Celebrating Success 2026: Pre‑16 Student of the Year – Olivia McLauchlan
Pathway to College
The course was good and a great atmosphere to get back into an educational environment.
Celebrating Success 2026: Early Years Student of the Year – Hope Kay
Education and Early Years T Level
Thurrock felt different from school, and I was excited for that. The best thing about my course is the tutors as I love learning. I love that it’s a T Level and I got to go on placement, so it’s not just college, it’s real experience. It’s been amazing because it’s landed me a job in a nursery in Corringham. The college picked the placement, and I wouldn’t have had that experience or job without them. I would definitely recommend the college and have recommended it to my friends.
Celebrating Success 2026: Apprentice of the Year – Billy Zanco
Carpentry and Joinery Level 2 Diploma
I got so much out of college one day a week and made lots of friends. I would encourage anyone to do this and get involved.
Celebrating Success 2026: Travel & Tourism Student of the Year – Isabella Gentry
Travel & Tourism
At SECG I met new people and I really enjoyed the fun of taking part in real‑life roleplays that we got to do in the cabin crew part of the course. My tutor supported us throughout the entirety of the course, which allowed us to feel confident in knowing who to go to if we needed help with our assignments.
Celebrating Success 2026: Sport Student of the Year – Adam Neale
Level 3 Sports Coaching Diploma
I’ve loved sports coaching, the staff made it really enjoyable. It’s set me up for my career in sport as a coach. Football is my main sport. I’m heading to Level 4 next, and maybe a degree, or I might go straight into football coaching.
Celebrating Success 2026: Science Student of the Year – Chloe Stedman
Science
I am grateful to win the award. There were a lot of people who did well this year, and I’m happy to be the one recognised. My favourite thing was the teachers, they are always so helpful and go out of their way. There’s a great mix of practical and theory, and the way they plan the teaching is amazing.
Celebrating Success 2026: Public Services Student of the Year – Michael Knowlson
Entry to the Uniformed Public Services Level 3 Diploma
I’m studying Level 3 and I’m so pleased I chose this over A levels. The tutors are great and I really enjoyed the course. The trip to Thriftwood was absolutely amazing. Winning this award feels great, I’m so excited. I want to join the Army in December, in the Royal Engineers.
Celebrating Success 2026: Health & Social Care Student of the Year and SECG Overall Student of the Year – Thomas Cauchi
I am very inspired by winning the award, and am grateful for the college for the achievement. I chose to study T levels, as its academic and work placement based, as when I get to uni a large proportion is communication is a massive barrier, Booksmart is important but so is communication. I am a hands on learner, so having both the academic and work experience was ideal for me.