Outstanding Ascentis Learner of the Year Award 2023 and Access to HE Excellence Awards 2022-23 Winners Announced!
The winners of the prestigious Ascentis Learner of the Year Award 2023 and the Access to HE Excellence Awards 2022-23 have been unveiled. Ascentis has recognised outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, determination, and brilliance in their studies.
Outstanding Ascentis Learner of the Year Award 2023:
Learners in this category have shown a high level of skill or competence in their learning or shown exceptional resilience and commitment to study, perhaps through challenging circumstances.
We received a record number of candidates with exceptional stories. Two nominations equally deserved the Outstanding Learner of the Year Award, and the judges decided to have two winners instead of a winner and a runner-up.
Jake Badger from Stockton Riverside College
One of the judges stated, ‘The dedication shown in overcoming barriers and pushing forward with their own learning is admirable in itself, but to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course and their own study to do something as selfless as translating children's books into braille shows a person who understands the importance of creating opportunities for others’.
Ibrahim Alwadi from Cardiff & Vale College
One of the judges stated, ‘This entry shows a real dedication to study and an incredible work ethic. It is a testament to this learner's character that they have faced challenges throughout their life and let nothing hold them back from achieving their goals'.
Access to HE Excellence Awards 2022-23:
Outstanding Commitment to Study - Learners in this category have shown outstanding commitment to their Access to HE studies.
The Winner of the Outstanding Commitment to Study category is Rima Al Atrash from SGS College.
One of the judges stated, ‘This learner had every opportunity to give up, but showed resilience and dedication in returning to study, overcoming barriers and achieving their goals’.
The Runner-Up of the Outstanding Commitment to Study category is Daniel Stackhouse from Lancaster and Morecambe College.
One of the judges stated, ‘Working in care through the pandemic and still wanting to progress their career in that direction is a testament to this learner's commitment to improving the lives of others. Through all the challenges this learner has faced, it is clear that their dedication to study is fuelled by a real passion for helping people. They have come a long way, and I hope they continue their journey with the same enthusiasm’.
Outstanding Academic Achievement category - Learners in this category have excelled in their academic study by producing assessed work of outstanding quality whilst on their Access to HE course.
The Winner of the Outstanding Academic Achievement category is Ross Ortelli from Highlands College, Jersey.
One of the judges stated, ‘This learner has demonstrated a high standard of academic work that shows competency in a full range of study skills. It is the independent study and consistency of producing high-level work that has led to the learner's outstanding academic achievement in their course, and these qualities will serve them well in further education.
The Runner-Up of the Outstanding Academic Achievement category Alexandra Laws, Newcastle College.
One of the judges stated, ‘This learner has demonstrated clear growth in their knowledge and skills through their journey to study veterinary medicine. It is encouraging to see that this learner's achievements have fuelled a passion for the sciences and that they value the opportunities that completing their Access to HE Science course has created. We wish them all the best in studying for their chosen degree.
These awards not only recognise the dedication of individuals but also highlight the efforts of centres that have gone above and beyond to ensure that education remains accessible to all.
Congratulations once again to the winners, and may their success continue to inspire countless others on their educational journeys.
