The College of West Anglia celebrated student success across its campuses at this year’s Student of the Year Awards, held at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange. The annual event recognised learners who have excelled in their studies, shown resilience and made a positive impact at college or in the wider community.
Families, staff and invited guests came together for an evening that reflected the breadth of talent across CWA, with awards presented across categories including; Apprenticeships, Science, PPS and A-Levels, Business, Creative Arts and Digital Technology, Inclusive Learning, Land-Based, Maths, English and ESOL, Technology, Personal Achievements and Partnerships. One overall Student of the Year was also selected from the category winners.
David Pomfret, Principal and CEO of the College of West Anglia said, “These awards are always a personal highlight of the year for me and recognise far more than academic achievement. They celebrate resilience, commitment, leadership and the determination our students show every day, often alongside significant personal and professional challenges. Fred Hargreaves being named Student of the Year is thoroughly deserved. Fred has demonstrated not only dedication to his studies, but the attitude, maturity and ambition that reflect the very best of further education. He should be extremely proud of what he has achieved. Further education changes lives because it gives people opportunity, confidence and direction. Events like this are an important reminder of the talent that exists within our communities, and the role colleges play in helping that talent thrive.”
Fred Hargreaves who won Student of the Year said, “Winning Student of the Year was completely unexpected, but I’ve genuinely enjoyed my time at the college and I’m grateful to have received the award. The evening was a really positive experience, and it was great to celebrate alongside other students and staff.”
Lucas Cooper, Head of Admissions and Business support, who nominated Fred said, "Fred spent most of the year completing his work placement in the business support team. Fred is an absolute inspiration to anyone he encounters; he never uses his blindness as an excuse and often turns it into a source of light-hearted humour that lifts everyone around him. His resilience and dedication has reminded staff about perspective and gratitude, and his natural ability to connect with people has made him a much-loved member of the team. We are incredibly proud of Fred and his achievement this evening and will never forget his time working with us."
The CWA award winners and runners up for 2026 are as follows:
Apprenticeships – Sponsored by Searles
Winner: Victoria Radburn
Runners Up: Lacey Field and Rueben Doy
Science, PPS and A-Levels – Sponsored by Bespak
Award Winner: Ebony Napthen
Runners Up: Madison May and Ashton Brown
Business, Creative Arts & Digital Technology – Sponsored by Adrian Flux
Award Winner: Olivia Smith
Runner Up: Danson Bishop
Inclusive Learning – Sponsored by TVS Interfleet
Award Winner: Fred Hargreaves
Runners Up: Oliver Puddy and Lailand Skingley
Land-Based - Sponsored by Double G Clothing
Award Winner: Meg Slack
Runners Up: Marta Wozniak and William Campbell
Outstanding progress Maths/English – Sponsored by Birketts
Award Winner: Robert Walker
Runners Up: Heidi Grisina and Robyn Sherman
Technology - Sponsored by Palm Paper
Award Winner: Fin Dye
Runners Up: Lily Smart and Marc Watson
Personal Achievement- Sponsored by Setra Wood Products
Award Winner: Lillie Goodrum
Runners Up: Harley Pollard and Morgan McCarthy
Partnerships – Sponsored by Greenyard
Award Winner: Ryan Whiting
Runners Up: Lilly Barker and Porscha Wilson
Overall Student of the Year Award Winner
Fred Hargreaves