A TRAFFORD College scholar, Brittany Peacock, reached the finals of a prestigious national competition that celebrates the outstanding achievements of students.

Brittany, from Sale, was highly commended recipient in the 16 to 18 category at the Association of College’s Student of the Year Awards.

The eighteen-year-old was thrilled to attend the ‘Celebration of Student Success Reception’ in the House of Commons.

Brittany, who is a triple distinction business and enterprise student, career ready graduate, charity ambassador, and former Student Governor and HE award winner, impressed judges with her remarkable achievements and dedication throughout her study programme.

In addition to attending her timetabled classes, Brittany attended master classes, employer visits and mentor sessions, and often motivated other students to attend also.

Brittany also dedicated her spare time to arranging networking events to raise awareness of a student company she decided to establish with the help of her fellow students. The Smiling Gift Company was formed to improve the lives of children living in poverty across Greater Manchester.

Representing the only Further Education College at this year’s Start-Up Company of the Year awards, Brittany led a team to victory and went head to head with some of the North West’s most talented students to be crowned North West Student of the Year 2016.

After a gap year, which has seen her join Harrington Brooks and receive a promotion only a few months into her employment, Brittany will continue her studies at Chester University where she plans to study BA Business Management.

Her tutor, Pierina Bowyer, who was present at the awards on December 6, said:“Brittany should be incredibly proud of her achievements.

"She has graduated her programme, been recognised at the highest level in one of the most gruelling student competitions in the country and has now been recognised on a national level."

Altrincham businesswoman and entrepreneur, Dr Jackie Campbell, said of Brittainy: “Having a big idea is one thing, but having the motivation to transform it into reality is another. From meeting Brittany and hearing her presentations, you can tell that she is going to excel in whatever field she chooses to pursue.”

Brittany said: “The Association of Colleges celebration was a brilliant way to celebrate all the hard work of all the winning recipients.

"I am extremely happy to have received the highly commended award and I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the House of Commons. It was an experience I’ll never forget.”