From fixing cars and dancing on international stages to winning awards at one of the UK’s biggest dog shows, Faith Windsor is not your average student.
The Level 2 Motor Vehicle student has thrown herself into college life at Reaseheath while continuing to achieve extraordinary things outside the classroom. She’s represented Team GB in dance, won a national award at Crufts, and works daily with Ember, her incredible autism assistance dog.
Recently recognised with a Student of the Term award, Faith’s determination, talent and positivity are shining a light on what’s possible when you push through barriers — and do it your own way.
Faith’s love for motor vehicle work was sparked at home, but it’s during her studies that her confidence — both in her abilities and in herself — has really grown.
“My brother inspired me to choose motor vehicle,” she explains. “When I was helping him do bits on his car, I realised that it was something I really enjoyed and wanted to take further.
“Choosing to study Motor Vehicle at Reaseheath has probably been one of the best choices I’ve made – the whole motor vehicle team is so supportive and have helped me love it even more. At the start of the academic year, I wouldn’t make eye contact with anyone, let alone speak to them, but now I talk non-stop to the people I’ve built bonds with.”
Outside the workshop, Faith and her assistance dog Ember have been making headlines of their own. Faith was recently crowned Young Person of the Year at Crufts 2025 – an experience she described as “amazing”.
While she had previously competed at the show in Ember’s breed category, this year was different – it was Faith who was being recognised.
“I was shocked to find out I had even been shortlisted, as my friend had nominated me without telling me – never mind to win!”
Faith is also a passionate street dancer and has been part of a competitive team for almost four years.
“We’ve performed at Breakin’ Convention, which is the biggest dance showcase in the world, and we even won £1,000 at a competition as top megacrew. We also perform at the Reaseheath Family Festival!”
Next, she’s aiming even higher – her team have auditioned for Dance World Cup 2025, where the top three crews from England, Wales and Scotland will compete in Spain in July.
“I’m like a whole different person at dance – my confidence is really high. I’m even capable of teaching young children now. Exercise is amazing for both my mental and physical health.”
At the heart of Faith’s journey is Ember – her autism assistance dog and constant companion.
“Ember is a very special dog. She supports me every day, even to the point that she drops me off and picks me up from college. She helps me feel calm and happy, and she can even stop me from fainting by alerting me beforehand or getting my mum to help.”
When life throws up a challenge, Faith tackles it with calm logic and a good support network.
“I ask myself, is it as bad as I really think it’s going to be? Normally, in my head, I make things a lot worse than they actually are. If I can’t figure it out by myself, I’ll go to someone I trust and ask what they would do. Even if I just try something – what’s the worst that can happen? Just have resilience and keep pushing yourself, because eventually you will find your way.”
She credits her family, friends and college staff – especially Billy McElhill and Steve Radcliffe – with helping her make huge progress, particularly in her academic life.
Looking to the future, Faith is determined to keep paving the way for others.
“My goal is to inspire other girls and people with additional needs – to show that if they really want to be an engineer, it is definitely possible. It might take more time and work, but it’ll be worth it. I hope to have my own garage one day and carry on with my dancing and dog showing too.”
