Prime Highlights
- Wiltshire College & University Centre has introduced the PACE Awards to recognise student effort, resilience and engagement across all its campuses.
- The initiative focuses on celebrating personal growth and commitment, showing that success is measured by progress, not just grades.
Key Facts
- The PACE Awards were launched this term and will be presented to students on a quarterly basis.
- The awards recognise achievements such as improved attendance, active participation in learning, skills development and increased confidence.
Background:
Wiltshire College & University Centre has introduced a new awards programme to recognise student effort and progress across its campuses. Launched this term, the PACE Awards celebrate students’ commitment, resilience and personal growth across all courses.
Presented every quarter, the awards highlight a wide range of achievements, including regular attendance, active participation in lessons, development of skills, and noticeable improvements in confidence or behaviour. College leaders say the initiative reflects a more inclusive approach to student success, moving beyond traditional measures such as grades alone.
Ceri Baker, Executive Director at the college’s Trowbridge campus, said the PACE Awards were created to highlight the different ways students grow during their time at college. She explained that achievement looks different for every learner and that recognising effort, resilience and commitment is just as important as celebrating outcomes. According to Baker, ending the term by acknowledging students in this way reinforces the message that every student’s journey is valued.
One of the students recognised this term was Amber Cowley, 17, from Chippenham, who is studying Beauty Therapy at the college’s Chippenham campus. Amber received the award in recognition of her steady progress, growing confidence and positive attitude towards learning.
Amber said she was honoured to receive the award and described it as a big motivation. She said the recognition helped her see how much progress she has made and encouraged her to keep working towards her personal and academic goals. Amber added that the award has increased her determination to follow her future career plans with a positive attitude.
Amber was nominated by staff for demonstrating consistent improvement in her practical skills, strong attendance and a proactive approach to feedback. She was also praised for her active participation in lessons and work experience within the college’s training salons.
The PACE Awards form part of Wiltshire College & University Centre’s wider commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. The framework encourages staff to recognise students who may be balancing additional responsibilities or personal challenges alongside their studies. By broadening the definition of success, the college hopes to inspire positive learning habits, strengthen student-staff relationships and ensure learners feel supported as they move into the next term.
