Teary Eyes and celebrations as Haywards Heath College celebrate its Stars of 2026  

It was celebrations all round as Haywards Heath College held its annual Star Awards in celebration of hard work and dedication this past year.

The evening saw 28 awards given out during the evening, with a host of friends, family and teachers there to applaud each student.  

The evening also featured a selection of student showcases, which illustrated the wide variety of talent present throughout the college.  

One of these was a video of the recent ‘SEAMLESS’ Catwalk show, which showcased some original garments designed by a collection of the college’s talented Textiles students.  

Then it was time for Daisy-Kay Cooper, who delivered an inspiring rendition of ‘Don’t Rain on My Parade’, from the musical Funny Girl.  

This was followed by a short Q&A session with students Emma Regan and Freddie Hull, as they were joined by Vice Principal Ben Frier to reflect on the range of STEM Enrichment experiences they have had during their time at the college.  

The night came to a fitting close with the awarding of our Brightest Star Award, which went to Olivia Bell, with her also received our Sport & PE Star Award.  

After receiving their award, she said:  
“I didn’t really want to stand back up on the stage again, but it was very nice, and it’s a nice reward to sort of get at the end of the two years at college and show the hard work that I’ve put into the work that I’ve done.  

“I didn’t even know that I was going to get the sports award. I wasn’t expecting that email to come through, so to get the Brightest Star Award was a big surprise.  

Olivia has been part of the college’s women’s football academy team for the past two years. When asked about her favourite memory from her time at college, she added:  

“My favourite moment has to be the ski trip, which I’ve been on for the last two years, and it’s been a great experience to be able to go both years with people I know throughout the college.  

“To spend a week with their friends skiing down mountains, doing evening activities together, is just great. And I would always say to everyone, if you’ve got the chance to go on the ski trip, because it gives you memories for life.  

Matthew Vaughan, Principal of Haywards Heath College, added:  
“This event truly is the premier event of our academic year, and it brings together our entire college community to celebrate those students who truly make our college unique. They truly are the stars of 2026.  

“These awards are also a reminder of just how special all of our students and staff across the college are.  

“Every single one of them represents the college with distinction in both their academic achievements, as well as their kindness, curiosity and willingness to support each other.”  

A massive thank you to our sponsors on the evening:  
Haywards Heath College Student Union, Oakhall Veterinary Group, Sussex Housing & Care, PARK Cameras, Burgess Hill Town Football Club, Fairfax, 1st Central, Depot, Tisshaws Family Law Solicitors, Wood and Wild, Growth Animals, Equity, Cool 4 School, and Popup Party Hire  

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