Student achievements celebrated at annual awards ceremony
Staff and students from across UCEN Manchester gathered at the National Football Museum in Manchester city centre for the higher education provider’s annual Student Awards, celebrating the outstanding achievements of students throughout the 2025/26 academic year.
All students invited to attend the 2026 ceremony were nominated by a member of staff or one of their fellow students for this year’s award categories. The event was organised alongside The Manchester College and a judging panel made up of both staff and students from across each provider shortlisted the strongest nominations in each category.
Finalists were invited to bring two guests and enjoyed an evening of delicious food and incredible performances from the winners of UCEN Manchester’s and The Manchester College’s 2026 student talent competitions.
The night was expertly hosted by UCEN Manchester student Liv Rnjak, who studies Vocal Studies and Performance at The Arden School of Theatre, alongside, Ahmad Hajjoul a Business student from the further education provider.
During the ceremony, attendees heard inspiring stories behind each finalist’s achievements and why they were recognised by their nominators.
The evening ended with the prestigious Student of the Year Award being presented to Elizabeth Challans. After receiving the award, the School of Sport, Health & Wellbeing student said:
I’m so proud of myself and thankful to all my tutors and friends on the course. The past three years have gone so quickly, I’ve grown since so much since my first year, and so this is a great way to finish my experience with UCEN Manchester.
Speaking after the awards Michael Walsh, Dean of UCEN Manchester, said:
The Student Awards are always a highlight in our calendar. The standard of nominations seems to get better each year and every student did brilliantly to be shortlisted in their respective category. An extra special congratulations to Elizabeth Challans for winning Student of the Year. What an achievement and wonderful end to an incredible night of celebration.
2026 winners
- UCEN Manchester Progression Excellence Award – Zeno Petrou
- Access to Higher Education Student of the Year – Charlie Rowberry
- Creative Arts & Media Industries Student of the Year – Lee Fletcher
- Higher Technical & Professional Industries Student of the Year – Elizabeth Challans
- UCEN Manchester Students’ Choice Award – Amy Warwick
- UCEN Manchester Student of the Year – Elizabeth Challans
