Aspiration Awards 2025: the winners
Firstly, a huge congratulations to everyone who was nominated this year – we loved hearing your inspiring stories! We’re incredibly proud and excited to share our deserving winners with you. You can read and watch their stories below.
Against All Odds winner – Anya Clair, Wolverhampton College
Anya Clair’s education was put on hold after a car accident left her with severe physical and cognitive injuries. After originally joining the City of Wolverhampton College in 2022, her path was tragically interrupted aged 17 when driving with her friends, but she has now been inspired by those who cared for her.
“You can’t give up because then you’re just letting yourself down. I really want to do nursing. I look at intensive care, like when I was there. I just looked at the place and I was like; they are amazing I would love to do this job.”
Read Anya’s inspirational story and watch her video to learn how she overcame the challenges she faced.
Apprentice of the Year winner – Carly Tait, Learning Curve Group
After changing careers following ten years in retail to pursue a career in customer service, Carly Tait has excelled in her new role at Broadacres Housing Association. Carly achieved a distinction in her Level 2 apprenticeship whilst managing her ADHD and having a significant impact through community engagement projects.
“It felt amazing to realise that after all the hard work I’d put in, I received such a great result. I’ve never really been a high achiever academically, so that was a big thing for me.”
Discover Carly’s story and watch her video to see the moment her and her family learned she’d won this award.
Learner of the Year winner – Isabelle Fazackerley, Shipley College
Isabelle Fazackerley has been named 2025 Learner of the Year for her exceptional progress on the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Health and Social Care at Shipley College. Aspiring to become a midwife, she has excelled academically, supported peers with placements, and gained over 115 hours of hands-on experience, including a standout placement at Bradford Teaching Hospitals.
“Her drive, passion and unwavering positive attitude make her an ideal candidate for this award,” says her tutor at Shipley College.
Learn how Isabelle is turning ambition into action in health and social care by reading her story.
CACHE Outstanding Achievement Award winner: Sara Louise Gilpin, Southern Regional College
Sara Gilpin has transformed health and social care education through her teaching and leadership, bringing clinical expertise, inclusive teaching, and a passion for widening access to the sector. This special award, marking CACHE’s 80th anniversary, recognises her outstanding contribution and the impact she’s had on learners.
“The highlight of teaching these students is sharing with them the pride in their achievements when they graduate from their course, after feeling at the start that it was an impossible task that they would never accomplish.”
Delve into Sara’s story to learn how she is shaping the future of care and education.
Centre of the Year winner – The Public Services Department at Leeds City College
The Public Services Department at Leeds City College supports learners with their journey towards a career in Uniformed Protective Services. They have earned the Centre of the Year award for their dedication to learner success and exceptional public service.
Tom Griffiths, Head of Department, shared: “Our alumni have gone on to further apprenticeships with local Uniformed Protective Service organisations, or taken on a Policing, Criminology, or Law path at university. We are proud to have taught members of the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, HM Prison Service, and the Armed Forces in our department.”
Find out how the department achieves high student success and makes a difference in the local community.
Educator of the Year winner – Caroline Kerr, Southern Regional College
With over 30 years of experience in the field of childcare and youth work, Caroline Kerr has firmly established herself as a leader in education, professional development, and stakeholder engagement. Caroline’s contribution to education goes far beyond Southern Regional College, shown through her work to raise national standards for all learners.
“She has been a strong advocate for learner-centred education, consistently striving to create the best possible opportunities for those she teaches and mentors.” - Caroline’s colleague and nominator, Lisa Browne
Learn more about Caroline and her mission to improve standards of education for learners, educators and employers.
Support Staff of the Year winner: Andrew Firth, Leeds City College
Approaching 70 years old, Andrew is a highly experienced and effective administrator. He shares his skills with learners by organising study skills, time management and exam preparation workshops. Andrew also plays an integral role at the college, championing every learner and taking on 1-on-1 mentorship.
