CAVA Announces Winners of 2024-25 Access to HE Awards
Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA) has announced the winners and runners-up of the 2024-25 CAVA Awards, celebrating exceptional learners and educators in the field of Access to Higher Education. These annual awards recognize academic excellence, resilience, and inspirational teaching across CAVA’s network of Access to HE Diplomas.
The winners of the student categories Outstanding Academic Achievement and Outstanding Commitment to Study will be nominated for the prestigious national Keith Fletcher Memorial Prize. This award, created in honor of Keith Fletcher, a champion of widening participation in the South West, recognizes outstanding individuals who have made exceptional progress through the Access to HE route.
This year, CAVA received an extraordinary number of powerful nominations, making the selection process for the winners and runners-up exceptionally difficult. “The stories shared with us were inspiring, moving, and a testament to the life-changing impact of Access to HE,” said CEO Emily Ross. “Choosing a winner and runner-up was not an easy task.”
The winners of the student categories are as follows:
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Winner: David Langley (Nottingham College)
After a 20-year break from education, David Langley returned to pursue his goal of progressing to university through the Access to HE (Science) Diploma. His tutor, Pietro Albano, described him as an “outstanding and proactive student” who not only excelled academically but also supported and encouraged his peers. David immersed himself in independent research and steadily grew in confidence, ultimately deciding to pursue a degree in Chemistry.
David spoke about how returning to education had a transformative effect on his mental health after suffering for many years. He described studying as “more like a cure” that reshaped his confidence and sense of identity. He summed up his learning journey in three words: challenging, affirming, transformative. He is now thriving on a Chemistry degree, with long-term plans to continue his progress on his learning journey.
Runner-up: Alice Bailey (College of West Anglia)
Alice Bailey discovered her passion for veterinary care after doing work experience at a local practice. This led her to undertake the Access to HE (Veterinary Science) Diploma, where she excelled academically, achieving distinctions across all graded units. Her tutor, Deejay Latchuman, described her as a highly capable student with a strength for research and analysis. Despite facing some personal challenges, Alice managed to power through while maintaining a high level of achievement.
Alice expressed deep gratitude to her tutors for their outstanding support and welfare guidance. She has now progressed to university to study Veterinary Science and is considering future career pathways in both small animal practice and farm work – particularly after discovering an interest in working with cows during hands-on university farm sessions.
Outstanding Commitment to Study
Winner: Amy Bartlett (Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst)
Amy Bartlett has shown extraordinary resilience throughout her education after being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at the age of 12. She has experienced multiple relapses and two stem cell transplants. Despite ongoing medical appointments and the physical challenges of treatment, Amy thrived on the Access to HE (Land-Based Studies) Diploma. The course helped her regain her confidence and overcome her anxiety about returning to an educational environment and engaging with people her own age again.
Amy actively participated in all practical activities, from working with horses and reptiles to driving tractors, and achieved distinctions in all graded modules. She shared, “I feel a great sense of achievement that, despite my reduced energy levels and mobility challenges, I still got involved with everything.” Her tutor, Bethany Drury, described her as quietly strong, committed, and an inspiration to her peers.
Runner-up: Zoe Stephenson (City College Plymouth)
Zoe Stephenson began the Access to HE (Social Sciences) Diploma at the age of 18 after leaving A-levels due to her needs not being supported. Despite challenges posed by her disability and periods of ill health, her positivity and determination were a constant presence throughout her course. She embraced every lesson with enthusiasm and warmth. She found a particular passion for Law, thriving in discussions and performing exceptionally during a mock court exercise in which she acted as prosecutor.
Her tutor, Rebeca Elias-Jones, praised her resilience, positivity, and high academic achievement. Zoe said the award recognition “strengthened my confidence and reminded me of what I am capable of achieving” as she prepares for the next stage of her education.
Inspirational Tutor Award
Winner: Gemma Hutchings (City College Plymouth)
The Inspirational Tutor Award, introduced for 2024–25, attracted over 60 nominations from students. Winner Gemma Hutchings, Access to HE Programme Manager, was described by learners as “life-changing” in her support. From the very beginning, she took the time to understand each learner’s goals
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