Hull College<\/a> students are celebrating after being named as finalists in a prestigious award scheme celebrating the work of educational institutions in the North of England.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLevel 3 students Sienna Minns, Robert Rakhra, and Niko-Rae Rust have all been shortlisted in the College or FE Student Achievement of the Year category at this year\u2019s Educate North Awards, which recognise excellence and good practice at Northern-based colleges, sixth forms, and universities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sienna, a Beauty Therapy student, has overcome significant personal challenges to achieve her success. After experiencing loss and disruption to her education, she completed her Level 2 qualification and progressed onto Level 3, all while living independently at just 18. Her journey has seen her grow in confidence, independence, and resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said: \u201cBeing nominated was such a lovely surprise - it has made me feel really proud of everything I\u2019ve achieved. I\u2019ve faced some difficult challenges, but Hull College has given me a second chance to focus on my future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ve grown in confidence so much, and now I feel ready for what\u2019s next. Learning both the practical skills and the theory has given me a strong foundation for my future, including progressing to degree-level study. My dream is to have my own salon one day, and my course has helped me build the skills and belief to make that happen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Robert, an Illustration student, has demonstrated outstanding personal and creative growth during his time at Hull College. Progressing from Level 2 to Level 3 Art & Design, the 18-year-old has developed both his artistic practice and confidence, securing a place at university to continue his studies in illustration and animation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said: \u201cBeing shortlisted means so much to me - it feels like everything I\u2019ve worked towards is coming together in one proud moment. I never expected to be recognised like this, so it\u2019s something I\u2019ll always look back on with pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSince starting at Hull College, my confidence has grown massively. It\u2019s helped me come out of my comfort zone and develop not just as an artist, but as a person. I\u2019ve gone from being really quiet to becoming much more social, and I\u2019ve been able to turn my passion for art into a real career goal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For 19-year-old Illustration student Niko-Rae, the nomination reflects a journey of patience and determination. After facing challenges in education, she waited to secure a place on the right course and has since gone on to achieve high grades while building confidence and developing her creative voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She added: \u201cI was really surprised to be shortlisted - it\u2019s such a rewarding feeling to know my hard work has been recognised. It\u2019s shown me how far I\u2019ve come. I\u2019ve been drawing for as long as I can remember, so being able to turn that into a qualification and a future career is something I absolutely love. Hull College has given me the freedom to explore my own style while still developing new skills, which has really helped me grow in confidence and progress.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clare Chaffe, Assistant Principal at Hull College, praised the students\u2019 achievements and the dedication behind their success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are incredibly proud to see Robert, Niko-Rae, and Sienna recognised in this way. Each of them has shown outstanding commitment, resilience, and passion throughout their studies, overcoming personal challenges and pushing themselves to achieve their best. Their journeys are a powerful reflection of what can be achieved with the right support, determination, and belief, and they truly represent the \u2018Hullraisers\u2019 spirit of Hull College and the success of our students.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
College-wide recognition for innovation and excellence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAlongside these outstanding student nominations, the college itself has also been shortlisted in three major categories that recognise its wider impact across education and industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its AI Academy has been shortlisted for the Business Engagement Award (HE\/FE Sector), recognising Hull College\u2019s work with industry partners to develop future-focused digital skills and helping businesses prepare for emerging technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A powerful collaborative project, \u2018Locked Out: The Day the Jobs Disappeared,\u2019 created with HEY! Volunteering, has been shortlisted for the Game-Changing Education Award. The city-wide digital escape room re-engages adults excluded from traditional education through story-based challenges that develop employability, digital, wellbeing, and ESOL skills, while micro-credentials and volunteering pathways boost confidence and motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hull College is also shortlisted for the Further Education College of the Year award, having previously won this accolade in 2024, recognising its continued transformation and the positive impact it is making for students, employers, and communities across the Hull and Humber region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Debra Gray CBE, Principal and CEO of Hull College, said: \u201cThese shortlists are a fantastic achievement for both our students and the college. Robert, Niko-Rae, and Sienna\u2019s stories are truly inspiring and demonstrate the life-changing impact of education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are equally proud to see the college itself recognised across multiple categories, reflecting our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and delivering outstanding opportunities for our students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis recognition belongs to our entire college community - our students, staff, and partners - and highlights the positive difference we are making across Hull and the Humber.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Established in 2015, the Educate North Awards is an annual event celebrating excellence across the Higher Education, Further Education, and Sixth Form sectors throughout the North of England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Winners will be announced at a ceremony held at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground on Thursday 7th May.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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