The AoC reception was hosted by Peter Kyle MP and attended by a number of celebrities who attended FE colleges across the UK including actor Shaun Escoffery and theatre director Phillip Breen.

Carl (18) has a diagnosis of Autism and studied ICT at Derby College before taking a year out from his studies to become President of the Derby College Student Union.

He was one of just two young people across the UK to be highly commended in the Young Student of the Year category of the annual AoC awards in recognition of his inspiring approach to education and life and for being a role model to all learners.

Carl said: "It was a great honour to be invited to the celebration event and to meet so many inspiring people from different walks of life who have also benefited from further education."

Peter Benyon added: "It was a wonderful event and it was a privilege to be able tole to celebrate FE students past and present, young and old who have made a difference to their own lives and the lives of others."