The 31 year-old, described as a “truly outstanding student”, was picked from hundreds of nominees across the country to win the award.
He joined CRC to study mechanical engineering after being made redundant from the army, where he served for 12 years and saw active service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
During his two years at college he drove a lorry at night to support his wife and two young daughters, but still produced outstanding work and was involved in college life as a student governor and president of the students’ union.
The award presentations were held at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London. Nearly 1,000 nominations were received for the 19 award categories for this year’s awards, which were hosted by Radio 1 presenter Gemma Cairney.
Ahead of the ceremony, the winners, their family, friends and nominators attended a Parliamentary reception in the House of Commons.
Rod Bristow, President of Pearson in the UK, said: “This year’s judges were impressed by the quality and number of nominations we received but Leigh really stood out as a truly exceptional student and deserves a huge congratulations”.
Leigh said it was a huge honour to win the award. “Deciding to train for a new career after I left the Army was a big step but Cambridge Regional College supported me all the way,” he said. “It is fantastic to be leaving with a great qualification, a new job and a new future for my family. I’d like to say a big thank you to the tutors of CRC who have given me this opportunity, my wife for always being my rock and Naomi for nominating me and believing I could win this award.”
Image: Adult Learner of the Year Leigh Sessions with Radio 1's Gemma Cairney
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