Four adult students from the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group were recently commended at the West Yorkshire Adult Learner Awards for their achievements in adult learning. Hosted by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority at Leeds Civic Hall, the event welcomed over 100 adult learners, learning providers and Mayor Tracy Brabin.

Recognising her commitment to education over the past decade whilst working in a nursery and as a childminder, BA (Hons) Early Years student Leanne Garner won the West Yorkshire Sector Focus Award.

Leanne began her journey in 2008 with a Caring for Children course at the College before later returning in 2016 and again in 2021, working towards her degree at the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group.

Three other learners also attended the awards ceremony as finalists, including Sidra Riaz for the English Language Learner Award, Tyler Dupree for the Higher Education Learner Award and Faye Earley for the Inspirational Adult Learner Award.

Laurent Berges, Group Director of Adult Skills at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said:

“I’m a strong believer in that it’s never too late to learn and there shouldn’t be any barriers for adults wanting to return to education. Our students truly demonstrate this and are the perfect example of how rewarding adult learning can be. That’s why I’m incredibly proud their hard work has been recognised and I hope this can inspire more adults in Wakefield to consider enrolling on a course - whether that be to develop a new skill, progress to higher education or change career paths.”

Leanne Garner (far right) with her West Yorkshire Sector Focus Award with the runners up.

Sidra, who has progressed from Entry 1 to Entry 3 in English for Speakers of Other Languages whilst studying Level 1 Maths, said about her journey: “Wakefield College has given me everything - I now have much more confidence speaking English. Life is so different after studying this course and I’m excited to continue my studies next year.”

After 15 years out of education, Faye Earley took on an Access to Higher Education Humanities course and is now on track to start a degree in Social Work at Leeds Beckett University in September.

Stephen Jones, Curriculum Development Manager for Distance Learning, said:

"Faye not only balances her studies with various childcare responsibilities but is also a self-employed hairdresser and volunteer at a local care home, showing that age, family responsibilities and work do not have to be barriers to learning. She is a truly inspirational adult learner.”

Whilst studying for his BSc (Hons) Applied Sports Performance at the University Centre, Tyler Dupree helped Wigan Warriors secure all four trophies on offer within the 2024 season – making Super League history. Tyler credits his degree for sharpening his rugby performance through skills in nutrition, strength and conditioning and coaching.

The Group, consisting of Castleford College, Wakefield College and Selby College offers a vast range of online, part-time and professional courses for adults in subjects such as Art, Healthcare, Business, Construction and more – ensuring learners can fit their studies around other commitments.