Designed to celebrate tutors who make a lasting impact on their learners through outstanding teaching and support, this award recognises individuals who go above and beyond to transform confidence, skills and life chances. Jasmin Cooper is highly commended for whose work in adult maths education is changing lives across Swindon.
Jasmin Cooper, Adult Community Learning Tutor at Swindon Borough Council, delivers exceptional teaching that transforms the confidence and achievement of adults studying Functional Skills Maths and Entry-level qualifications. Many of her learners arrive with severe maths anxiety, repeated GCSE failures, or long breaks from education. Her impact goes far beyond teaching numeracy; she rebuilds confidence, restores self-belief, and enables adults to succeed in a subject many have feared their whole lives.
Learner impact
Through personalised learning plans and consistent one-to-one support, Jasmin creates a safe and encouraging environment where learners can thrive and progress. She implements a flexible delivery approach which enables learners to engage in education which fits around their busy lives – scheduling sessions around work and caring responsibilities.
Jasmin has played a key role in reshaping Swindon ACL’s maths offer. Her focus on accessible curriculum design ensures that learning is relevant and practical, helping learners to apply their skills in everyday situations.
She has also supported the development of innovative Multiply programmes, creating accessible pathways for anxious learners to progress into Functional Skills.
One learner shared: “I want to say how very grateful I am for your help and support. I know I could not have passed my Functional Skills Maths Entry 3 without you. Your determination to help me gave me confidence and helped me stay committed to my goals.”
Supporting development
Jasmin leads staff development, strengthening the quality of maths delivery across the service and supporting colleagues to adopt effective, inclusive approaches. During a staff development day, she led a dedicated session to help tutors build their own confidence in embedding maths into subjects such as ESOL, wellbeing, and cookery. Using innovative resources and practical starter activities, tutors left with lots of best practice examples and have implemented learnings in their own classes.
Alongside supporting others, Jasmin continually seeks opportunities to develop her practice and ensure learners receive the best possible support. She engages in extensive CPD, including sessions led by NCFE’s Provider Development team on Functional Skills maths, assessor training and more.
The difference
Jasmin’s commitment to continuous professional development, trauma-informed practice and reflective teaching underpins her success. Her approach leads to life-changing outcomes for learners, including improved confidence, job progression, apprenticeship completion and greater financial independence.
Several learners have been able to apply for jobs or secure promotions that were previously out of reach when they didn’t have a Level 2 maths qualification. This has enabled adults to progress into sectors such as healthcare, early years, and administration.
Apprentices who were at risk of failing their apprenticeship due to the maths requirement have now successfully completed their programme, directly because of Jasmin’s tailored support, encouragement, and high‑quality teaching. This has protected their employment, improved their career prospects, and strengthened employer confidence in adult learning provision.
Jasmin empowers adults who previously felt “unable to do maths” to take control of their learning, employment opportunities, and long‑term aspirations. She adds: “I am incredibly honoured and proud to be highly commended in this year’s NCFE Educator of the Year Award. Supporting adult learners to build confidence, develop skills and achieve their goals in maths is a true privilege, and it is incredibly rewarding to be a part of their journey.”
Congratulations Jasmin! To read more inspirational stories from this year’s award winners, visit our Aspiration Awards 2026 page.
