Warrington & Vale Royal College ‘Inspiring Access to Higher Education’ student Hayley Stockton, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Excellence Award for Outstanding Commitment to Study’ from the Ascentis Awarding Organisation.
The national Excellence Awards received a record number of exceptional nominations, and Hayley’s dedication and resilience stood out amongst all candidates.
After careful consideration by the panel of judges, Hayley emerged a clear winner in the category. One of the judges stated: “We are thrilled to award Hayley with the Outstanding Commitment to Study Award. Despite facing significant personal setbacks, Hayley has demonstrated unwavering dedication to her education. She is truly inspiring!”
Reflecting on the award and her experience at Warrington & Vale Royal College, Hayley said: “The Access to HE course offers a supportive and comprehensive curriculum. Its interactive nature, with engaging classes, discussions, and hands-on activities, made learning both enjoyable and practical. The knowledgeable tutors were always approachable, offering invaluable insight and support throughout. The course is excellent preparation for further academic study, providing a solid foundation in health-related subjects that are both relevant and essential for future endeavours in the field.”
She continued: “Winning the Commitment to Study Award has been incredibly meaningful to me, especially as a person with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s). Statistics may suggest that someone with my background will likely struggle academically, but I refuse to let those numbers define my future. This award is testament to my resilience, dedication, and hard work. It shows that despite the challenges I’ve faced, I can achieve great things and it feels amazing to have had that recognised in such a huge way – boosting my confidence and motivating me to keep pushing towards my academic goals.”
In a final heart-warming statement, Hayley said: “I am honoured to have won this award and hope my achievement inspires others who might feel that their dreams of attending university are out of reach. No matter what obstacles you face, it’s possible to overcome them and achieve your goals.” Hayley will be doing exactly this as she looks forward to attending the University of Chester from September this year, where she will be studying a Dual Field Adults and Children’s MNurs (Hons) (Integrated Masters).
Lianne Dawson, Hayley’s tutor, said: “Like many adults, Hayley’s life has not been easy. Many adults with a similar background to Hayley would love to return to education, but are apprehensive to do so. Hayley is evidence that you can return to college and take the first steps to changing your life.”
Lianne continues: “Students like Hayley are the reason why the Access to HE team enjoy teaching at the college. We are incredibly proud of her dedication to her studies, and we can’t wait to hear about her next steps in her professional career as a paediatric nurse.”
Warrington & Vale Royal College provides a unique, supportive environment for Access to HE students. The college offers UCAS assistance, guest talks from paramedics, clinical skills practice with midwives, and Q&A sessions with band 7 nurses and health visitors. Experienced staff create fun and engaging lessons tailored for adults, guiding students through their educational journey and exploring both undergraduate and further study options. Committed to helping students reach their full career potential, Warrington & Vale Royal College stands out as an excellent choice for adults looking to return to education.
For more information about Access to Higher Education courses at Warrington & Vale Royal College, visit: wvr.ac.uk/access
