The Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA) awards recognise exceptional learners and educators across Access to Higher Education. These annual awards celebrate academic excellence, resilience, and inspirational teaching across CAVA’s network of Access to HE Diplomas.
CAVA received an extraordinary number of powerful nominations this year. “The stories shared with us were inspiring, moving, and a testament to the life-changing impact of Access to HE,” CEO, Emily Ross said. “Choosing a winner and runner-up was exceptionally difficult.”
After 20 years away from education, David returned through the Access to HE (Science) Diploma with the goal of progressing to university. 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 explained that 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 progress on his learning journey.
We are so proud of David and wish him the best with his Chemistry degree!
