EKC Canterbury College shone a spotlight on the exceptional achievements and commitments of our students and supporting employers at the 2025 Student & Employer Awards, on Tuesday 24 June.
Acknowledging the success of over 45 students and 25 employers from across East Kent, each were recognised at the grand ceremony held on campus in the Main Hall, effectively organised by staff and students from our Business, Finance and Travel department. The event was the perfect opportunity for all departments in the College to come together to share student success, and to reward some of the most inspiring employers we work with.
Adorned with balloon arches, beautifully dressed tables, canapes and drinks on arrival, guests were welcomed to the lavish celebration as talented Music students provided live music.
The event itself was a student-driven success, with learners from various courses supporting its organisation and delivery. Level 3 Travel and Tourism student, Amelia Milton, who helped plan and host the evening spoke about how valuable the experience has been, commenting: “It’s definitely given me an insight into event planning as an industry, and how organised you have to be. It’s been good experience working to a deadline.
“I’m really happy with the final result, and what we’ve managed to put together, the room looks great.”
Staff nominations recognised students for outstanding achievement, community engagement, academic excellence, and leadership. All award winners were invited to the stage and presented with a certificate, gift voucher and additional prizes from generous departmental sponsors.
In the Construction and Built Environment department, pride was evident as staff celebrated their students’ commitment and progression. The department’s Deputy Programme Director, Chris Simmons, reflected on the collective success of the cohort, saying: “We’re really proud of everything the students have done, all of the teaching staff have enjoyed working with the students receiving awards tonight. They’re all a credit to the department and I wish them all the best for their future career endeavours.”
Another staff member delighted by her students’ progress was Christine Mackenzie, who had nominated Foundation Learning student, Clayton Brooks, for his hard work and resilience. Christine explained that Clayton is a joy to teach as he always goes “that extra mile”. She was delighted by Clayton’s progress, especially within his Maths and was thrilled to be able to celebrate his achievements.
Meanwhile, on winning his award, Clayton said: “I didn’t expect it to be honest, I just like to get on and focus on my work. I’m very happy to have won and I’m looking forward to the future.”
Clayton will be progressing onto a Media course in September and hopes to pursue a career in creative writing in the future.
One of the highlights of the evening came from Sophie Tong, who was acknowledged for her exceptional hard work whilst completing her Applied Science course.
Sophie explained: “It’s really a nice feeling, knowing that others have acknowledged what you’ve done and how hard you’ve worked across the year. I’m really grateful, I enjoyed the course a lot.
“My next step is to go to the University of Winchester to study Nutrition and Dietetics, and I’m really excited for the future. I think my time at College has definitely helped me prepare for the new challenge, getting used to more independent learning has especially helped my confidence grow.”
Sophie shared how thrilled she was to receive the award and how the recognition marked a meaningful milestone as she prepares to take the next step in September.
The evening also honoured employers who have played a vital role in providing work placements, apprenticeships, and industry experience for our learners.
One of the winning employers, The Beaney House of Arts and Knowledge, was recognised for their ongoing collaboration with the College’s Creative department. Representatives Gary and Anna shared their appreciation for the award, speaking warmly about the importance of creating opportunities for young people.
They said: “We are very pleased and appreciate the recognition. We enjoy working with local educational organisations and hope our collaboration with the College continues to develop in the future.”
The evening closed with a speech from Principal, Emily Johnson, who emphasised the scale of the students’ success: “I want to put into perspective, just how incredible each of our award winners achievements are. Each student has been nominated out of over 4,000 students, that is very special.
“All award winners this evening should be incredibly proud. I would like to celebrate all of you for your resilience and determination that will suit you well for your future careers.”
Emily’s words served as a powerful reminder of the dedication, talent, and community spirit that fills our College. She also took a moment to thank the following:
- The Business department for hosting such an elegant, successful evening
- The Carpentry and Engineering departments for the creation of table decorations, stage ramp and employer awards
- The Music students who performed so beautifully during the event
- Photography student (and award winner), George, for taking on the role of event photographer
- Event compare, Patrick, who acted with professionalism, wit and charm, winning round all of the guests and attendees in the room.
