Learner Achievement Awards

It's never too late to try something new

Do you ever wish you could change direction, do something else, try a new career - or just enjoy learning? Do you tell yourself it's too late, it's too scary or you feel you may be a little too old to follow your heart?

Well, we have news for you. It's never too late to try something new - with more adult learners up for the challenge and making those longed-for changes.

Last year, our Community Learning team celebrated a bumper year in their mission to deliver a wide and innovative range of opportunities to adults and families across the district. Together with our eighteen learning providers, the team enabled 1,622 adults to enrol on courses of their choice. This included 215 learners who were 60+ and 259 who have learning difficulties or disabilities.

Need more inspiration? We had over 60 nominations for some incredible achievements for the latest Learner Achievement Awards.

Kyra Black, the winner of our Outstanding Achievement Award, didn't find learning easy. She was diagnosed with ASD and dyscalculia when she was young, and also suffers from high frequency hearing loss in both her ears which requires the use of hearing aids. Despite her difficulties, Kyra never gave up on her dream to go to university. During her studies she worked as a Teaching Assistant at Falkland Primary School, where she went as a child, and she has recently started a degree in Medieval History at Winchester University.

Tom Ventam, winner of our Numeracy Skills for Life Award wanted to work in the IT industry but struggled to gain his Maths Level 2 to enable him to take up the perfect apprenticeship role he was offered. He studied hard, even taking a week of his annual leave to prepare for his exam (which he smashed!) He's now on track to complete his dream apprenticeship this year.

Our Inspiring Others Award went to three amazing ladies. We were delighted to recognise Hanan Turland-Warlow, Rachel Flynn-Delargy, and Beata Holeckova - who are all teachers at the Berkshire School of English. They were nominated for exceptional dedication and compassion in their work with refugee learners from Syria, Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Ukraine. They ensured that these learners not only acquired language skills but feel comfortable and integrated in their new communities. Over the last eight years, their collective effort has had a significant positive impact on the lives of over 400 refugee learners.

We're not saying that adult learning is easy. We know how tough it can be to juggle family life, studies and work. But we're here to help you and set you (literally!) on the right course. Our brilliant Learner Achievement Awards are testament to the determination and effort needed and confirm that, no matter your age, background or qualifications, you're never too old to pick up new skills.

You can find out more about community learning and the winners in our 2023 Learner Achievement Awards online.