Aspiration Awards 2025: Learner of the Year highly commended (T Level Student) - Scarlett Leek

The Learner of the Year category recognises individuals who are developing themselves through vocational qualifications from NCFE and making positive improvements to their lives. This year’s highly commended T Level Student of the Year is Scarlett Leek, who is currently studying the T Level in Education and Early Years - Assisting Teaching at East Norfolk Sixth Form College. 

A future educator in the making 

Scarlett Leek has shown outstanding commitment to her T Level qualification in Education and Early Years, excelling across both academic learning and hands-on experience. From the start of her journey, Scarlett has demonstrated a genuine passion for teaching, along with the skills, initiative and mindset needed to succeed in the classroom and beyond. 

She has developed a deep understanding of child development, safeguarding, curriculum planning and inclusive teaching strategies, and has been commended by her assessor and placement staff for her advanced ability to apply theory into practice. 

In her industry placement, Scarlett has impressed with her use of tools such as Makaton and PECS to support non-verbal learners, and for the relationships she has built with children and staff alike. These connections have helped her to support children’s learning in a nurturing, engaging, and individualised way. 

“I chose to study the NCFE T Level qualification in Education and Early Years because it perfectly aligned with my long-term ambition of becoming a teacher,” explains Scarlett. “This specialised course allowed me to dedicate myself fully to the field I am passionate about, without any distractions of unrelated subjects.” 

Inspiring impact and a proactive approach 

Scarlett’s placement teacher shared that children look forward to seeing her, and parents have personally praised her contribution in the classroom. Staff have described her as reliable, hard-working and enthusiastic, with a willingness to take on responsibilities well beyond what is expected of her. 

She has led small group activities, supported assessments, and regularly stayed behind after the school day to help with classroom tasks, planning and resource preparation. Her initiative and proactive attitude have made her an invaluable part of the school setting. 

One standout moment involved Scarlett supporting a child experiencing difficulties with speech and language development. She took the time to research strategies and collaborated with the teacher and speech and language therapist to design tailored, engaging activities. 

“From the start, I knew I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives through education, and this T Level has provided me with both the academic knowledge and the practical experience to take confident steps towards that goal,” says Scarlett. 

“It has not only strengthened my commitment to teaching but has also developed my leadership, communication and critical thinking skills... qualities that are essential for an outstanding educator.” 

Her assessor observed her leading a small group communication game that helped build the child’s confidence and speech. Staff and parents noted a clear improvement in the child’s development, and Scarlett’s role in this was widely recognised. 

Going beyond the qualification 

Scarlett has gone above and beyond the course requirements to grow her skills and knowledge. She has attended professional workshops on safeguarding, behaviour management and SEND support, and has attended an industry placement day at an SEN school to better understand inclusive classroom practice. 

She used what she learned to bring new ideas into her placement setting and help adapt practice. She is also preparing for higher education by reading key texts in the sector, building a strong foundation for the next stage of her journey. 

“One of the things I value the most about this qualification is the incredible experience and personal growth it has given me,” says Scarlett. “Through my industry placement in a primary school, I have gained real-world maturity and practical skills that have perfectly complimented the knowledge I have developed during my college studies.” 

Looking ahead 

Now 18, Scarlett is preparing to begin a degree in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status. She is already taking steps to prepare for her studies and is excited to build on everything she has learned so far. 

“Following the completion of this qualification, I am proud to have been selected onto a 3-year degree in Primary Education with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status),” she outlines. “I am excited to continue putting into practice all the skills, knowledge and experience I have gained so far.” 

“My ultimate goal is to become a dedicated and inspiring primary school teacher, making a lasting difference in the lives of young learners.” 

Scarlett is a brilliant example of how passion, resilience and care can shape a powerful learning journey.  

Congratulations Scarlett! To read more inspirational stories from this year's award winners, visit our Aspiration Awards winners page.   

Pictured: Our Learner of the Year (T Level Student) highly commended, Scarlett Leek, receives her award from Mary Pooley, Director of Government Programmes, at NCFE (R)