Paige Kendall, a talented student from Leicester College won the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy’s ‘Level 3 Student of the Year’ award during a London ceremony last week (5th July 2017).

Nineteen-year-old Paige was presented a trophy and prize by Peter Jones CBE in front of her friends and family, as well as hundreds of students from colleges across the country, who all came together for the prestigious Peter Jones Enterprise Academy annual graduation. Hundreds of students collected scrolls from Peter Jones on stage and Paige was one of a select few to win an award.

Paige was studying the Level 3 BTEC in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, when she was nominated by college staff. Paige fought off competition from several other colleges and was chosen for the honour due to her commitment to the course and for the transformation that she has made.

Paige said: “When I started the course I was shy and didn’t have a lot of confidence. With the support of the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy and college staff I started to realise my potential. I’m now able to speak confidently to different people and I’m feeling excited about my future!”

Paige has an exceptional attendance record, always submits work on time and is being positive and passionate in her approach.

Paige’s tutor Julie Newitt said: “Over the two years Paige’s commitment to the course has been excellent, she has really understood the importance of how learning takes place and the hands-on experience that the course has offered her. Paige epitomises all that we seek to do in the Academy, to take an ordinary shy young person and give them the skills and attributes such that they impact their peers, employees and business mentors.”

Peter Jones Foundation CEO Jonny Sobczyk, said: “Paige is a great example of the impact we have at the Academy and she has come such a long way. I’m very impressed by her work ethic and I’m sure she will go far.”

The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, run by the Peter Jones Foundation, is a nationwide network of colleges that deliver specialist courses in enterprise and entrepreneurship. Students are encouraged to set up their own businesses, from which they gain real-life experience of running their very own company.

Jonny Sobczyk continued: “I’m proud of all of the students that graduated this year and have every faith that they will go on to do remarkable things. The day was a fantastic celebration of their achievements during their time with us.”

During the ceremony, the students received a royal visit from HRH The Duke of York, KG, Patron of the Peter Jones Foundation, as well as video messages of congratulations from various celebrities, including James Corden, Jack Whitehall, Holly Willoughby and Michael McIntyre.

Image credit: CPG PHOTOGRAPHY