Two College of West Anglia students have achieved outstanding success at the WorldSkills UK 2025 National Finals, demonstrating exceptional skill, dedication and professionalism on one of the UK’s biggest skills stages.
Millie McCullough, 17, from March, represented CWA in Hairdressing, impressed judges in the Foundation Skills category with her skill, confidence and professionalism, but unfortunately didn’t place. Isabelle Mears, 18, from Hunstanton, competed in Health and Social Care. She delivered an exceptional performance and was awarded a Silver Medal – a significant achievement in a category with almost six hundred registrations nationally.
Both students were selected following months of rigorous preparation and qualifying stages, where they excelled in demonstrating the industry-level standards required to reach the national finals.
CWA Principal and CEO, David Pomfret, praised the students for their achievements and the dedication behind their success. He said, “I couldn’t be prouder of CWA’s talented students and the staff that supported them, for another inspiring performance at the WorldSkills UK national finals. Millie’s determination, confidence, positivity and skills were inspiring. Millie didn’t win a medal, but we couldn’t be prouder of her achievement.
Isabelle won silver in the Health and Social Care category, an exceptional achievement; Izzy demonstrated outstanding technical and communication skills and boundless resilience and determination.”
WorldSkills UK lead at CWA and Hairdressing lecturer, Sarah Smith, expressed her pride in the students’ hard work and commitment. She added, “It was an amazing few days in Wales for the WorldSkills UK finals. The energy, talent and passion were incredible. I couldn’t be prouder of our hairdressing student, Millie. She showcased such talent and professionalism, and confidence, took everything in her stride and pushed for excellence. And a huge congratulations to our Health and Social Care learner Izzy, on her silver medal; she smashed it out of the park.”
BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care Course Director, Kelly Anne Neale, said, “Watching Izzy achieve silver this year was a wonderful moment and a testament to her talent, hard work and determination. WorldSkills is much more than competition; it’s the energy, teamwork and the shared commitment to helping students realise their potential. I’m immensely proud of what our students and staff have achieved together.”
Millie said, “Competing in WorldSkills was an incredible experience. There were moments where the pressure kicked in, but I always felt confident knowing I was creating a hairstyle that truly reflected my skills. My tutors, Sophie Goodacre and Sarah Smith, supported me every step of the way. They were always there to help me through challenges and keep me grounded.” Her advice to anyone wanting to compete in WorldSkills would be “don’t overthink. You’re capable, you’re talented, and just getting to this stage is an achievement in itself. Believe in yourself and go for it.”
Isabelle said, “Before the competition started, I felt quite nervous, especially since the competition is UK-wide. As I completed each patient pressure test, I found that my confidence increase,d and I started to really enjoy the trip as a whole. I especially enjoyed spending time with the mental health patient and learning how best to help them – I think this is what led me to get a silver medal, which I am super proud of.”
Both Isabelle’s and Millie’s achievements underline CWA’s dedication to delivering high-quality, industry-informed training, and giving learners the chance to push themselves in real professional environments. Taking part in WorldSkills UK allows students to grow in confidence, refine advanced technical skills and demonstrate the impressive vocational talent that continues to thrive across the college.