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Outstanding students recognised at Petroc’s Mid Devon annual awards evening

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Students from Petroc’s Mid Devon Campus were honoured at an uplifting and inspiring awards ceremony held at the college on January 9, 2019.

Learners who graduated from the Mid Devon Campus in summer 2018 were presented with over 30 awards across nine curriculum areas, reflecting great academic and personal achievement.

In attendance were friends, family and members of the local community who helped celebrate the students’ successes.

Petroc Principal and Chief Executive, Diane Dimond, opened the ceremony:

“Our awards ceremonies are always a highlight of the college calendar, and it’s wonderful to see so many of you here this evening.

“2018 was an outstanding year: We had a pass rate of 100% on our extended diplomas, which is fantastic, and we were announced as the number 1 college in the country in the FE Week’s Nicdex league table.

“I am extremely proud of your exceptional achievements, which are testament to your hard work and determination and the dedicated of our staff team, who are committed to helping you get the best possible results.”

Billy Ogilvy won student of the year for Catering Level 1. He said: “I’m so pleased to receive my award. I was delighted to be able to come and help prepare the food ahead of the ceremony this evening, it was lovely to see everyone enjoying my cooking.”

Husband and wife Ryan and Mel Stanford were both collecting awards at the ceremony, for plumbing and hairdressing respectively. Mel said: “It’s been a crazy year, with both of us studying whilst raising our young children, but we did it and all our hard work has paid off. We’re both very proud.”

Mark Challacombe, Assistant Principal for Mid Devon, closed the ceremony with some inspiring words. He said: “You’ll see from the award winners tonight this isn’t a college about 16-18 year olds, this is a college for people from 14 all the way up to 80+.

“I truly believe, as you’ve seen tonight, that Further Education changes lives. There is no question. If you want something and you believe it, you will get it. It’s been a privilege to hear your stories tonight and congratulations on your awards.”

Places are still available at Petroc for September 2019. To find out more about studying at the Mid Devon Campus, visit www.petroc.ac.uk or attend the next open event on January 29.