A COLLEGE celebrated student excellence in person at its annual award ceremony for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Students at Fareham College attended the long-awaited ceremony face to face last week to celebrate their achievements. 

The event has been run virtually for the last two years.

Principal and Chief Executive Andrew Kaye said: “It is always enjoyable to gather as a College and celebrate the hard work and incredible achievement of our students.  

“This past academic year has seen many challenges and there has been a great deal of resilience and determination demonstrated by the whole student body, staff and wider community.  

“I am pleased to host this event in person this year, following two years of virtual celebrations, and look forward to congregating again next year.” 

The ceremony took place at the Bishopsfield Road campus. The event saw the presentation of 17 prize categories.  

Student of the Year, Niall Dorrington, was praised for his dedication and commitment.

On receiving the award, he said: “I am very overwhelmed and grateful for winning the Student of the Year award.

"It’s been an excellent two years studying at Fareham College and I have had many exciting opportunities. 

“I have built my confidence and gained friends for life. I feel very excited about my next steps after College.

"Where I am now progressing onto a four-year Software Engineer degree at Lancaster University.”  

Staff from Hampshire Constabulary, where Niall has completed his 45-day industry placement, complimented him saying he was a "natural leader.”  

This year the college introduced a new category, Apprenticeship Employer of the Year, awarded to Hampshire County Council. 

Councillor Roz Chadd, Hampshire County Council Deputy Leader, who leads apprenticeships within the County Council, said: “Both as an employer and as a local authority, Hampshire has benefited greatly from the high-quality training delivered by Fareham College. 

“For our employees and the apprentices, we support under our levy scheme. 

“Our partnership extends to developing bespoke programmes to meet our needs, enabling the County Council to nurture homegrown talent to continue to deliver excellent essential services to Hampshire.”