The UK’s top students have been honoured at a special awards ceremony in Manchester.
Seventy finalists travelled across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to attend the British Education Awards last night (30 th January), in order to celebrate the occasion.
Students and their families mingled with celebrities, educators and politicians at the iconic Beetham Tower, at Hilton Manchester Deansgate, eager to hear the winners of BEA 2020 announced.
Now in its fourth year, British Education Awards recognises the outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements of students across six award categories including GCSE or Scottish National 5, A Level or Scottish Advanced Higher, Vocational, Degree and Degree Apprenticeship.
Twenty winners were presented with a trophy by an array of politicians, leading education professionals and celebrities from the world of sport and television. Five nominees received Special Achievement awards. These awards pay special tribute to students who have overcome particularly challenging circumstances and personal difficulties during their education, making their accomplishments all the more remarkable. Four award also given to Degree Apprenticeship students.
Around 400 guests gathered for the red carpet gala event and enjoyed a three-course dinner and entertainment. The awards were co-hosted by International speaker Jay Allen and Professor Basma Ellahi, who is an expert in public health and nutrition from the University of Chester.
The level of discipline required from all BEA 2020 Finalists in order to achieve their top grades was put into sharp focus when taken in context alongside their extensive extracurricular responsibilities. These ranged from membership of the Girl Guides and RAF Cadets and volunteering within the community, to participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and numerous drama, music and sporting commitments.
Finalists also stood out for the extra measures they taken to advance their learning, frequently undertaking additional study and summer work placements to achieve their goals. They also impressed judges with their dedication to mentoring and supporting fellow students and younger pupils through peer study groups, after school clubs and societies.
The Manchester event was also attended by teachers, principals and University vice chancellors from across the country, as well as key government officials.
Organisers at British Education Awards 2019 were delighted to gain the backing of UK and global organisations, welcoming a return from the Royal Air Force as sponsor of the Vocational category; international industrial gas company Air Products as sponsor of the A Level and Special Achievement categories, and education charity Al-Habeeb Foundation as sponsor of the Degree category.
Air Products Community & STEM Ambassador UK & Ireland Lynn Willacy said “It’s so important that young people are recognized for achievements in their education. What we love about these awards is that the students are celebrating with their families, seeing the reactions of proud parents sat next to them as they get their awards is phenomenal.”