Winstanley students shine at British Education Awards

Two former Winstanley College students have been recognised at The British Education Awards.

Joe Silvester and Jessica Fairhurst, who both finished college last summer, were shortlisted in the categories A-level achievement and vocational achievement respectively.

Joe was awarded runner-up in his category in recognition of his top A-level grades in maths, economics and further maths and subsequent progression to a higher level apprenticeship with accountancy giant, Deloittes.

Jessica won first prize in her category. The judges were impressed with her outstanding
A-level grades in textiles (A*) graphics (A*) and photography (A*), which was followed by a year on the college’s art foundation course where she also gained top marks. She then secured her place at Goldsmiths in London, one of the most prestigious art colleges in the country.

Around 400 guests gathered for the celebration at the iconic Beetham Tower at Hilton Manchester Deansgate and enjoyed a three-course dinner and entertainment. The BEA finalists, their families and teachers travelled from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to attend the awards, which were hosted by BBC Radio Manchester presenter Kevin Fitzpatrick and Chester University’s Professor Basma Ellahi.

Louise Tipping, College principal, said: “We are very proud of Joe and Jessica for being recognised at these prestigious awards. We had a fantastic evening celebrating and catching up with what they have been up to since leaving college. I’ve no doubt that they are going to go on to great things.”