NEW College Durham is celebrating after being shortlisted for tutor and student of the year in a national accountancy training award.

The college is the only provider in the region to have made the shortlist of the AAT Training Provider Awards 2020, with AAT lecturer, Carol Smith, shortlisted for the tutor of the year award.

Head of School Steven Bell said: "Since joining the College in 2017, Carol has demonstrated professionalism and dedication.

"Her passion for education, AAT and her students has seen success rates, achievement levels and recruitment all rise significantly.

"Carol has over 130 students and knows them all, not just by name, but by their circumstances, their progress, what motivates them and their strengths and weaknesses. She works tirelessly for her students and does it all with a smile on her face."

Carol said: "I am delighted and honoured to have been shortlisted for AAT Tutor of the Year for the second year running."

Devonne Burn was shortlisted in the student of the year category. While studying AAT at the college, Devonne completed a Level 4 Business Administration qualification and a customer service qualification, all while working full time as an accounts manager at CCL Office Ltd. She achieved a distinction on both the Foundation Certificate in Accounting and the Advanced Diploma in Accounting, scoring exceptionally high marks in all units.

Devonne was nominated as she is an outstanding and dedicated student, described by her tutors as polite, focused, helpful and a pleasure to teach.

Mr Bell said: “To be shortlisted for two categories confirms the outstanding quality of teaching provided at New College Durham.

"I am delighted for Devonne, Carol and for the entire AAT team. It is great to see their hard work, dedication and talent recognised on a national level.”