WINNER :
NIAMH BAGE
2024
STUDENT OF THE YEAR
WINNER :
NIAMH BAGE
( QUEEN ELIZABETH SIXTH FORM COLLEGE )
She ’ s a young carer who ’ s shown academic excellence – and now Niamh Bage is the Tees Businesswomen Awards ’ Student of the Year .
Seventeen-year-old Niamh is studying English literature , sociology and media studies at Darlington ’ s Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College – but she has more to think about than just getting her academic work done on time .
She has considerable caring duties at home too – but she does it all with grace , compassion and an upbeat attitude .
And thanks to that winning combination , she was selected to win the Student of the Year category , sponsored by The Edwin Group , ahead of four other superb finalists .
Admitting she was “ shocked but incredibly grateful ” to win the award , Niamh explained : “ My sister has global development delay , which was brought about by epilepsy she had when she was born , so she can ’ t care for herself .
“ Both my parents have very full-on jobs so it ’ s fallen to me and my other sibling to care for her as well and help how we could .
“ It was definitely a challenge growing up – I didn ’ t know many other people going through that .
“ It was rewarding being able to help her but quite isolating at times because I didn ’ t feel I had anywhere to turn or anyone to talk to my age who was going through the same thing .”
Niamh admits she struggled with anxiety during her GCSE years – but it still didn ’ t stop her from achieving nine GCSEs , all of which were top grades 7 , 8 or 9 .
Now she ’ s at college studying subjects she really wanted to pursue – but thanks to her own life story , there ’ s a career path she ’ s seriously considering .
Niamh : “ I would like to go into psychology because of my personal experience with it .”
Alyssa Agaimwonyi
( Middlesbrough College )
Alyssa demonstrates an exceptional attitude , resilience and work ethic , all of which position her to become an excellent doctor . A first class student leader , she is also widely recognised for her kindness , compassion and dedication – and away from the classroom , she advocates for social justice and causes such as poverty in Teesside .
Sponsored by Still Human , part of The Edwin Group
Winner – Niamh Bage , representing Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College , is handed the Student of the Year award by Julie Liddell , MD of Still Human , part of The Edwin Group .
FINALIST : FINALIST :
FINALIST : FINALIST :
Ellie MacArthur ( Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College )
Academically capable , socially conscious , hard-working and kind , Ellie takes a personal satisfaction in all aspects of her work across all of her subjects and is eyeing a career in law . Outside of college , she participates in the community , having volunteered and worked in many different roles , including as a fire cadet , a police cadet and a lifeguard .
Daisy Riches
( Dyke House Secondary School )
Diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of nine , Daisy has faced her challenges with extraordinary positivity . At 14 , Daisy underwent a gruelling 10-hour operation to correct scoliosis , yet her incredible attitude never wavered . Now aged 15 , she continues to astound everyone with her academic prowess and insatiable passion for learning .
Lauren Taylor
( Middlesbrough College )
Lauren has demonstrated exceptional academic prowess – and inspirational courage in battling cancer . She ’ s studying an L3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sports and Exercise Sciences , achieving a distinction grade profile in her first year . And despite her health challenges , she continues to excel in her studies .
A WORD FROM THE SPONSOR
Julie Liddell , MD of Still Human – part of the Edwin Group As a group , we provide education services and are passionate about young people . To be asked to sponsor the Student of the Year category was a real honour . The calibre of candidates was outstanding – such talented , dedicated , inspirational young women – what ’ s not to celebrate ? They ’ re absolutely brilliant – and we ’ re really proud to be part of it .