The Sandwell Colleges recognise outstanding learner achievement at annual awards

The Sandwell Colleges hosted their inaugural Celebrating Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding learner achievement across their three Colleges and seven campuses.

The evening recognised the progress, achievement and success of learners and shone a spotlight on those who embody the colleges values and one team spirit, celebrating not only their academic achievements but also contributing positively to their peers, their communities and the wider college environment.

Inspirational stories from across the learner community were told from apprentices accelerating their training and succeeding into careers, adult learners returning to learning to transform their future, and young people making a difference through volunteering and workplace internships enabling them to progress to bright futures.

Among the stand-out award recipients were:

• Reice James – winner of the Principal’s Award for exceptional voluntary service with Sandwell Council, West Midlands Police Cadets and St John Ambulance, alongside supporting NEET young people as a career champion.
• Pavneet Sidhu – Student of the Year, recognised for her award‑winning academic work exploring the medicinal benefits of turmeric, earning a prize from Girton College, University of Cambridge.
• Tarunjot Bhatia – Apprentice of the Year, completing a 30‑month machinist apprenticeship in just 24 months with Distinction.
• Elsa Tocko Kengui – Adult Student of the Year, whose voluntary placement led to a paid role as a care worker at a local nursing home.
• Romeo Okugbona – Foundation Learner of the Year, celebrated for his outstanding contribution as a Supported Intern at Asda Great Bridge and subsequently gaining successful employment with hydraPower dynamics.

CEO and principal Lisa Capper said: “This year has seen some fabulous reasons to celebrate. Our students have achieved stand‑out success winning places at universities, including great local universities, Russell Group and Oxbridge for their subject discipline, progressing to degree apprenticeships and achieving job offers with prestigious companies.

“As we congratulate our worthy winners, reflect on our unprecedented progress and achievements in 2025/26 and prepare for the year ahead, we look forward to building on this celebration event year‑on‑year, which is a lifetime highlight for all our winners.”

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