FE students celebrated at inaugural recognition lunch | News

January 2026

Three-course congratulations for college students at inaugural Recognition Lunch

By Darren Campbell

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They often say there’s ‘no such thing as a free lunch’, but that’s exactly what a group of further education students were treated to at University College Birmingham this month as part of a new scheme celebrating student success.

Six students were invited to join FE Principal Rosa Wells for the College’s first-ever Student Recognition Lunch at our award-winning Restaurant at Birmingham College of Food on Friday 16 January.

The event was part of a new scheme which will see heads of department nominate students each academic term to enjoy a three-course lunch in celebration of their achievements on their individual student journeys, recognising key academic and personal values including effort, commitment, resilience, teamwork and other successes.

"This recognition is a wonderful reminder of their hard work, determination, and the positive impact they make in our college community"

Professor Rosa Wells FE Principal

Among those invited to join this month’s inaugural lunch were Sport and Exercise Science Level 3 student Elizabeth Snowdon, who represented and captained the England U22 Women’s team which finished third at the Indoor Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka last autumn.

Also nominated was Engineering Level 3 student Sophie Groove, recognised for her 100% pass rate and exceptional grades, as well as Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction T-level student Thomas Rasin for his academic strengths and personal achievements as a Student Representative.

Joining them were Jacob Anderson (Professional Cookery Level 3), Esa Butt (Plumbing Level 2) and Summerlea Watts (GCSE English/CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning), who were each nominated for overcoming personal challenges and demonstrating commitment and dedication to their studies.

Student Recognition Lunch (Jan 2026): Congratulations to our students

Jacob Anderson - Professional Cookery Level 3

Esa Butt - Plumbing Level 2

Sophie Groove - Engineering Level 3

Thomas Rasin - Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction T-level

Elizabeth Snowdon - Sport and Exercise Science Level 3

Summerlea Watts - GCSE English/CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning

In recognition of all their achievements, the students were welcomed by principal Rosa for a three-course meal at the College’s celebrated training restaurant on campus, with the desserts proving especially popular among the group!

Rosa Wells, FE Principal at University College Birmingham, said: “I am incredibly proud of our students and everything they have achieved.

“This recognition is a wonderful reminder of their hard work, determination, and the positive impact they make in our college community. It’s a true privilege to see their efforts recognised and to share this moment with them.”

Discover our range of college courses at University College Birmingham here.