A learner from Oldham College, one of the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) Employer Spokes, has won a national award at the Association of Colleges’ (AoC) Awards last week.
The learner, 20-year-old Ian Kenworthy from Bury, was crowned AoC Higher Education Student of the Year, after being nominated by his teachers at Oldham College.
Ian is currently studying a BA (Hons) Business and Management course at the University Campus Oldham (UCO), at Oldham College’s Higher Education Faculty. He is supported by an Education, Health and Care Plan and exemplifies that neurodiverse conditions do not need to be a barrier to success.
“I’m so delighted and really happy to have won this award It was a shock to find out that staff had nominated me last year and it made me reflect on how I’ve developed as a person,” said Ian.
“I mainly just use academic support now and am more independent since becoming a student representative for my class with extra responsibilities. This is my final year of study, so next I’m hoping to go into employment in the business and management field,” he added.
Sally Dicketts, President of the Association of Colleges, added: “Each year, the level of applications is extremely high, and it goes to show the fantastic work that students are doing in colleges as well as the lengths colleges go to support their students.
“It is particularly amazing to see the achievements of students and positive impact that colleges have on the students and community. Ian Kenworthy has done amazingly well to finish first and should be extremely proud.”
Teresa Carroll, National Head for Inclusion at the ETF, said: “We are delighted for Ian, his family and Oldham College’s success. We want to create a world where all of our learners achieve their aspirations: Ian and Oldham College are leading by example.
“Our Centres for Excellence in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and employer spokes (of which Oldham College is one) offer free support to create truly inclusive FE providers and communities.”
For more information or to see our upcoming SEND activities, please visit the SEND Excellence Gateway webpage.