"Andrew has been instrumental in fostering a sense of community within the college, his initiatives have improved morale and strengthened relationships among staff and students, contributing to a positive and collaborative environment.” - Andrew’s colleague Sarah Thompson, teacher at Leeds City College
Learn more about Andrew’s wonderful initiatives to improve himself as well as the community of the college.
Against All Odds highly commended: Theresa Jackson, Nescot College
Theresa Jackson is a disabilities rights champion who is using her lived experience and education to inspire others. Living with Cerebral Palsy, borderline personality disorder, and diabetes, Theresa hopes to one day run her own charity and already has a YouTube channel with over 3,000 subscribers.
“I am passionate about becoming a children social worker. Also, I live in a care, so I thought that this course would help me to gain an understanding of the rules and regulations of a care workers role.”
Read Theresa’s story to discover more about how she’s using her lived experience and education to inspire others.
Learner of the Year (T Level Student) highly commended: Scarlett Leek, East Norfolk Sixth Form College
Scarlett Leek has been highly commended for her exceptional progress on the T Level in Education and Early Years at East Norfolk Sixth Form College. Passionate about becoming a teacher, she has excelled academically and in placement – supporting children with SEND, leading activities, and going above and beyond to develop her skills. Scarlett is now preparing to study Primary Education with QTS at university.
“This T Level has strengthened my commitment to teaching and helped me grow into a confident, capable future educator,” says Scarlett.
Read how Scarlett is turning her passion for teaching into a promising career.
Learner of the Year (Adult Learner) highly commended: Monuwara Bibi, Oldham Lifelong Learning – Oldham Council
After 16 years away from employment, Monuwara Bibi returned to learning to pursue a career in education. Through NCFE qualifications in English, maths, ICT, and supporting teaching and learning, she has built the skills and confidence to support children with SEND in the classroom.
“Since I started studying, my self-confidence has grown, and my mental health and wellbeing have improved dramatically,” says Monuwara.
Read how Monuwara is using education to transform her future and inspire others.
CACHE Outstanding Achievement Award highly commended: Emma Clegg, Darlington College
Emma Clegg has been recognised for over 20 years of impact in early years and education at Darlington College. As a senior lecturer and CACHE coordinator, she’s supported thousands of learners and colleagues through innovative teaching, mentoring, and a strong focus on wellbeing. This commendation is part of CACHE’s 80th anniversary celebration of excellence in care and education.
“Emma inspires learners and colleagues alike, and her impact can be seen all around the college.” - Mick O’Reilly, Health and Childcare Manager.
Learn how Emma is shaping education through care, creativity and leadership in the classroom.
CACHE Outstanding Achievement Award highly commended: Luca Filmer, Access Skills Ltd
At 17, Luca Filmer has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to adult social care as a Level 3 apprentice with Access Skills Ltd. Overcoming challenges in education, he’s shown exceptional empathy, initiative, and dedication, earning praise for his work with dementia patients and support for colleagues. This commendation is part of CACHE’s 80th anniversary celebration of excellence in care and education.
“Luca shows what’s possible when someone is given the right support and a chance to thrive.” - Katherine Oglesby, Apprenticeship Lead at Access Skills.
Read Luca’s story to learn how he’s making a real difference in care.
Centre of the Year highly commended: Game Academy
Game Academy has been highly commended for its innovative approach to employability and digital skills training, using gaming as a tool to develop real-world capabilities. Through NCFE-endorsed programmes, online delivery, and inclusive community-building, it supports learners – many of whom are neurodivergent or disengaged from traditional education – to build confidence, gain qualifications, and progress into careers in tech, IT, and beyond.
“The Game Academy course helped me realise that the skills I developed through gaming, like strategic thinking and teamwork, are highly valuable in the workplace.” says Alex, 22, a graduate now working in digital marketing.
Read Game Academy’s story now to learn more about their innovative approach.
