On Wednesday evening, we hosted our 2021 ACL Awards. The last 20 months have been a very challenging time for us all which makes these events even more important.
Huge congratulations for Katie Naum for being awarded Access to HE (Higher Education) Leaner of the Year. Katie left school with only one GCSE and enrolled on the Access course with the aim of going to University. Katie is currently studying at UEA School of Pharmacy. Katie’s nomination statement is a testament to the dedicated, hardworking, and committed learner he is.
This learner’s progress from beginning to end, of the Access to HE diploma, has been remarkable. Her dedication to her studies, her ability to take onboard feedback and improve have impressed me greatly. As a result of her hard work, perseverance and good character, she has achieved the diploma, increased her grades over the course period, and gained a place a university in September. She should be very proud of her achievement this year.
Nomination statement

What course did you study?
I studied the Access to HE Combine Science diploma.
What was your motivation for signing up to a course?
I wanted to go to University to become a pharmacist (which I am now doing at UEA as of last September!). I left school very young with only 1 GCSE and had a child very young. She’s at school now so it was the perfect time to do it. As part of the Access course I was able to also complete my Level 1 and Level 2 English and Maths as well.
What was the best thing about your course?
The tutors. I couldn’t have got through it without them. It’s a challenging course and you have to put the time and effort into it. Without their support and motivation I wouldn’t have got through it.
What other benefits did the course have?
I have made some lifelong friends. Even though it was an online course, we were still able to get through it and adjusted to the change.
How does it feel to receive the award?
I feel overwhelmed and blessed that I was nominated for it. Thank you to my tutor Clare for nominating me!
Well done Katie, brilliant achievement. To view all winners and to see a selection of photography from the awards, click here.
The ACL Essex Achievement awards were kindly supported by Visit Essex, Explore Essex and Essex Outdoors; students were offered a series of top prizes at key attractions across the county.