Inspirational students from across Wiltshire College & University Centre have been recognised for their achievements, determination and progress at the College’s annual Student Awards.
The Student Awards 2025-26 were held at The Civic Centre in Trowbridge on Thursday 24 September, bringing together students, families, College staff and special guests to celebrate success from across the College community.
A total of 22 students were recognised, representing Pre-16, Full-Time, Apprenticeships, Higher Education and Adult Learning. Awards celebrated academic and practical achievement alongside resilience, personal development and commitment.
Among those recognised was Travel & Tourism Student of the Year Archie Heywood, 19, from Warminster, who ran 5km every day for 100 consecutive days to raise money for Samaritans and awareness of mental health.
Archie said, “Last year I had some mental health struggles, so I thought instead of just letting it weigh me down, I’d do something good, raise some money and spread awareness. Everyone struggles with something, so you never really know. It’s about spreading awareness that it’s okay to speak to people.”
Archie now hopes to study Airline and Aviation Management at university before pursuing a career in airline or airport management.
Daniella Barata, 23, from Chippenham, was named Apprentice of the Year following a seven-year journey with the College, during which she has studied Business, completed a course in personal health, fitness and nutrition and progressed to an IT apprenticeship.
Daniella said, “The apprenticeship was, I think, my favourite because you really get to learn on the job, and I think that, for me, is the most effective way to learn. There’s no rush, and you shouldn’t expect yourself to know exactly what you’re going to do right away. Just try different things that you know you like.”
Carpentry Student of the Year Kris Hurst, 18, from Trowbridge, was also recognised for his talent and dedication after completing his Level 2 Diploma in Bench Joinery. He hopes to build a career as a joiner before eventually opening his own workshop.
The ceremony began with a performance from student band CORA, while floral arrangements created by the Horticulture team at the College’s Lackham campus helped transform the venue.
Principal and Chief Executive Iain Hatt welcomed guests including South West Wiltshire MP Dr Andrew Murrison and Trowbridge Town Council leader Councillor Mel Jacob.
Iain said, “This awards ceremony is a truly cross-College celebration. The students being recognised have been selected not only from their own campus, but from across Wiltshire College & University Centre. They represent the very best of our College community.
“Congratulations to every student being recognised. Your achievements are thoroughly deserved, and you should be incredibly proud of everything you have accomplished.”
Guests also heard from former Motorsport Engineering student Rachel Robertson, who recorded a special video message from the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Reflecting on her journey into motorsport, Rachel encouraged the winners to embrace new opportunities, saying, “I’ve learnt we’re all capable of far more than we think we are. You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need to be brave enough to take that next step.”
Winners represented students studying at the College’s Chippenham, Lackham, Salisbury and Trowbridge campuses.
To find out more about Wiltshire College & University Centre and its upcoming Open Events, visit wiltshire.ac.uk/open-events.
