Totton College Registrar scoops national STAR Award

Totton College is well known for excellent exam results, outstanding teaching and brilliant facilities. Behind the scenes many dedicated people are working hard to ensure that this commitment to excellence is maintained. At last one of these unsung heroes has been singled out for recognition by the Department for Education and Skills.

At the first Star awards ceremony in London in the presence of the Secretary of State for Education and the Minister for Further Education, Alex Richards, College Registrar since 1998 was awarded the Star award for outstanding achievement in the Support Staff category. He was selected from more than 1,600 nominations to be one of thirteen winners presented with the top prize of £1,000, a trophy and a certificate at the STAR Awards Ceremony. Totton College also received a framed certificate showing that they employ a STAR Award winner.

All winners were nominated by their students, colleagues or managers and come from workplaces such as further education and sixth form colleges, community-based providers, prisons, work-based learning providers and employers, adult education services and UK online centres. The STAR Awards Judging Panel chose winners who had made a difference to the lives of learners with their willingness to exceed expectations and enrich the learning experience.

Mark Bramwell, College Principal, was delighted and said. 'This was a truly major personal achievement on a prestigious evening. Alex was quick to recognise his colleagues who are also enthusiastic and determined to continue to improve our service to students and the wider community. We aim at being the best and this award is further evidence that we are on track.'

Alex Richards commented 'I was overwhelmed to learn that I'd won. Given the huge number of staff doing a wonderful job at Totton College and elsewhere in further education, it is a tremendous honour to have been chosen for this accolade. I'm very lucky to be working with a fantastic team of people doing a job that I really enjoy.'