T Level Health Student Named South Essex Colleges Group Student of the Year at Celebrating Success 2026

T Level Health student Thomas Cauchi has been named South Essex Colleges Group Student of the Year at the Group's annual Celebrating Success awards.

The ceremony, held at The Boatyard Restaurant in Leigh-on-Sea, recognised outstanding students from across Basildon, Thurrock & Southend City Colleges and University Centre South Essex.

Almost 50 awards were presented on the evening, recognising achievements across further education, adult learning, apprenticeships and higher education. Students were celebrated for academic excellence, resilience in overcoming barriers to learning, personal development and positive contributions to their classrooms and wider college communities.

Thomas received the overall award in recognition of his dedication, professionalism and compassion, alongside his academic achievements, successful work experience with Access Anyone, participation in national skills competitions and his role as a college ambassador during an educational visit to The Gambia.

Thomas said: "I am incredibly honoured to receive this award and grateful to the College for recognising my achievements.

"Competing in the FEDEC competition helped me develop confidence and improve my communication skills. I chose to study a T Level because it combines academic learning with substantial work placement experience. Communication is such an important skill in healthcare, and the course allowed me to develop both professionally and personally.

"One of my greatest achievements was being selected for the educational visit to The Gambia. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that gave me valuable insight into healthcare in a developing country and demonstrated the importance of commitment and adaptability.

"I would absolutely recommend South Essex Colleges Group. The smaller class sizes create a real sense of community, and the support from tutors makes it easy to ask questions, seek guidance and build confidence."

Thomas intends to progress to Anglia Ruskin University to study Paramedic Science as he pursues a career in healthcare.

The events keynote speaker was former student and previous award recipient Kira LeMaitre, 21, from Southend, who won a Student of the Year award in 2023 after studying a Level 3 Motor Vehicle course.

Since leaving college, Kira has moved into the automotive customer service sector and now works as a Customer Service Advisor for Peugeot dealerships in Chelmsford and Romford.

Kira said: "I was delighted to be invited back to speak at this event. It's lovely to know that I am still remembered and that I have made a positive impact.

"My course tutor helped me come out of my shell and develop confidence. I am proud if I have inspired other young women to follow a similar path."

Guests were also entertained by former music student James Rolfe, 18, from Rochford, who is now a professional singer.

James said: "I am honoured and very excited to perform at this event."

Denise Brown, Chief Executive Officer of South Essex Colleges Group, presented the awards and congratulated all recipients on their achievements. She said: "Celebrating Success is always a very special occasion and a wonderful opportunity to recognise the achievements, determination and resilience of our students.

"We are incredibly proud of everything our students have accomplished this year. Their hard work, commitment and ambition continue to inspire us, and we wish each and every one of them every success for the future."

Celebrating Success 2026 Award Winners

Overall Winner

• South Essex Colleges Group Student of the Year - Thomas Cauchi

Basildon College

• Apprentice of the Year - Tomas Agg
• Building Services Student of the Year - Vinnie Sweetingham
• Construction Student of the Year - Ronnie Cooper
• Creative Media Student of the Year - Libby Evans
• Engineering Student of the Year - Alfie Kent
• ESOL Student of the Year - Ebuzer Akdogan
• Foundation Learning Student of the Year - Tyler Read
• IT Student of the Year - Jude Lea
• Motor Vehicle Student of the Year - Kassia Barron

Thurrock College

• A Level Student of the Year - Iyinoluwa Akinnadeju
• Apprentice of the Year - Billy Zanco
• Beauty Student of the Year - Olivia Hookins
• Building Services Student of the Year - Arvinder Shane
• Business and Logistics Student of the Year - Mohdjamiu Lawal
• Construction Student of the Year - Bowen Holt
• Early Years Student of the Year - Hope Kay
• ESOL Student of the Year - Ahmed Mohamed
• Foundation Learning Student of the Year - Jack Archer
• Hairdressing Student of the Year - Olivia Hesketh
• Health and Social Care Student of the Year - Ella Hayes
• Hospitality and Catering Student of the Year - Ashton Burke-Smith
• Music Student of the Year - Jeremy Middleton
• T Level Design, Surveying and Planning Student of the Year - Ellianna-Star Naphtali
• Travel and Tourism Student of the Year - Paris Parker Beard

Southend City College

 

• Art and Design Student of the Year - Thomas Udall-Rehill
• Beauty Student of the Year - Jessie Anderson
• Business and Finance Student of the Year - Charlie Curtis
• Creative Media Student of the Year - Ben Whitehead
• Early Years Student of the Year - Chloe O'Keefe
• ESOL Student of the Year - Abu Hurairah Adam Ali Abdul Majeed
• Foundation Learning Student of the Year - Cody Girard
• Hairdressing Student of the Year - Lilly-Rae Ashford
• Health and Social Care Student of the Year - Thomas Cauchi
• Hospitality and Catering Student of the Year - Tia Reeve
• Performing Arts Student of the Year - Maisie O'Connor
• Pre-16 Student of the Year - Olivia McLauchlan
• Public Services Student of the Year - Michael Knowlson
• Science Student of the Year - Chloe Stedman
• Sport Student of the Year - Adam Neale
• Travel and Tourism Student of the Year - Isabella Gentry

University Centre South Essex

• UAL Student of the Year - Sarah Connolly
• UEA Student of the Year - Jack Browning
• Teaching and Learning Student of the Year - Abbie Jones

South Essex Colleges Group

• Fortitude Award - Denis Vitkauskas