Bradford College

HKF Awards for Students at House of Lords Ceremony

Local students Wasim Ahmed and Asif Qadir have been presented with a highly sought after Helena Kennedy Foundation Award in a ceremony at the House of Lords. Wasim Ahmed and Asif Qadir received their awards from human rights lawyer and peer Baroness Helena Kennedy QC in recognition of their achievements in reaching higher education.

The Helena Kennedy Foundation supports students who face serious disadvantage, studying at further education colleges, to access higher education through bursaries, mentoring and work placements to support their ongoing success in education.

Wasim Ahmed and Asif Qadir will receive a £1500 bursary to support their costs while studying at university and have access to mentoring and work shadowing opportunities.

Commenting on their great achievement, Michele Sutton, OBE, College Principal and Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to learn that Wasim Ahmed and Asif Qadir have won this award! This is the second time that we have entered more than one student and the fourth year in a row that we’ve had winners. The award of this bursary will be of great assistance to Wasim and Asif as they progresses into higher education. We wish them good luck in the next stage of their career.”

Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, President of the Foundation, said: “I am delighted to have presented Wasim Ahmed and Asif Qadir with one of our awards in recognition of their huge achievements in reaching university against the odds. Each student who receives an award has been selected because they are special and have shown real talent and determination.”

Wes Streeting, Chief Executive of the Helena Kennedy Foundation, said: “Making the leap from college to university can be a big step and we know there are so many talented people out there who have the ability to succeed in higher education, but still miss out on the opportunity. Our Foundation works with colleges across the UK to support students to overcome real disadvantage to ensure that the doors of our universities are genuinely open to all with the ability. Bradford College should be justifiably proud of the talented student they have produced and we look forward to working with Wasim Ahmed and Asif Qadir to help them get the most out of studying at university.”