Southern Regional College (SRC) staff and students alike were honoured at the Further Education Excellence Awards in Cookstown on Thursday 4 June 2026. The event saw Northern Ireland's six further education colleges come together to recognise and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of students and staff who have made a significant contribution to further education across a wide range of categories.
Now in its second year, the evening saw almost 50 students across Northern Ireland recognised at the awards ceremony at the Glenavon Hotel, with award categories reflecting the wide spectrum of learning levels and pathways available across the further education sector, from introductory and supported learning to apprenticeships, higher education and lifelong learning.
SRC award winners included Jack Walker and Leah McBride in the Entry Level Study category, Beauty Therapy student Ayda Murray for Excellence in a Traineeship Programme, Media student Emily Bagnall for Advanced Learning, and Electrotechnical apprentice Jonathan Gough for Excellence in Apprenticeship Training and who is currently preparing to represent Northern Ireland and the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
Engineering student Ross Graham received the Higher Level Apprenticeship Award, while Sport and Exercise Honours Degree student Shana Murphy was recognised for Excellence in Higher Education.
The Lifelong Learning Award was presented to Lynn Rees for his achievements on the CIPD Level 7 in Strategic People Management, reflecting the breadth of talent, ambition and achievement across the College community.
Among staff members honoured at the awards were Una Fitzpatrick for her exceptional lifetime contribution to Further Education. Una is an Associate Lecturer in Hairdressing at SRC’s Newry campus where she has taught for 40 years.
Also honoured for his lifetime contribution but unable to attend the event was Technician Demonstrator Stephen McDowell who has dedicated 41 years of service to the College. Stephen is based at the College’s Banbridge campus.
Further Education College student Kate Grant, welcomed guests on the evening. A model and advocate from Cookstown, Kate made history in 2018 by becoming the first model with Down’s syndrome to win an international beauty title. She has since continued to be a transformative force in the fashion industry and a role model across further education.
The ceremony was also opened by Director of Further Education at the Department for the Economy, Janis Scallon, who gave an address.
Janis Scallon, Director of Further Education, DfE, said:
“Our further education sector plays a vital role in our economic and social progress. Through strong partnerships with industry and across government, colleges equip people with the skills to succeed, support business growth, and contribute to a more inclusive, productive and regionally balanced economy.
“The sector continues to deliver strong outcomes in a challenging financial context, demonstrating strong value for money while responding to increasing demand.
“The Further Education Awards are an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our colleges and those who contribute to their success. At a time when skills have never been more important, it is right that we acknowledge this contribution and maintain our shared ambition to go further - improving outcomes, widening opportunity, and ensuring the sector remains central to our local economy.”
Lee Campbell Principal at Southern Regional College said:
“I am delighted to see our students recognised at these awards. From apprentices excelling on the national and international stage to learners achieving outstanding success in their chosen fields, their achievements reflect the talent, ambition and determination that exists across Southern Regional College. We are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished and look forward to seeing what they achieve in the future.”
"It is a privilege to also recognise our colleagues Una and Stephen for their lifetime contribution to further education. Throughout their careers, they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our learners and the values that underpin Southern Regional College. Their dedication, professionalism, and passion have positively impacted countless lives, leaving a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the classroom”.
