🏅 KCLSU Awards 2026: Celebrating the Students, Groups and Changemakers Shaping King's 🏅

The KCLSU Awards 2026 brought together students, staff, alumni and supporters for an evening of celebration, recognising the people, groups and projects that have helped make this year at King's so special.

Held at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, the annual awards celebrated the individuals, societies, sports clubs and initiatives that have gone above and beyond to build community, create positive change and enrich student life.

From inspiring volunteering projects and groundbreaking student media to outstanding leadership and sporting success, the evening highlighted the incredible impact students continue to make both on campus and beyond.

🏆 Change Maker of the Year 🏆

Presented by Kim Piper, Academic Lead for Student Success, and Jon Howden-Evans, Director of Student Operations.

Winner: Guarantor Guarantee

This award celebrates a project or initiative that has delivered meaningful and lasting change for students. Guarantor Guarantee has helped make accommodation more accessible, providing vital support and creating a positive impact for students navigating housing challenges.

🏆 Student Media Project of the Year 🏆

Presented by Ellen Clark-King, Dean, and Professor Paul James Cardwell, Vice Dean Education for The Dickson Poon School of Law.

Winner: Varsity 2026 Broadcast Series (KCL Radio x KCL Film)

Bringing together students from KCL Radio and KCL Film, the Varsity 2026 Broadcast Series showcased the creativity, talent and collaboration that make King's student media so impressive.

🏆 Community Impact Project of the Year 🏆

Presented by Reggie.

Winner: I-GIVE Digital Inclusion Labs (I-GIVE Mentors)

This award recognises projects making a real difference beyond the university. Through mentoring and digital skills support, I-GIVE Digital Inclusion Labs has helped tackle digital exclusion and strengthen connections with local communities.

🏆 Event of the Year 🏆

Presented by Joy Whyte, Education & Students Strategic Director.

Winner: UNHCR Charity Match (KCL Women's Football)

Combining the power of sport with fundraising and awareness-raising, the UNHCR Charity Match brought students together in support of an important cause and captured the spirit of community that this award celebrates.

🏆 President of the Year 🏆

Presented by Professor Shitij Kapur, Vice-Chancellor & President, and Lord Simon Stevens, Chair of the College Council.

Winners: Tom Simms and Lucinda Haye

Tom Simms and Lucinda Haye were recognised for their outstanding leadership and dedication, spending the year supporting their members, championing student voices and helping their communities thrive.

🏆 Laurel Awards 🏆

Presented by Dulcie Wainwright-Pilton, Vice President Activities & Development.

Winners: Ali Gibson, Juliet Bayne Azcarate and Sanaa Sarfraz

The Laurel Awards celebrate individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to student life over a sustained period. This year's recipients — Ali Gibson, Juliet Bayne Azcarate and Sanaa Sarfraz — were recognised for the lasting impact they have had on their peers, groups and the wider King's community.

🏆 Haris Ahmed Award (Volunteer of the Year) 🏆

Presented by Fatima Hire, Vice President Welfare & Community.

Winner: Hfsa Fahad

The Haris Ahmed Award celebrates an outstanding volunteer whose dedication and generosity have made a real difference to others. Hfsa Fahad was recognised for her commitment to supporting fellow students and the lasting impact she has made through her volunteering.

🏆 Advocate of the Year 🏆

Presented by Tom Berry, Independent Member of the College Council.

Winner: Nauman Nadeem

This award honours a student who has gone above and beyond to represent and advocate for others. Nauman Nadeem was recognised for championing student voices and helping drive positive change across the King's community.

🏆 Honorary Life Membership Awards 🏆

Presented by Jonathon Dawes and Fatima Hire, Vice President Welfare & Community.

Recipients: Mikayil Abiyev, Dulcie Wainwright-Pilton, Jess Sparey and Darren Wallis

Honorary Life Membership is one of KCLSU's highest honours, awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional and lasting contribution to the Students' Union and the wider King's community. This year's recipients — Mikayil Abiyev, Dulcie Wainwright-Pilton, Jess Sparey and Darren Wallis — have each left an extraordinary legacy through their dedication, leadership and service.

🏆 Burt Brailsford Sportsperson of the Year 🏆

Winner: Ali Hassan

Ali Hassan was recognised for an outstanding year of sporting achievement, demonstrating excellence, commitment and dedication both in competition and within the wider sporting community at King's.

🏆 New Group of the Year 🏆

Winner: Balkan Society

Making a strong impression in its first year, Balkan Society created opportunities for students to connect, celebrate culture and build community, earning the title of New Group of the Year.

🏆 Most Improved Group of the Year 🏆

Winner: Chorus Society

This award celebrates a group that has shown significant growth and development over the past year. Chorus Society was recognised for its progress, engagement and the positive experience it has created for its members.

🏆 Committee of the Year 🏆

Presented by Paul Cartwright, Independent Member of the College Council.

Winner: KCL Men's Rugby

Behind every successful club is a dedicated team of student leaders. The committee behind KCL Men's Rugby was recognised for its commitment, organisation and hard work in creating an outstanding experience for members throughout the year.

🏆 Sports Club of the Year 🏆

Presented by STINT.

Winner: American Football

Following an exceptional year both on and off the field, American Football took home Sports Club of the Year in recognition of its achievements, growth and contribution to student sport.

🏆 Group of the Year 🏆

Presented by Jeremy Cook, Senior Vice President (Operations) and Chief Operating Officer.

Winner: Dance Society

The final student group award of the evening went to Dance Society, whose creativity, inclusivity and achievements throughout the year made them worthy winners of Group of the Year.

🌟 Congratulations to All Our Winners 🌟

Every year, the KCLSU Awards remind us just how much students contribute to life at King's. From campaigning and volunteering to building communities, running events and achieving sporting success, this year's nominees and winners have made a real difference to the people around them.

Congratulations to everyone who was nominated, shortlisted and awarded. Your passion, commitment and creativity help make King's and KCLSU a better place for all of us.

💐 Special Thanks 💐

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the KCLSU Awards 2026 possible:

• The De Vere Staff
• KCLSU Awards Team
• King's Musical Theatre
• GKT Musical Theatre
• Camerata Strings
• King's Opera
• Kadence
• ROAR News
• King's Alumni
• STINT
• Student Groups and Clubs

Thank you for helping make this year's celebration such a memorable evening.

You can find photos and videos from KCLSU Awards 2026 and the Afterparty on the KCLSU Instagram.