Did You Know…

TikTok star Sam was a former Colchester Institute Music Technology student who represented the UK in the 2022 Eurovision song contest, finishing second against Ukraine. His song went on to peak at number two in the UK Singles Chart.

Sam performed at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee concert.

Grayson is an artist known for his tapestries, ceramic vases, and cross-dressing, as well as his observations of the contemporary arts scene. He recently inspired millions of viewers to get creative in lockdown in ‘Grayson’s Art Club’ on Channel 4, which is now in its third series.

Grayson studied at Colchester Institute, Braintree campus* and was awarded an honorary doctorate by Colchester Institute in 2012.

Richard Jacques is an Ivor Novello award-winning, BAFTA nominated composer. Credits include Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy, Mass Effect, James Bond 007: Blood Stone, and Jet Set Radio Future.

Richard studied his Music degree at Colchester Institute in the 90’s and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2013.

Jeremy began his TV Career in the documentary series Airport and went on to present The Toughest Job in Britain. In May 2022, Jeremy returned to Heathrow Airport to present a new six-part documentary series, The Airport: Back in the Skies.

Jeremy studied Travel and Tourism at Colchester Institute in the mid-80’s and was awarded an honorary degree in 2014.

Patricia Allison is an actress who played Ola Nyman in the Netflix comedy-drama series Sex Education, as well as Extraordinary, Paradise and the BBC mini-series Les Miserables.

Patricia studied Musical Theatre at Colchester Institute from 2011 to 2013.

Olly rose to fame when he came second in the sixth series of The X Factor in 2009. Since then, he has gone on to have a successful music career, and is currently a judge on The Voice.

Olly studied Sport and Recreation at Colchester Institute, Braintree Campus* between 2001 and 2003. Back then, tutors and fellow students could recognise his star quality.