A big thank-you must also go to all students, staff, stakeholders, and employers for your continued support over the past 12 months. Your continued support helps to enrich our college community and the experience of each of our learners.
Congratulations to all our award winners, we look forward to seeing what you achieve next, and where your future might take you.
Our student and employer winners at a glance
Student Winners (Pathway Awards)
| Department | Award | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Management and Land Based | Animal Management | Ned Bourner |
| Countryside Management | Lauren Hartburn | |
| Employer Award | RSPCA Hersden | |
| White Cliffs Countryside Partnership | ||
| Aylesham Pet Store | ||
| Construction and Built Environment | Bricklaying | Nathan Appleton |
| Carpentry | Oliver Harlow | |
| Electrical | Ethan Barnsley | |
| Plumbing | Michael Spinks | |
| Employer Award | Cardo Group | |
| Early Birds Ltd | ||
| Invvu Construction | ||
| Business, Finance and Travel | Business | Jasmine Garrood |
| Accounting | Tia Williams | |
| Travel and Tourism | Casey Marlow | |
| Employer Award | Emma Lacey – Kent County Council | |
| Jack and Stacey Neale – MyMny | ||
| Aiden Strong – Abbotts Barton Hotel | ||
| Engineering, Automotive and Computing | Computing | Ella Hastwell |
| Engineering | Dylan Davis | |
| Welding | Tiffany Ronayne | |
| Tom Holland | ||
| Employer Award | Books2Africa | |
| RDDS | ||
| Stellantis | ||
| Nusteel | ||
| English | GCSE | Andreia Leonara Gomes |
| Functional Skills | Sophia Middleton | |
| Foundation Learning | Foundation Learning Gateway | Clayton Brooks |
| ESOL | Alexandra Vasile | |
| Employer Award | Windmill Community Garden | |
| Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership | ||
| Health and Early Years | Health | Imogen Zalech |
| Early Years | Amy Kelly | |
| Employer Award | Claire Blackman – Kidease, Hawkinge | |
| Lubos Matovick – Maurice House | ||
| Inclusive Learning | Non-regulated Provision, Preparation for Work | Quinn Duignan |
| Certificate in Preparation for Employment | Holly Bain | |
| Award in Personal and Social Skills | Harry Pike | |
| Employer Award | Becky Duffy – Faversham Umbrella Centre | |
| Niall – New Hope Animal Rescue | ||
| Maths | GCSE | Zoe McCorry |
| Functional Skills | Jemima Greville | |
| Amelie Taylor | ||
| Media, Music and Performing Arts | Media | Oliver Nelson |
| Music | Elizabeth Taylor | |
| Performing Arts | Archie Bilsland | |
| Employer Award | The Achor Inn, Wingham | |
| Sarah Weaver – Churchill Primary | ||
| Demelza Hospice for Children | ||
| Professional Services | Beauty Therapy | Ava Brooks |
| Hairdressing | Denisa Nistorova | |
| Theatrical Makeup | Kitty Graves | |
| Employer Award | Gemma Jarvis – Whitstable Beauty Lounge | |
| Marcella Hair | ||
| Grace Newton – Canterbury Musical Theatre Society | ||
| Sixth Form | Science | Sophie Tong |
| Year 12 | Phoebe McIntosh | |
| Sixth Form | Mani Martin | |
| Sport and Public Services | Sport, Fitness and Training | Matias Hoskins |
| Public Services | Lilie Gilpin | |
| Employer Award | Pure Gym | |
| The Princess of Wales Royal Regiment (Reserves) | ||
| Visual Arts | Art and Design | Scarlet Ward |
| Graphic Design and Illustration | Frankie Pettman | |
| Fashion and Textiles | Sav Potter Clarke | |
| Photography | George McGill | |
| Employer Award | The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge | |
| Students’ Union | Students’ Union Award | Brandon Buckle |
Principal Awards
| Outstanding Social Action | Olivia Conway and Sophie Jones-Yea |
| Outstanding Outcomes | Ben Ramshaw |
| Outstanding Leader | Jess Farnham |
| Principal’s Award | Max Bruce |
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