United Colleges Group (UCG) is celebrating the outstanding achievement of Student Union President Beheshta Bakhtari, who has been named one of just 14 finalists nationally in the Association of Colleges Student of the Year Awards.
Beheshta’s recognition in the Adult Student of the Year (19+) Award category, is particularly significant, as she is the only finalist from a further education college in London in this year’s awards. Beheshta, who is studying the Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business at City of Westminster College, has been recognised for her exceptional student leadership and the significant impact she has made across the college and wider Westminster community.
As Student Union President, Beheshta has transformed the Student Union into a highly active, student-led organisation focused on creating opportunities, strengthening communities and ensuring students have a strong voice within their college. Beheshta has led initiatives spanning entrepreneurship, employability, sustainability, wellbeing and civic engagement. Under her leadership, the Student Union has delivered major events including Cultural Day, the Chinese New Year Festival and Enterprise Week, while supporting 25 student entrepreneurs and engaging more than 1,500 students across 12 events.
Beheshta has also developed partnerships with local authorities, charities, businesses and higher education institutions to expand opportunities for students. Most recently, she helped coordinate the Westminster Citizens Assembly, securing commitments from organisations including Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, King’s College London and ZSL London Zoo to provide work experience, progression support and opportunities for future collaboration.
Alongside her work in student leadership, Beheshta has championed environmental initiatives, including community gardens, and supported fundraising activities focused on women’s self-defence classes, first aid training and student wellbeing programmes. Her leadership demonstrates how student voice can drive meaningful change, creating a more connected and supportive college community while strengthening links between students and organisations across Westminster.
Commenting on being named a finalist, Beheshta said: “Being named a finalist for the AoC Adult Student of the Year Award is honestly one of the proudest moments of my journey so far. When I became Student Union President, I wanted to prove that student leadership could genuinely change how a college feels from the inside, more connected, more supported, better able to access opportunities. Seeing that work recognised on a national stage means everything, and it’s pushed me to keep going, not just for the role, but for what I want to build in my future career.”
Beheshta’s latest recognition follows a series of achievements celebrating her leadership and commitment to student empowerment. She was recently recognised at our very own City of Westminster College Student Awards, receiving the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award, and was highly commended at this year’s West London Business Awards.
The winners of the AoC Student of the Year Awards will be announced in November.
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
