inclusive.
Several of the winners will also be sharing their experiences in interviews on BBC Wiltshire throughout the week on the Breakfast Show and BBC Sounds.
