TWO students from Bournemouth have won awards at United Learning’s Best in Everyone Awards 2021 for their commitments towards their studies during the pandemic.

Each year the awards celebrate the impressive achievements of students, staff and teams in across the 93 schools under the United Learning umbrella organisation.

Anas Benmoussa, a year 11 student at Avonbourne Boys’ Academy won the Business Award for the enthusiasm and commitment he shows to the subject.

Anas goes far beyond what is expected of him in the classroom, seeking further opportunities with key partners in the field, including taking part in a virtual work experience with construction and engineering company Sir Robert McAlpine.

On receiving his award, Anas said: “Hard work and determination is truly what has got me this far.

“Thanks to the support I have received from my peers and teachers, I have been able to see that there is always success after hardship, as long as you don’t give up.

“I would like to thank everyone at Avonbourne Academy for the invaluable experience I have been given.”

Taking home the academy’s second award was Isabel Pretty, who won the Young Hero of the Year Award for students in years 10 to 13.

As a young carer to her father and late mother, Year 11 student Isabel received the award for her strength, resilience and determination over the past year.

In the face of incredible adversity, Isabel remained committed to her learning and, according to staff at the school, is always kind and respectful to the people around her.

In picking up these awards, the winners saw off strong competition from a range of exceptional nominees across the country, with 400 nominations being submitted in total.

To commemorate their outstanding achievement, the winners are each set to receive a glass award which will be posted to their school in the coming weeks.

Stuart Ingram, Executive Principal at Avonbourne Boys’ and Girls’ Academies, said: “Anas’s ambition and drive to succeed is infectious.

“He is always looking to go above and beyond and achieve his very best. I am sure he has a long and successful career ahead of him.

“I am constantly amazed at Isabel’s compassion, dedication and strong work ethic.

“Despite having to contend with a number of difficult challenges, she always comes to school ready to learn and make a full contribution to our school community. I am thrilled that she has been recognised in this way.”