Keith Fletcher Memorial Access to HE Student Prizes 2020-21

Now in its 11th year, the national Access to HE student prize, in memory of Keith Fletcher, formerly of Open College South West Region and a keen advocate of Access to HE, has once again produced a group of very worthy candidates. 

The nominations have now been scrutinised by a panel of judges from each participating Access Validating Agency (AVA) and a winner has been chosen in each category. There are two categories ‘Outstanding Academic Achievement’ and ‘Outstanding Commitment to Study’.

Each of the successful candidates will receive a certificate and cheque to help them with their future study. Winners in each category will receive £750 each and runners-up £350 each.

Please find below, more information on the criteria for each category, along with the winners and runners-up.

Outstanding Academic Achievement: 

Criteria for nomination: Students proposed in this category should have excelled in their academic study by producing assessed work of a consistently outstanding quality whilst on their Access courses. They should have shown evidence of some or all the following:

• outstanding commitment to their Access studies, perhaps in the face of difficult and challenging personal circumstances, 
• having made an inspirational journey which demonstrates the life transforming power of learning,
• individual achievement beyond standard expectations,
• clear evidence of extra effort above and beyond that which would normally be required of a student. 

Winner: Charlotte Triolaire, Lancaster and Morecambe College, Ascentis

“Charlotte has demonstrated a commitment to learning that has never fallen short of exceptional. She has attended every single one of her classes, including each of those that took place on Microsoft Teams during our three months of remote delivery, and has absorbed the content of every lesson with a level of passion and enthusiasm that has been a delight to observe”. Tutor 

“This student produces first-rate work and achieves a consistently high standard of scholarship across a range of subjects. The work submitted demonstrates a thorough conceptual understanding, and an exceptional grasp of material, presented with care and fluidity of expression at a standard unexpected of an Access student”. Judge 

Runner up:

Lorna Hughes, Grwp Llandrillo Menai, Agored Cymru

“Lorna was an excellent student on the access health care course. She became the course rep and provided both academic and emotional support to her peers when learners were forced to work online due to COVID 19. Lorna’s work was excellent and always completed to an exemplary standard”. Tutor

“This learner not only achieved distinctions throughout, but was also a great support to a number of fellow learners. The case study was very interesting and well-referenced. The essay was also produced to a good standard and included many useful quotes”. Judge

Outstanding Commitment to Study:

Criteria for nomination: Students in this category should have shown evidence of some or all the following:

• outstanding commitment to their Access studies, perhaps in the face of difficult and challenging personal circumstances,
• having made an inspirational journey which demonstrates the life transforming power of learning,
• individual achievement beyond standard expectations,
• clear evidence of extra effort above and beyond that which would normally be required of a student.

Winner: Abigail Egbe, Barking and Dagenham College, OCN London

“A highly motivated and resolute student who faced multiple hardships. Despite tragic and traumatic circumstances, they grew in confidence, generously found time to help others, and achieved their higher education and vocational goal”. Judge

Runner up:

Gugulethu Ndlovu, Bournemouth and Poole College, Cambridge Access Validating Agency

“A truly inspirational journey. In the face of inhumane arduous circumstances this student demonstrates an uncompromising and steadfast commitment to study in a manner that is beyond praiseworthy, and in so doing pursues their educational goal”. Judge

Judges of The Prizes

The following were the AVA nominated judges of this year’s Keith Fletcher Memorial Access to HE Learner Prize:

Darren Howells, Agored Cymru
Teresa Flowers, AIM Awards Alexander Houghton, Ascentis
Dr John McCann, CAVA Julie Knowles, Certa
Yvonne Savage, Gateway Qualifications
Paul Phillips, Laser Learning Awards
Julie Farmer, OCN London
Jane Oswald, One Awards
Pam Stanway, Open College Network West Midlands
Gordon Laing, Open Awards