UXBRIDGE COLLEGE students were honoured for their achievements with awards presented by former X Factor star Ashley John-Baptiste.

Ashley, who was part of the X Factor band The Risk and mentored by Tulisa Contostavlos, spoke about his life, performed an original song, and congratulated the students on their achievements.

Those collecting awards included overall winner Alice Groves, of Harefield, who received the Super Star prize, sponsored by Lloyds Bank Commercial.

Alice, who is 17, was recognised for reaching out to others, taking on additional projects, and becoming the face of both of her peers and the college as a whole. The media student, who also achieved solid distinctions, spent many hours working with students from other groups and years, playing a key role in helping them succeed. She took on many additional projects, helping student crews with their on-location films, filming music videos for the Red Deer Club record label, and heading the team that spent months creating promotional videos for the college.

Achievers of all ages celebrated with friends, family and staff at Uxbridge College’s Annual Awards Ceremony 2013 on September 19, at The Beck Theatre in Grange Road, Hayes.

The winners were chosen from among the 10,000 full-time and part-time students at the College, which has campuses Uxbridge and Hayes in west London.

Special guest Ashley talked about his career and presented the awards, as well as meeting students afterwards. Ashley, 23, grew up in foster families and spent time in a children’s home, but won a place at Cambridge University before entering the X factor. He became part of the tipped-to-win band The Risk, but then stepped down, saying he wanted to pursue a different path in life.

Principal of Uxbridge College, Laraine Smith OBE, said: “This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for us to honour the many successes of our students. Our award winners include those who’ve started with the most basic skills and made huge progress, students at all levels who’ve worked hard to do their absolute best, those who have had a significant impact on their community – and the employers and partners who have helped make all this possible.

“I offer my congratulations to all our award winners, and would like to say how much I value being part of their journey and all that they have achieved.”