The Committee of South London Principals (COSLP) proudly celebrated the achievements of exceptional students and teachers at its prestigious 2026 Awards, held at the iconic House of Lords. Among the outstanding nominees were Sophia Parks for Best Learner and Annieka Matthews for Best Teacher, two individuals whose dedication and impact truly stand out.
Rising Star: Sophia Parks – Best Learner
Sophia Parks is a remarkable example of determination, resilience, and academic success. After joining the college from a home-schooling background just two years ago, Sophia has made extraordinary progress, advancing from a Level 1 to a Level 2 course while achieving impressive GCSE results in both English and Mathematics.
Her passion for learning goes beyond her own studies. Sophia regularly returns to the classroom to support maths lessons, helping both teachers and fellow students, an inspiring demonstration of her commitment to giving back.
Sophia’s talents shine outside the classroom too. She has celebrated major successes, including winning the College Spelling Bee (2024/25) and the Maths Challenge College Final (2025/26). She also proudly represented the college in the London Regional FE Maths Challenge and played a key role in securing second place at the Greater London Skills Competition.
Sophia’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, enthusiasm, and a genuine love of learning.
Inspiring Excellence: Annieka Matthews – Best Teacher
Annieka Matthews embodies the very best of teaching. Known for her passion, dedication, and unwavering support for her students, she creates a positive and inclusive learning environment where every learner feels valued and empowered to succeed.
Through her engaging teaching style and strong subject expertise, Annieka consistently helps students build confidence and achieve excellent outcomes. She goes the extra mile to provide personalised support, ensuring every student, regardless of their starting point, has the opportunity to thrive.
Beyond the classroom, Annieka is a valued colleague who actively supports her team by sharing best practices and contributing to a strong, collaborative culture.
Her commitment, care, and professionalism make her an inspiration to both students and staff, and a truly deserving nominee for this prestigious award.
