Crawley and Brinsbury Colleges shine at 2024 Star Awards  

Crawley College staff and students gathered to celebrate inspiring accomplishments and dedication at its STAR Awards ceremony last week.  

The event, held in collaboration with Brinsbury College, saw 28 students and staff honoured with awards at the “Stars of 2024” evening on Wednesday, November 6. 

The colleges celebrated the dedication, perseverance, and achievements of people from various subjects, honouring their hard work and determination over the past academic year.  

Performances from Crawley College’s Performing Arts and Theatre Inc. students added energy and excitement to the ceremony, which included ‘High School Hop’ and ‘Greased Lightning’, from the play Grease, and All That Jazz from the play Chicago.  

The evening concluded with the presentation of the college’s prestigious Brightest Star award, given to Thomas Grimwood, a level 1 music, performing & production Arts student. He said: “When the speech was happening, I noticed there were similar things mentioned to when I got the first Star award and thought it may be me. When it was announced I was delighted, surprised and over the moon!  

“Crawley is a very lovely college. It is the right place for me because I don’t think a sixth form would have worked for me. My course is absolutely amazing; I do what I love in college. I’m really enjoying it.  

“As I’ve recently turned 18, I have lots of options, there are some university courses I can now do. I really want to do something in the performing arts industry, as that’s my dream.”  

The ceremony was hosted by Crawley College’s Acting Principal, Dean Wynter, and Acting Vice Principal Jo Folwell, alongside Brinsbury College’s Acting Vice Principal, Alison Bell.   

They were also joined for the Brightest Star award by Vicki Illingworth, Deputy CEO and Executive Principal of the Chichester College Group.    

Dean said: “The Star Awards are a testament to the dedication and talent within our college community. It’s truly inspiring to see our students and staff recognized for their hard work, creativity, and resilience.   

“Celebrating these achievements reminds us of the incredible potential in each of them, and we’re so proud of all they’ve accomplished this year.”