Achievements celebrated at Liberty College awards evening

Liberty College was proud to host its annual Awards and Celebration Evening on Friday 16 October 2026, bringing together learners, families, staff and special guests to recognise the achievements, progress and commitment demonstrated by learners throughout the year.

The evening provided an opportunity to celebrate not only academic success, but also personal growth, resilience, attendance, employability skills, creativity and the many accomplishments that make the Liberty College community so special.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Deputy Mayor of Margate, Cllr Martin Boyd, and Deputy Mayoress Liz Stone, who joined learners and staff in recognising the remarkable achievements of the college's young people.

Following the event, Cllr Boyd and Mrs Stone shared their praise for the college, commenting: "We were utterly amazed at the scope of subjects being offered to the learners at Liberty College, with health, safety, needs and comfort all addressed at every stage. Thank you so much for inviting us to your celebrations and making us so welcome. "

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came through an impromptu musical performance from learner Chelsea, who took to the stage to sing Home by Robert Grace. The performance captivated the audience and became a powerful reflection of the supportive environment that Liberty College strives to provide. During the song, Chelsea paused and addressed those in attendance, saying: "This place really has been like home to me. I've had such a bad experience in education and this is the first place that actually did feel like home."

Her heartfelt words drew an emotional response from learners, families and staff alike, highlighting the transformative impact of an educational environment where young people feel valued, understood and supported.

The evening was made even more special by the attendance of former learner Kyra, who returned to Liberty College 11 years after leaving. Her visit served as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact education can have and provided an inspiring opportunity for current learners to see how far previous students have progressed beyond their time at college.
Throughout the evening, awards were presented across a range of categories, recognising determination and achievement. Families and staff celebrated the hard work and dedication demonstrated by learners over the past year.

Michelle Rassekh-Smith, Director of Liberty College, said: "Our Awards and Celebration Evening is one of the highlights of the year. It provides an opportunity to recognise the incredible achievements of our learners and to celebrate the progress each individual has made on their unique journey. We are immensely proud of everything they have achieved and grateful to our dedicated staff, families and partners who support them every step of the way."

The event also showcased the strong sense of community that exists within Liberty College, with staff, learners and guests coming together to recognise success and look forward to future opportunities.

As the evening concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of pride in the achievements of Liberty College learners and the positive impact of an environment that supports every individual to thrive, grow and succeed. Chelsea's moving words and performance provided a fitting reminder of the college's mission: creating a place where learners feel safe, respected, empowered and, most importantly, at home.

Achievements celebrated at Liberty College awards evening – The Isle of Thanet News