Celebrating Success at South Essex Colleges Group

Inspiring Journeys and Outstanding Achievements Honoured at SECG’s Annual Celebrating Success Awards

The outstanding achievements of South Essex Colleges Group (SECG) students have been celebrated at the college’s annual awards ceremony, Celebrating Success.

The event, held at the Maritime Room at The Cliffs Pavillion, Southend, saw nearly 50 students from across the college’s departments and campuses receive Student of the Year awards.

The awards recognised those studying on further education and adult programmes as well as apprenticeships. Higher education students studying at University Centre South Essex were also recognised.

Students were nominated for a variety of reasons, including outstanding achievements, overcoming barriers to learning and positive contributions in the classroom.

Special guest was Chisola Chiambala, 2025 star of BBC’s Apprentice and former SECG student where she studied a Fast Track Diploma in Business and Finance from 2010-2011.

Chisola  is the owner of a virtual assistant company and made the switch from healthcare to business after securing her MBA.

She said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to attend this event. It is so inspiring to hear the students’ journeys. Following my journey on the Apprentice I have been speaking to and giving talks to many young people and sharing the stage with these fantastic learners has been empowering.”

Guests were entertained by ‘Split Happens’, a group of our talented Music Performance and Production students who performed a brilliant set.
SECG’s overall Student of the Year was won by Southend City College’s Hospitality student, Darcy Westall.

Darcy  is fast becoming a rising star in the world of professional cookery. The 17-year-old from Downham,  has achieved remarkable success in three major culinary competitions, bringing home top honours at the HRC Live Skills Competition, the  Inter-College Skills Show  and the British Culinary Championships.

Darcy hopes to secure an apprenticeship, work in the industry and ultimately become a teacher.

Darcy said: “This award is the cherry on the cake to what has been an amazing year. A big thank you to my family and tutors for all their support.

Enrolling on the course at SECG is the best decision I’ve ever made. I have gained so many skills and feel prepared for a career in the industry.

Group Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team, Denise Brown, who handed out the awards, added her congratulations to all award winners. She said: "Celebrating Success is a special night and we are all extremely proud of our students’ achievements this year and wish them all the best for the future.”

Caption: Pictured above from left to right are Aaliyah Muili, Daisy May Vaux-Nobes, Ian Mackinnon, Jenna-Ann Dewey, Laila Burgess, Lennon Howard, Lydia Storey and April, and Remi Martin.

 

Congratulations to all of our winners

Overall Student of the Year and Hospitality and Catering Student of the Year: Darcy Westell

 

Creative Media Student of the Year: Jacob Dann

ESOL Student of the Year: Eduard Sibru

Foundation and Supported Learning Student of the Year: George Omosimua

IT Student of the Year: Joseph Whall

Building Services Apprentice of the Year: Justin Rowe

Building Services Student of the Year: James Redwood-Smith

Construction Student of the Year: Cameron Clark

Multi-Skills  Student of the Year: Brooke Reeves

A Level Student of the Year: Muhammad Gondal

Beauty Student of the year Thurrock: Emma Charters

Building Services Student of the Year: Gradi Leko

Business and Logistics Student of the Year: Adewunmi Odogiyon Palazon

Construction Student of the Year: Rylee Collins

Early Years student of the year: Kyla Wilsher

ESOL Student of the Year: Semra Aslan    

Hairdressing student of the year Thurrock: Louise Rogers     

Health and Social Care student of the year: Anabel Amponsah

Hospitality and Catering Student of the Year: Oliver Sutton

Music Student of the Year: Tianna Gumbo

Travel and Tourism Student of the Year: Emily Hicks

Art & Design Student of the Year: Ian Mackinnon

Beauty Student of the Year: Remi Martin

Business and Logistics Student of the Year: Laila Burgess

Creative Media student of the year: Lennon Howard

Early years student of the year: Harriet Morris

ESOL Student of the Year: AbuHuraiah Majeed

Foundation and Supported Learning Student of the Year: Adeoluwa Oladiyun

Hairdressing Student of the Year: Lilly Rae Ashford

Health and Social Care Student of the Year: Aaliyah Muili

Hospitality and Catering Student of the Year: Darcy Westell

Performing Arts Student of the Year: Jenna-Ann Dewey

Pre-16 Student of the Year: Ashton Deven

Public Services Student of the Year: Matthew Richards

Science Student of the Year: Kodey Carter-Wood

Sport Student of the Year: Adam Neale

Travel and Tourism Student of the Year: Daisy-May Vaux-Nobes

Adult Learner of the Year: Tracy Eren

Fortitude Award: Precious-Leigh McKay

UAL Student of the Year: Lydia Storey

UEA Student of the Year: Phoenix Tanner