Inspire Education Group (IEG) hosted its highly anticipated annual Student Awards Ceremony, honouring the exceptional achievements of students from Peterborough College, Stamford College and University Centre Peterborough.
Celebrating outstanding success across further education, apprenticeships, higher education and workforce skills development, the awards highlighted the vital role that students, educators and employers play in driving regional growth and meeting local skills needs.
Presented by local figurehead Kev Lawrence, the Oscars-inspired evening brought together students, families and special guests to celebrate the dedication and talent of IEG’s rising stars.
The memorable event took place at The Holiday Inn in Peterborough. Shimmer walls, a photo booth and a glamorous stage created an atmosphere of excitement and pride as attendees gathered to find out who would take home this year's awards.
As national and regional leaders place increasing emphasis on skills, employability and economic growth, these awards showcased the critical student-employer partnerships that help build the skilled workforce of the future. Recognising this vital regional impact, the 2026 awards were generously sponsored by prominent companies and organisations from the local community.
Opening the evening, Rachel Nicholls, CEO of Inspire Education Group, delivered an inspiring speech welcoming guests, sponsors, governors, colleagues and families. She highlighted a major milestone for the group, noting that since the previous year's ceremony, IEG was named Training Provider of the Year, a massive achievement for both the organisation and the region.
Rachel emphasised that such awards are won by people, rather than by buildings or strategies alone. She praised the students, apprentices, staff and local employers who make it happen, stating:
"Tonight is one of my favourite nights of the year because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate the people at the very heart of everything we do, our students."
She extended deep gratitude to the event's sponsors, noting that their investment is far more than a name alongside a category; it is a “direct investment in potential, ambition and the future workforce of the region”. Rachel noted that these students are the area's future engineers, nurses, entrepreneurs, educators, digital innovators, public servants and community leaders.
Reviewing this year's nominations, Rachel shared that leadership was genuinely left “lost for words” by the extraordinary stories of resilience, courage and individuals overcoming adversity and personal challenges to achieve incredible things. "You represent the very best of Inspire Education Group," she told the finalists.
The 2026 Student Awards Ceremony serves as a powerful testament to the exceptional talent thriving within Inspire Education Group and highlights the endless possibilities that lie ahead for its student body as they step into the careers of tomorrow.
A massive congratulations to all of this year's award winners and nominees! Your hard work, bravery and dedication remain truly inspiring. Inspire Education Group is incredibly proud of every one of you and looks forward to seeing the remarkable things you will achieve in the future.
Award for Academic Excellence, Sponsored by MDT Training
Thomas Wheatley and Abigail Watsham
Care Experienced Student of the Year, Sponsored by Taye Training
Ziaullrahman Popalziy and Leyla Anisimowicz
Clean Energy and Sustainability Award, Sponsored by PECT
Elisha Vasylenko and Filip Niedzielski
Construction Excellence Award, Sponsored by Allison Homes
Leoni McDougall and Joseph Summers
Customer Service Excellence Award, Sponsored by Hegarty
Ella Pratt and Trinity Elkins
English Award for Excellence Award, Sponsored by The Moment Magazine
Hoang Huy Dao and Jerry (Atipaishe) Madzimbamuto
Excellence in Defence and Security Award, Sponsored by Cambridge Chamber of Commerce
Tiago Ferreira and Kai Nikos
Excellence in Health and Social Care Award, Sponsored by PJ Care
Hollie Markillie and Abi Pepper
Impact in the Creative Industries Award, Sponsored by Stamford Arts Centre and Landmark Theatres
Tatianna Katsande and Abigail Pudney
Impact in the Visitor Economy Award, Sponsored by Peterborough Cathedral
Sasha Sivacova and Ethan Byatt
Industry Impact in Engineering and Manufacturing Award, Sponsored by Baker Perkins
Holly Haines and David Shepperson
Industry Skills Excellence Award, Sponsored by Clegg Construction
Harry Jones and Daisy Farquhar
Innovation in Digital and Technology Award, Sponsored by EML
Chloe Massam and Nathan Bennett
Inspiring Futures in Education Award, Sponsored by Stamford Town Council
Shay Markham and Mohammed Siddique
Inspiring Inclusion Award, Sponsored by Peterborough Cultural Alliance
Louis Heppell and Shannon Bell
Life Sciences Excellence Award, Sponsored by Peterborough United Football Club
Arnold Chagadama and Meredydd Humphreys
Maths Award for Excellence Award, Sponsored by Mindful Education
Filip Strawczynski and Lola Clark
Rising Above Adversity Award, Sponsored by Cross Keys Homes
Roger Jacobs and Violet Palmer
College of Sanctuary Award, Sponsored by Inspire+
Reza Hajipour
Volunteer of The Year, Sponsored by Anna’s Hope
Harry Howlett and Cordelia Barnes Brown
Higher Education Student of the Year, Sponsored by The Open University
Joe Tierney
Partner Student of the Year, Sponsored by We Love Peterborough
Mohammad Omar Hassan
Stamford Student of the Year
Daisy Farquhar
Peterborough Student of the Year
Abigail Pudney
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