RNN Group Celebrates Students with Special Award
The Jenny Worsdale Award has been awarded to three students across the RNN Group who have transformed their lives whilst being at college despite barriers in their way.
The RNN Group, (made up of Rotherham College, North Notts College, Dearne Valley College and University Centre Rotherham), has celebrated a former inspiring RNN Group Governor by launching the Jenny Worsdale Award in RNN Group’s 10th Anniversary Year and awarding three students (one from each College) with a tropy, certificate and prize money to mark this award.
Jenny Worsdale a former chair who passed away in recent times, believed that education could and does transform lives and believed that further education plays a pivotal role in this. Her whole career in education had been working in disadvantaged communities. She said she was privileged to see such transformations first hand. She knew the barriers and challenges faced by many learners, socio-economic factors, low aspirations and lack of engagement with pre-16 education. She also recognised the opportunities available locally and regionally when people can be supported to overcome the barriers and grow in confidence.
Hope Staniforth at Dearne Valley College, Matthew Daggett-Hall at North Notts College and Kam Law at Rotherham College are the winners of the 2026 awards.
Kam Law from Rotherham College
Matthew Daggett-Hall from North Notts College
Matthew at North Notts said,
“Coming here has been the best thing that’s happened to me. I’ve gone from being at home and not doing anything to achieving things I never thought possible. Winning this award is amazing.”
Matthew’s lecturer Daryl said:
“Since joining the Plumbing department from Project-Based, Matthew has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to his studies. He has shown a consistent drive to master both the practical and theoretical elements of the course, and his progress has been remarkable. Matthew is currently among the top five students in his cohort to have completed all practical assessments, allowing him to advance ahead of schedule to level 2 work. His academic performance is equally impressive, having passed his first eight theory exams with high marks.
Beyond his technical skills, Matthew’s personal growth has been a highlight since being with us. Despite struggling with significant anxiety, his confidence has grown immensely. He is punctual, his attendance has improved tremendously since the start, and he is a true pleasure to teach.
I am incredibly proud of his achievements. Transitioning from a specialised programme like Project-Based into a technical trade can be a massive hurdle, especially when dealing with anxiety. Seeing him not just cope, but thrive and move ahead of his peers, is a testament to his hard work.”
Hope Staniforth from Dearne Valley College
Hope’s tutors and mentors have witnessed her remarkable growth since the beginning of her educational journey. The impact Hope has made on the College community is best expressed by the educators who have walked alongside her journey:
“It has been a pleasure to work with Hope in her role as Student Ambassador. Hope has provided outstanding information, advice and guidance to visitors, applicants and parents at College events and tours.”
Hope also supported me to deliver numerous sessions in Primary schools. Her knowledge about not only the Animal Care and Land-based department and industry, but also the College itself was delivered in an informative, approachable, and professional manner.”
Hanna Wright, School Liaison and Events Team Leader said,
“I am so pleased that Hope applied for the Student Ambassador role as she has not only increased my knowledge about the syllabus, but I know that she has inspired so many others by delivering in such an understandable way.”
Emma Stevens, Animal Care and Land-Based Lecturer said,
“Hope was very shy and timid when she first started with us on the BTEC; she was quite isolated and wouldn’t talk to many other learners, and she was quiet and lacked confidence. She has since developed her confidence, and she has made loads of friends on the course. If she is unsure of things, she will ask now, and she even got an interview and got a job on the Animal Care unit as an Animal Care technician!”