Awards season shines light on Leeds City College’s stars

Leeds City College’s ‘awards season’ took place over June and July this year, as the achievements of our students throughout the 2025-6 academic year were recognised over a number of college and campus celebrations. 

Here are just a few of the ceremonies that took place across our college community.

Star Awards

On 8 July we hosted our annual Star Awards for the tenth year. 

Leeds City College, Leeds Sixth Form College and Pudsey Sixth Form College came together to host an event celebrating the achievements of students.

Sponsored by Reed Recruitment and FE Tech, the annual event highlighted the hard work and dedication of learners across the colleges.

Awards were presented in a variety of categories.

Digital Support and Security T Level student, Anita Emeribe, won the Digital Enhancement award which recognised her achievements in the tech industry and work championing women in STEM fields alongside her role in supporting her peers as the course’s Student Representative and as a Student Union Representative.

Adult student, Heath Burton, was presented with the Continued Development Award for embracing his return to education and career change after 30 years as a surveyor to pursue a future in social care.

Other awards were presented for the STEM Initiative, Community Connection and Artistry Excellence categories. 

Bill Barton, Chair of the Leeds City College Board, delivered a closing speech following the ceremony. 

He said: “Tonight has inspired me in ways I can’t explain. Leeds is an incredible city full of talented people.”

After the formal ceremony, staff continued the celebration with networking and conversation, reflecting on the accomplishments of our students.  

Diana Bird, Executive Principal at Leeds City College, who started her role in April 2026, said: “It’s a real pleasure to be here for my first Star Awards. I’m new to the role so have the privilege of seeing your hard work but with the advantage of fresh eyes.

“You have all taken different paths to be here tonight and that’s how it should be. Tonight we are all about celebrating achievements. These awards are a reminder of what you are capable of achieving in the future.”

Alf Cooke Awards

Our annual Alf Cooke awards allow members of staff across Printworks, Somerville House and Temple Newsam campuses to celebrate learners’ achievements over the year. 

On 23 June, students across subject areas were commended for their hard work and commitment. 

The event was kicked off by Stephanie Moon, renowned Yorkshire chef and former BBC Great British Menu contestant, who began the ceremony with an opening speech.

Principal of Printworks campus, Lee Pryor, said: “It was a real privilege to celebrate the incredible achievements of our students across the Printworks family. These awards are about more than just results – they recognise resilience, growth, and the personal development that sits at the heart of everything we do.”

Sir George Martin Trust Awards

On 24 June, we hosted our fifth Sir George Martin Trust awards ceremony for our Access to HE adult learners. 

Six students from across our Social Science and Health Science pathways were commended for their hard work throughout their course and awarded a £600 prize from the trust, which supports charities and individuals across West Yorkshire.

Carla Marshall, Trust Manager, Sir George Martin Trust, said: “This is our fifth year that we have had these awards and we are so inspired to hear the stories of how hard the students have worked and hope the cash prize will really help for their future.” 

As the 2025/26 academic year comes to a close, we look forward to continuing to celebrate our learners achievements in the 2026-7 year.