Our students celebrated an outstanding performance at the KFE4Skills Competition 2026, winning 25 medals across a wide range of subject areas while competing against learners from colleges across Kent and Medway.
KFE4Skills is an annual skills competition delivered in partnership between East Kent Colleges Group, MidKent College and North Kent College. Spanning three days and hosted across multiple campuses, the event gives students the opportunity to demonstrate the technical, creative and professional skills they have developed throughout their courses.
Reflecting on the importance of the competition, Victoria Copp-Crawley, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of East Kent Colleges Group, highlighted the impact that skills competitions can have on students, explaining: “Our collaboration with North Kent College and Mid Kent College is so important to us. It gives our students the opportunity to come together and showcase the incredible skills and talent we have here in Kent.
“Competitions like this allow students to compete at different levels while developing confidence in their abilities. The most important thing for me is seeing students feel proud of what they’ve achieved and what they’ve created.”
In Creative Industries, students demonstrated talent in areas such as digital video production, games design, performing arts, media makeup and music performance.
One standout success came from Ellis, Finley and Edie, who secured gold in Digital Video Production after editing a film piece using only a limited selection of stock footage and sound.
In Computer Modelling and 3D Animation, Marley, won gold after designing, rigging and animating a fully original 3D character within just a few hours – an impressive technical challenge requiring creativity and precision.
In the Commercial Industries competitions, students applied their knowledge to practical scenarios reflecting real workplace situations. Scarlett earned gold in Health and Social Care, demonstrating strong communication and problem-solving skills while developing a task board designed to support independent living for individuals with learning difficulties.
Meanwhile, Phoebe achieved gold in Theatrical Media Makeup: Body Art, creating a captivating look inspired by crystal geodes.
The Trade Industries competitions tested students’ practical abilities through highly technical tasks. Among the highlights were Teddy, who secured gold in Welding, and apprentice Connor, who won gold in Senior Bricklaying after completing a challenging timed build.
Students also showcased their talents in Performing Arts, where Ava achieved gold in Musical Theatre for her rendition of ‘As Long as He Needs Me’ and Nellie earned silver in Acting.
The College’s Music Performance entry, band Minor Inconvenience, also impressed judges and audiences, earning bronze after delivering an energetic live performance of original music.
Across the competition, EKC Canterbury College students demonstrated not only technical ability but also teamwork, creativity and confidence – qualities that are central to success in their future careers.
Hear from some of our award winners
Ellis, Finley and Edie – Gold, Digital Video Production
“We had very limited sounds to work with, so we had to be creative and show that even with minimal resources you can still produce something strong. We were editing right up to the last second, but we finished in time and we’re really happy with the result.”
Marley – Gold, Computer Modelling and 3D Animation
“I created a skeleton character with a large sword. I ran out of time towards the end and only managed to animate the upper half of the body, but it was empowering to see what I could achieve within that time limit.
“Winning gold feels really refreshing. I don’t usually win awards, so this means a lot and it will be great to include the project in my portfolio when I go to university.”
Phoebe – Gold, Theatrical Media Makeup: Body Art
“Winning gold feels really surreal — I honestly wasn’t expecting it. My legs were like jelly walking down to collect the award! I came second last year, so winning this time feels like real progress and shows how much my confidence has grown.
“The most important thing I learned today is understanding the process and planning your work properly. Once I trusted my own creativity and just did what I wanted to do, everything came together.”
Scarlett – Gold, Health and Social Care
“Taking part really built my confidence because I had to complete the task independently. A few years ago I would have been too nervous to ask for help when I needed something, but college has helped me develop the confidence to communicate and make sure I can do my work properly.”
Teddy – Gold, Welding
“Winning means a lot to me. I wasn’t here for the rewards or the glory, I just wanted to impress my teachers because they’ve taught us so much.
“I’m absolutely buzzing to have won. It means a lot knowing I’ve made them proud. The medal is definitely going up on my wall, and when I start my new job it’s something I’ll always be able to say I achieved.”
Connor – Gold, Senior Bricklaying
“I was quite surprised to win. I was nervous going into the competition but also confident, and it was really close between the top places. It’s great because competitions like this put your name out there and give you more confidence in what you’re capable of doing.”
Summer Murgova – Silver, Photography
“I’m really happy with second place, I didn’t want to expect too much, so it was a really nice surprise. I also got to use more Adobe software like Photoshop and InDesign, which helped me develop new skills.”
Minor Inconvenience – Bronze, Music Performance
“We’re really happy with third place. Everyone performed so well, and it felt like everyone got what they deserved.
“The biggest thing we learned today was to go with the flow – if something goes wrong, you just recover and keep going. Competitions like this really help build confidence, and it’s been amazing meeting other bands and seeing what everyone else is doing.”
Karis – Bronze, Horticulture
“It was an amazing day. I didn’t know what to expect, but I really enjoyed it. Coming third feels incredible, especially as someone returning to college later in life. It’s given me a real boost and helped prepare me for my upcoming exam.”
Nellie – Silver, Acting
“I’m really proud of myself. It’s probably the best I’ve performed this piece so far.
“What I loved most about today was seeing people from different colleges come together and share their passion for performing. It reminded me how much I love being on stage.”
EKC Canterbury College award table
| Placement | Competition | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Animal Management | Sienna and Zoe |
| Computer Modeling and 3D Animation | Marley | |
| Digital Video Production (Film) | Ellis, Finley and Edie | |
| Fashion and Photographic Makeup | Nevaeh | |
| Games Design | Nick and Fin | |
| Health and Social Care | Scarlett | |
| Inclusive Learning Boccia | Entry 2 | |
| Media Makeup: Body | Phoebe | |
| Performing Arts: Musical Theatre | Ava | |
| Senior Bricklaying | Connor (Apprentice) | |
| Welding | Teddy | |
| Silver | Computer Modeling and 3D Animation | Charlie |
| Games Design | Alto and Charlie | |
| Performing Arts: Acting | Nellie | |
| Performing Arts: Dance | Lottie, Chelsey, Sofia, Megan, Ella, Ellie, Megan, Avis | |
| Photography | Summer | |
| Senior Site Carpentry | Callum (Apprentice) | |
| Welding | Babucar | |
| Bronze | Beauty Therapy: Hands and Face | Darcy |
| Computer Modeling and 3D Animation | Johnathan | |
| Hairdressing | Millie | |
| Horticulture | Karis | |
| Inclusive Learning Boccia | Entry 1 | |
| Inclusive Learning Boccia | Entry 3 | |
| Music Performance | Minor Inconvenience (Harry, Madison, Mia, Satya) |
More articles
What is an Applicant Day? (A step-by-step guide)
EKC Canterbury College students achieve gold at KFE4Skills Construction heats
