AN ambitious York student leader and his college have been nominated for a top national award.

Tom Wright, the York College Students' Union president for 2006/07, has been short-listed for the Leading Learner of the Year Award, and York College Students' Union itself has been short-listed for The Most Improved Provider Award.

The Centre for Excellence in Leadership awards are being awarded for the first time this year, to recognise the outstanding work of organisations and individuals leading the Learner Voice agenda, to increase learner participation.

In February, The Press reported that Tom, 18, a former Millthorpe School pupil, of Scarcroft Hill, was appointed chairman of the National Learner Panel - a body that advises Higher Education Minister Bill Rammell.

Tom is one of 15 learners from around the country, aged 16 to 75, who form an independent group set up by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) to advise and lobby groups about what changes should take place in further education.

For his "day job", he is also studying A-levels in government and politics, theatre studies and history.

As chairman of the National Learner Panel, Tom has made a speech at Westminster, alongside Education Secretary Alan Johnson and Chancellor Gordon Brown.

Tom said: "I am ecstatic about the news that both myself and my union have been short-listed for an award of this calibre.

"The work that the union council and the executive have put in this year has been unrivalled in the history of the college.

"I look forward to handing over the presidency of the York College Students' Union to Alex Smith.

"I have full confidence that he will ensure that the development of the union will continue over the next year.

"I am also very pleased to be short-listed for the Leading Learner award, especially in a year when so much has been done nationally by so many people.

"I hope to continue to influence the development of Learner Voice for years to come."

Paul England, National Union of Students regional officer, said: "The York College Students' Union's executive committee has worked with enthusiasm and dedication this year, in the pursuit of achieving a better deal for students.

"Member involvement is up this year latest elections, revealing a three-fold increase in turnout compared to last year.

"A productive working relationship has been developed with the college management, elected officers have been able to identify - and to resolve - issues relating to the learner experience, and officers have engaged with regional and national contacts to better provide for their students."

Members of the York College Students' Union will travel to Kensington Roof Gardens in London for the awards ceremony on July 4.