Leicester College’s Peter Jones Enterprise Academy was in high spirits yesterday after winning Level 2 Student of the Year, and Enterprise Tutor of the Year Awards at the 2014 Peter Jones Enterprise Academy Graduation on Thursday 17 July 2014.

Jennifer Swann from Leicester College achieved a distinction in her Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.

The Awards, hosted at Freemason’s Hall in London’s Covent Garden, was the official end of year graduation for all 25 national Peter Jones Enterprise Academies.

Leicester College learner, Jennifer Swann, won the Level 2 Student of the Year; with her tutor Julie Newitt winning The Enterprise Tutor of the Year award. Both winners, who were surrounded by their colleagues and fellow Leicester College learners, were delighted and surprised to discover that they had won.

Jennifer, who achieved a distinction in her Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, was nominated by her tutor Julie Newitt. Julie commended Jennifer on her support of other learners, and her determination to start-up her own business.

Jennifer said of winning ‘It was a complete surprise, I just didn’t expect to win. It has made me incredibly happy and I am now looking forward to commencing my level 3 study at the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy.’

Julie Newitt was equally delighted with being awarded Enterprise Tutor of the Year. Nominated for the award by her learners, they shared her delight when she was announced as the winner, with the entire academy leaping to their feet and cheering Julie.

Julie commented ‘It is a privilege to win this award, especially one where it is my learners who have nominated me. They are the reason I teach, why I do the job I do, and it simply makes winning this award even more special.’

Academy learner, Shabhaz Bhim, was also one of only six shortlisted for the Entrepreneur of the Year. A decision which was also announced at yesterday’s awards. Although disappointed not to win the award, Shabhaz was proud to have been selected and had the opportunity to pitch directly to Peter Jones.

Curriculum Area Manager for Business and Computing, Yvette Sexton was ecstatic to hear the news, and said: ‘The Peter Jones Academy at Leicester College has an excellent reputation, nurturing award winning Entrepreneurial learners. This has been yet another exceptional year for the Academy and we are proud of all of our learners, especially Jennifer, Julie and Shabhaz.”

Julie Newitt winning The Enterprise Tutor of the Year award