Local student scoops big award in House of Lords ceremony

York College student Sharron Drury, and former York College student Sarah Cluff, were presented with highly sought after Helena Kennedy Foundation awards in a ceremony at the House of Lords. They received awards from human rights lawyer and peer Baroness Helena Kennedy QC in recognition of their achievements in reaching higher education.

The Helena Kennedy Foundation supports students who face serious disadvantage, studying at Further Education colleges, to access higher education through bursaries, mentoring and work placements to support their ongoing success in education. Sharron and Sarah will receive a £1500 bursary to support their costs while studying at university and have access to mentoring and work shadowing opportunities.

Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, President of the Foundation, said: “I am delighted to have presented both Sharron and Sarah with awards in recognition of their huge achievements in reaching university against the odds. Each student who receives an award has been selected because they are special and have shown real talent and determination.”

Wes Streeting, Chief Executive of the Helena Kennedy Foundation, said: “Making the leap from college to university can be a big step and we know there are so many talented people out there who have the ability to succeed in higher education, but still miss out on the opportunity. Our Foundation works with colleges across the UK to support students to overcome real disadvantage to ensure that the doors of our universities are genuinely open to all with the ability. York College should be justifiably proud of the talented students they have produced and we look forward to working with Sharron and Sarah to help them get the most out of studying at university.”

Said Sharron Drury: “Being presented with the Helena Kennedy award at the House of Lords ceremony was really great. I feel proud to have been selected for the award and I hope my success will inspire other students. I am currently studying a Foundation Degree in Community and Public Services at York College and in the future I hope to work in care management, helping people with learning difficulties.”

Sarah Cluff, a former Art Foundation diploma student at York College, is now studying Fine Art (painting and drawing) at Swansea Metropolitan University.

York College tutor, Sue Christie commented: “Every year, in every FE institution, there are adult students who overcome many challenging obstacles to attend and achieve their goals. These two students, through their determination and tenacity, have obtained their places in Higher Education and fully deserved to be nominated, and receive, this bursary."