An outstanding student who is now starting her next journey at the University of Oxford has been shortlisted for a national award following her time at Nelson and Colne College.
Lotte Gleeson, from Colne, is just one of three students across the country to be shortlisted for the Association of College’s Student of the Year Awards in the competitive 16 to 18 category.
The 18-year-old, who gained A*A*A*A in her Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics A Levels, impressed judges with her determination throughout her studies, having suffered with mental health for several years, while at secondary school. Lotte now hopes her story will inspire others to always have confidence in their aspirations.
Lotte, who hopes to pursue a career in Physics research and development, said: “I was both surprised and delighted to hear I was a finalist since I know that so many great students are nominated.
“I’m grateful to NCC for not only nominating me for this award in the first place, but also for enabling me to fulfil my potential by gaining a place to study Physics at Oxford University. This belief that others have had in me always pushed me to work hard and I will aim to make those who supported me proud. I hope this awards ceremony will be the start of the excitement to come in the next few years!”
To get into the University of Oxford, Lotte taught herself most of the A2 Physics syllabus in her first College year, with 1:1 support from NCC staff. As well as thriving academically, Lotte has also made the most of additional enrichment opportunities and secured her own volunteering work, to stand her in good stead for her future. She has also recently been named the winner of the Achievement in Academia Award at the Burnley and Pendle Youth Achievement Awards.
AoC President Ian Ashman said: “This year’s nominations for the Student of the Year Awards were of an exceptionally high standard and it is both humbling and heart-warming to see the impact that further education has on the lives of so many of its students.
“Lotte’s determination, spirit and motivation are truly inspiring and make her a worthy contender for this national award.”
The AoC Student of the Year Awards were launched in 2007 and aim to highlight outstanding student achievement, often in adversity, and celebrate the amazing success stories so common to the sector. The finalists this year are:
16 to 18-years-old
- Edward Andrews, 18, Truro and Penwith College (BTEC Extended Diploma Health and Social Care)
- Jack Whitmore, 18, City College Brighton and Hove (Extended Diploma in Sport)
- Lotte Gleeson, 18, Nelson and Colne College (A Levels)
19-years-old and over
- Michal Kolanski, 21, Craven College (L3 Extended Diploma Public Services)
- Louis Rolfe, 19, Cambridge Regional College (L3 Extended Diploma in Sport Studies)
- Jessica Sibthorpe, 21, Farnborough College of Technology (BSc media production)
Apprentice
- Zac Challinor, 28, Salford City College (Adv App Supporting Teaching and Learning)
- Cheryl Govey, 47, City College Brighton and Hove (Construction)
- Bronwyn Tyson, 22, Yeovil Tertiary College (Adv App Electical and Electronic Engineering)
This year Nelson and Colne College celebrated a 99.9% pass rate in A Levels, with more than half of A Level exam entries gaining A* to B grades. Many students, including Lotte, also celebrated gaining places at top Universities across the country, including the University of Cambridge, the University of Manchester and Newcastle University.
For more information about courses at Nelson and Colne College visit www.nelson.ac.uk or contact 01282 440272. To hear more from Lotte you can see her sharing her NCC story by visiting the Nelson and Colne College YouTube channel.
