Nelson and Colne College Group is holding its first group Student Awards ceremony, taking place at the Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa.

Holding court at the ceremony, on June 26, is an A Level Law student and would-be barrister who has a name synonymous with mystery and crime, Agatha Logan.

Also studying Sociology and English, the Clitheroe academic is predicted A*AA in her subjects and was one of only a couple of students nominated by two tutors, setting her sights set on attending Liverpool University.

Both of Agatha's nominators agreed the secret of the 18-year-old’s success was her positive attitude.

One noted: “Agatha has made incredible progress. She turns up to every lesson and gives her all in every task.”

Her other nominee added: “Agatha asks searching questions in her subjects and is engaged in wider reading to better understand her academic studies.

"She strives to improve her academic writing and attends workshop and engages in consistent revision and practice to develop her skills.”

Lisa O’Loughlin, Nelson and Colne College Group principal and chief executive, said: “Agatha is the absolute personification of an A Level student studying with us.

"In fact, her determined, motivated approach chimes perfectly with our college ethos, 'Don’t accept the ordinary – be extraordinary'.

"As demonstrated by all of the entries to our first student awards, Agatha is not alone in having the perfect attitude.

"It prevails throughout our organisation and includes our teachers, staff, and supporters.”

Judges received more than 150 nominations for the awards including Huma Aslam, whose academic progress has matched a huge move forward in her confidence.

Moving to the area from Italy in 2020, she was nicknamed, “the smart girl” by her classmates.

Problems with self-esteem and having the belief required to pass Maths qualifications put paid to her dreams of university, but her tutors encouraged her on a vocational training route.

The tenacious adult learner never gave up, becoming a confident contributor in class and now serves her community as an administrator at the college.

Her nominator said: “She is a true ambassador for adult learning.”

The Nelson and Colne College Group Student Awards are presented in the following categories:

  • A Level Student of the Year
  • T Level Student of the Year
  • Level 3 Technical Student of the Year
  • Level 2 Student of the Year
  • Level 1 Student of the Year
  • Entry Level Student of the Year
  • Adult Learner of the Year
  • Adult Community Learner of the Year
  • Apprentice of the Year
  • Higher Education Student of the Year
  • Outstanding Contribution to College Life Award
  • Overall Student of the Year

Businesses, community leaders and other supporters will be present at the ceremony, not just to honour the winners, but also to hear about the work going on at the College Group.

Recent national government figures revealed  Nelson and Colne College is the number two college in the country for achievement and number one for adult learning.

Lisa O'Loughlin added: “This event will showcase not only the huge potential of those learning at our Group, but also the impact that these learners are already having within industry and their wider communities.

“This will be a feast of positivity and should give all of us real cause for optimism.”