Access students' recognition in Ascentis’ Excellence Awards

Two Level 3 Access to HE students from Lancaster & Morecambe College (LMC) were awarded first place and runner-up prizes in the national Ascentis’ Excellence Awards 2021, following recognition of their continuous efforts and achievement on the course.

Ascentis, a national awarding body based in Lancaster, presented both awards to Charlotte & Maisy whilst the Access Team proudly watched. In addition, the students were gifted a cheque to help support their ongoing studies.

The Ascentis ‘Outstanding Academic Achievement’ award is awarded based on outstanding quality of work whilst studying Access to HE, anywhere in the country. According to Ascentis, this could include: individual achievement beyond standard expectations, demonstrations of academic skills beyond what would normally be expected, or a demonstration of academic ability evidenced to likely result in outstanding achievement in HE.

When Ascentis provided feedback to Charlotte, who is now a first year Psychology student at Lancaster University, they said:

[you are] a real high flyer, who most probably is unaware of quite how high they will go! Enjoy your future learning. Have courage, and I hope you succeed beyond your expectations!

Maisy, runner-up for the ‘Outstanding Commitment to Study’ award also received glowing feedback from Ascentis:

What an amazing journey this student has made; both personally and academically. They have shown true courage and a reignited passion and drive for learning which will stand them in excellent stead for the future.

Maisy’s journey to education began in 2016 when she enrolled onto LMC’s Path to Work, before going on to study Health & Social Care Level 2 and 3, and finally, the Access to HE course.

After recognising her passion for helping other people, Maisy chose to pursue a career in Psychology, and following her glowing studies at LMC, she is now studying at the University of Cumbria.

At the end of their course, Maisy & Charlotte spoke fondly of their time on their Access course, with Charlotte sharing that:

The excellent teaching methods taught me the vital skills required for Higher Education, including presenting to an audience and writing essays.

The Access course made me feel understood, heard, and cared for. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so settled nor so passionate about what I’m doing and I just feel so excited to see where university will take me. I have loved every minute of it!

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