Our West Berkshire Learner Achievement Awards never fail to inspire and motivate and 2023 was no exception!
These annual awards celebrate the success of adult learning in West Berkshire, covering apprenticeships, professional, academic, and vocational courses and learning programmes that support families, communities and health and wellbeing.
Year on year, they showcase not only stories of incredible determination, but fantastic stories of people changing the direction of their lives and achieving their goals in difficult circumstances, and often against all the odds.
The awards ceremony was held at Shaw House and included guest speaker, Jill Hobbs, a local self-taught painter who discovered her passion during the pandemic and has gone on to develop a successful career in the creative industry.
The event celebrated some incredible achievements including:
Kyra Black, the winner of our Outstanding Achievement Award, did not find learning easy. She was diagnosed with ASD and dyscalculia when she was young and also suffers from high frequency hearing loss in both her ears which requires the use of hearing aids. Despite her difficulties, Kyra never gave up on her dream to go to university. During her studies she worked as a Teaching Assistant at Falkland Primary School, where she went as a child, and she has recently started a degree in Medieval History at Winchester University.
Tom Ventam, Winner of our Numeracy Skills for Life Award wanted to work in the IT industry, but struggled to gain his Maths Level 2 to enable him to take up the perfect apprenticeship role he was offered. He studied hard, even taking a week off his annual leave to prepare for his exam (which he smashed!). He's now on track to complete his dream apprenticeship in 2024.
The Inspiring Others Award went to three amazing ladies! Hanan Turland-Warlow, Rachel Flynn-Delargy and Beata Holeckova are all teachers at the Berkshire School of English. They were nominated for exceptional dedication and compassion in their work with refugee learners from Syria, Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Ukraine to ensure that these learners not only acquire language skills but feel comfortable and integrated in their new communities. Over the last eight years, their collective effort has had a significant positive impact on the lives of over 400 refugee learners.
Heather Codling, West Berkshire's Executive Member for Children, Education and Young People's Services says: "It's hard to hear these stories of determination without feeling emotional. I'm delighted that we're able to recognise the incredible efforts of our adult learners, and hope that their stories will inspire others to follow their lead and reach their full potential too".
Photos of the winners with Jill Hobbs, Key Note Speaker, and award sponsors:
1. Alan Foote, Return to Learning Award (includes sponsor Kelvin Hughes, Newbury Community Resource Centre)
2. David Miller and Ella Cox, Determination Award
3. Lorna Austin, Adult Apprenticeship Award (includes sponsor Clive Mincher, West Berkshire Training Consortium)
4. The Berkshire School of English, Inspiring Others Award
5. Helen Dean b/o Kate Meads, Tutor, Teacher, Trainer Award
6. The Reablement Team, Group Learners Award
7. Thomas Ventham, Numeracy Skills for Life
8. Kelvin Radbourne and Leanne Hutchins, Terry Stares Award in recognition of Terry Stares, Training Lead and Trustee of the Community Furniture Project ( includes Pauline Stares, wife of Terry)
