A Celebration of Excellence and Talent: Sixth Form College Hosts 2026 ASPIRE Awards

The City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College marked another landmark year of student success as it hosted the ASPIRE Awards Evening 2026 on Wednesday 22nd April, returning once again to the historic King’s Hall in Stoke-on-Trent. The annual celebration brought together students, families, staff, and partners to honour exceptional achievement across a wide range of academic and personal development categories.

A centrepiece of the college calendar, the ASPIRE Awards recognises students who embody the college’s core values – Achievement, Skills, Participation, Independence, Resilience, and Endeavour. This year’s ceremony continued the tradition of celebrating not only academic excellence but also the character, determination, and ambition that define the college community.

The College was thrilled to welcome Nathan Heaney as the 2026 guest speaker. A proud Stoke-on-Trent native and former student of the Sixth Form College, Heaney has risen to national prominence as a professional middleweight boxer. Known as “The Hitman”, he has held the British Middleweight Title, built an impressive undefeated streak for much of his career, and become a fan favourite for his discipline, sportsmanship, and electrifying ring presence.

In his address, Heaney reflected on his journey from local student to professional athlete, emphasising the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and staying grounded in one’s roots. His message resonated strongly with students, many of whom share similar aspirations to make an impact in their chosen fields.

Awards were presented across a wide range of categories, recognising students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, progress, and personal growth.

Nicole Latos, Winner of the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College Sport Academy: Elite Scholarship Programme Award, which supports students competing at a high or elite level in their chosen sport by enabling them to balance academic study alongside high‑level training, specialist coaching and access to professional facilities, said:

I am proud of how far I have come this year, and receiving this award shows just how many milestones I’ve overcome. I’m proud of myself for everything I have achieved. In Archery, I have represented England, and I’ve just been selected for the European Youth Cup in Bulgaria, which feels like another huge step forward. My goal is to become a coach so I can inspire more people to follow their hearts in sports. One of my best memories at college has been talking to my teachers about the amazing competitions I’ve taken part in and hearing how genuinely impressed they were — and still are — with me.”

Daniel Moran, Winner of the ASPIRE Potteries Educational Trust Award for Skills, which recognises students who demonstrate exceptional skill development, ambition and personal progress as part of the Potteries Educational Trust’s commitment to preparing young people for higher education and future careers, reflected on his achievement:

“It feels great to win this award, and it means a lot to have my hard work recognised. I plan to go on to university to study Architecture after college, and the support I’ve had here has really helped me grow in confidence and creativity. The Sixth Form College has been such a supportive place to learn — a community where teachers genuinely want you to succeed, and I’m grateful for the encouragement that has helped me develop creatively.”

Connie Coope, Winner of the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College Award for Outstanding Duke of Edinburgh Success, recognised for her achievement within one of the College’s standout enrichment programmes, which uniquely enables students to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award up to Gold level alongside their academic studies, supporting the development of independence, resilience and leadership beyond the classroom, reflected on her journey:

“Winning this award feels incredibly special; it’s a real moment of pride for me. My time at the Sixth Form College has pushed me to challenge myself, especially through the Duke of Edinburgh programme, and it’s helped shape my ambition to study Biomedical Sciences at Newcastle University. One of my favourite memories here has to be the Environmental Science and Biology trip to Chester Zoo; it brought everything we’d learned in the classroom to life and reminded me why I love science.”

Mahad Aamer, Winner of the ASPIRE Award for Participation in ASPIRE+, which celebrates active engagement in the College’s ASPIRE+ programme – a timetabled enrichment offer providing access to clubs, leadership opportunities, community involvement and activities designed to build employability skills and personal confidence beyond qualifications — shared his excitement about the recognition:

“Winning an award means a lot, especially at college level. The ASPIRE+ Programme has helped me grow, get involved, and push myself, and I hope to continue doing so at university while staying committed to cricket. My proudest experience has been working as an Inclusion Ambassador – making sure everyone feels welcome, respected and able to take part equally. Inclusion is something I believe in deeply. Sixth Form College has been one of the best parts of my journey, and I’ll always look back on it with pride.” 

College Principal, Nicky Birch praised the achievements of all students recognised during the evening:

“As a college, we are incredibly proud to have celebrated the outstanding achievements of our students at this year’s ASPIRE Awards Evening. Their dedication, resilience and ambition shine through in everything they do, and each award winner represents the very best of our college community. I am also deeply grateful to our families, partners, local employers and colleagues across the Potteries Educational Trust for the support they give our young people.”

The 2026 ASPIRE Awards Evening once again highlighted the remarkable talent and determination of students across the College. The College extends its sincere thanks to all sponsors, supporters, and guests who contributed to making the event a memorable celebration of aspiration and achievement.