Bradford College recently hosted its annual STAR Awards, a much-anticipated celebration of student success and achievement. Spanning three days, the event brought together students, staff, and employer partners across the College’s departments to honour excellence in education and remarkable accomplishments over the past academic year.
Each ceremony was held at Trinity Green Sports Hall, which was transformed into a glittering awards venue for the occasion. The STAR Awards shine a light on those who have gone above and beyond in their educational journey — from Further Education and Adult learners to apprentices and collaborative employer partners.
The opening day welcomed over 2,500 students from the Progression to Learning and Work (Level 1) provision and Foundation Learning (Skills for Independence and Skills for Employment) Department.
Quilla van den Heever, Head of Department for Progression to Learning and Work, presented over 25 awards, with Inspirational Student of the Year Award, presented to Level 1 Science Student Abdul-Rahman Majid.
“This student has demonstrated a remarkable amount of enthusiasm for learning and a genuine passion for science. He has become a positive role model in our classroom. His respectful demeanor and impeccable manners have earned him high regard amongst the PLW team. At 16 years old, he secured a £150,000 grant from Microsoft to further develop his business.
Quilla Van Den Heever
The Bradford College Apprenticeships Team then took to the stage later that day, and presented their awards with Bradford City AFC, Bradford City AFC players Zac Hadi and Lewis Richards.
The Inspirational Apprentice of the Year Award went to Level 4 Oral Health Practitioner apprentice Scarlett Woodhead for her approach to her apprenticeship including delivering an oral health instruction to a group of 40 non-english speaking men, complete with models, interpreters and hygiene products to give away.
Then followed the Bradford School of Art Awards, where Inspirational Student of the Year Award was awarded to Sayhan Rahman (Level 3 Media Makeup and Special Effects student) praised for his attendance, collaborative spirit and warm and welcoming attitude that fostered a positive team environment.
Celebrations continued with the Engineering, Health, Science, Meditech, and Computing departments. Jobin Sam Samsandas, a GCSE Pathway to Science student, was awarded Inspirational Student of the Year for his consistent academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.
Qais Mahmood, a Level 1 Motor Vehicle student, was honoured as Overall Inspirational Engineering Student for his determination in overcoming the challenges of a stroke that affected his writing ability. His resilience and hard work have been an inspiration to peers and staff alike.
Alice Milnes, also from Engineering, received the Adult Learner of the Year Award for her dedication and achievements as a returning learner.
The final day saw over 3,000 students gather for awards across Construction, Early Years, Health and Social Care, Professional Services and Leisure and Adult and ESOL.
Construction awards were co-presented by Greg O Bourke, Head of Department, and Gary Hayers, Co-Founder & Editor of Efixx, a leading educational platform for electrical industry professionals.
Winners of overall Inspirational Student of the Year was Harris Hamid, Level 2 Plumbing and Electrical Installation Level 3 student James Beaumont, who won Adult Learner of the Year Award.
Coming to events like the STAR Awards confirms we’re doing the right things in our industry, showing students we’re invested in their success. It’s incredibly important they get recognition for doing well because, ultimately, if you can see it, you can be it.
Gary Hayers, Co-Founder and Editor, Efixx
In the Early Years, Health and Social Care overall Inspirational Student Award went to Adal Quershi for Access to HE Social Science (Pictured above) and Departmental Inspirational Student of the Year Award went to Access to HE Nursing student Hiba Hamdan.
Employer sponsor Prospect Change opened the afternoon’s ceremony, with Ruth Geddes, Co-founder, sharing tips on good communication to help students with their next steps, before presenting business students with their awards.
Bradford City AFC Foundation co-presented awards for Inspirational Student of the Year Award to Sophie Hall, a BTEC Diploma Level 3 in Sport student who displayed expectational dedication and resilience, creating exceptional experiences such as volunteering at events, coaching internationally, finessing their skills on the Athlete Development Programme and helping establish a female rugby team at the College.
Adult of the Year Award went to Sahira Jan, a Uniformed Public Services student who returned to education to pursue their career goals. Being a mature student, she was able to juggle the demands of the course, whilst raising a family and taking time to develop her skills through volunteering.
Presenting the award alongside Gary MainDonald, was Chief Inspector Paul Riley from the Neighbourhood Policing Team for Bradford District, who told us:
“Events like this are so important, as they to recognise the efforts put in by these young people. They are here today because they have not only chosen their subject, but they’ve worked hard, and clearly have a good strong work ethic.
Go out there and set your goals and believe in yourself.
Chief Inspector Paul Riley
Bev Glightly, Business Development Account Manager from WELLA co-presented the hairdressing awards. She told us “Events like this are so important to us for showing our support to students, making sure that the hairdressers of the future are fully-supported.”
The final celebration was the Adult Skills Department and ESOL Department who were joined by Kate Hart, Project Coordinator, Bradford Schools and Colleges of Sanctuary who co-presented the departments Adult Learner Award to Mykhailo KhKhitov.
All inspirational and adult winners and selected winners from specific subject area will be invited to join us at a glittering Cross College Star Awards dinner at Cedar Court Hotel on 1st July 2025.
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