The Student of the Year award celebrates the achievements and successes of exceptional students who stand out from the crowd.

Former Harlow College Business student, Nishall Garala, was runner up in the recent awards, where the achievements of students from up and down the country were celebrated on Monday 8 February at a lavish Reception at the Parliament, hosted by Peter Kyle MP, the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Further Education and Lifelong Learning.

What makes Nishall’s personal achievement both remarkable and outstanding is that he achieved a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business for which he was awarded the highest possible result – triple starred Distinctions, whilst also expending a great deal of time taking an active role in the Harlow College community.

As well as his course and work placement at Simmtronic Lighting Controls, Nishall was a Student Ambassador, Student Governor and an E-Learning Mentor. He is also dedicated to Harlow and its residents and institutions and shows tireless commitment and outstanding service by working as a volunteer with over 20 organisations.

Nishall said of his award: “The AoC Student Reception was a fantastic event. It was great to see so many Members of Parliament, Lords and Baronesses during the reception who support student success and really understand the value of education at colleges.”

Karen Spencer, Principal of Harlow College, said: “We are very proud of Harlow College student Nishall who won a national award out of 750,000 potential young people studying in colleges across England. What’s special about Nishall is his dedication to Harlow as well as the College. It is great to see this recognised by the Government and MPs.”

The photograph shows the winners and highly commended recipients of the Student of the Year award with Peter Kyle MP. Nishall is 2^nd from the right.