Principal says students ‘have shown remarkable strength of character, intellect, and compassion’
Students from across Eastern Education Group’s (EEG) FE colleges – West Suffolk College Sixth Form, Abbeygate Sixth Form College in Bury St Edmunds and One Sixth Form College in Ipswich – were recognised and honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony that took place on Monday 30 June 2025.
Held at the iconic St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds, the annual ‘Celebration of Achievement’ awards help shine a light on student success across Eastern Education Group.
32 prizes were handed out in areas that encompassed community champions, and sustainability. There were also categories for principal’s choice, character strength, equality, diversity and inclusion, outstanding progress, rising star, educational excellence, young leadership, outstanding young learner and remarkable student.
The awards took place against a backdrop of continued success for Eastern Education Group. Among the notable achievements, West Suffolk College was rated ‘Outstanding’ in every category by Ofsted in November 2024 – placing it alongside One Sixth Form College and Abbeygate Sixth Form College, which have also received the top grade in their most recent inspections.
This year’s celebration carried special significance as West Suffolk College and Eastern Education Group marked their 100th anniversary. The awards ceremony formed part of a wider calendar of centenary events, commemorating a century of educational excellence and community impact.
Dr Nikos Savvas is the Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Education Group. He said: ‘It is always a pleasure to celebrate our students; across Eastern Education Group, we are proud to have more than 7,000 16–18-year-old students – each with their own story, their own journey, and their own achievements. While every one of them deserves an award, tonight we shine a spotlight on 32 students who have gone above and beyond. These students represent the very best of what we stand for. They have shown remarkable strength of character, intellect, and compassion. “They have overcome personal challenges with courage and determination.
“They have made outstanding contributions to their communities – through charity work, environmental action, as young leaders, and more. In short, they have exemplified what it means to be truly outstanding.”
Dr Savvas also thanked parents, families, friends, teachers, tutors, mentors and staff for supporting learners across the group.
Out of all of the (32) winners, Dr Savvas and his team of governors chose an overall learner of the year – and this accolade went to Lewis Hall, 18, from Ipswich. The One Sixth Form College A-level student said: “To be chosen for a Principal’s Choice Award was already very special; but to then be recognised for the CEO and Governor’s Choice Award was both a complete surprise and a tremendous honour. I am incredibly grateful for the recognition of my efforts over the last two years whilst at Suffolk One. The opportunities, talks, experiences, trips and teaching that I have received during my time studying at One have all been incredible and I would like to give a massive ‘thank you’ to all the members of staff who have helped me during my time at college.”
Lewis is now hoping to go to Warwick University to study French and History in September.
Other winners included Will Tillett, 19, from Red Lodge, who received one of three young outstanding learner accolades. Will, who studies at Abbeygate Sixth Form College, has just secured a degree apprenticeship with AstraZeneca.
DJ Mudziviri, 18, from Needham Market studies health and social care at One Sixth Form College. DJ received a community champion award for his efforts in setting up an organisation called Better Youth UK that aims to ensure that ‘every young person reaches their potential’.
And Esther Race, 18, from Sudbury, received a sustainability award for creating a podcast to inspire others to be more environmentally considerate. She also launched a campaign to provide free fruit for students which was approved by college bosses. On winning, Esther said: “It felt good to be recognised for my work around college. It is amazing.”
Esther is now off to do a course in environmental humanities at Exeter University.
The master of ceremonies was Tanya Verow – a performing arts lecturer at One Sixth Form College – and all winners received a trophy.
Music was performed by a choir made up of West Suffolk College Sixth Form performing arts students called Amado.
The food served in the historic cathedral gardens was provided by former West Suffolk College hospitality student Casper Smith. Who now runs his own successful business – Casper’s Catering and Cakes – follow on Facebook and Instagram.
