ADULT learning provider, ACL Essex, celebrated Harlow-based learners at its Annual Achievement Awards ceremony, held at the Central Baptist Church in Chelmsford on 6 July 2022.

Over 30 awards were handed to ACL Essex learners, and among the recipients was Harlow-based Shaunna Bond, who received the Lifelong Learning Award at the ceremony and studied Maths Level 2 and a Combined Science GCSE. 

Shaunna left school at 15 with no GCSEs, but her goal was to become a primary school teacher. At the ceremony, she said: “Without the support of ACL to get my maths and my science qualifications, I wouldn’t have got onto my access course, and I wouldn’t have gone to university, so it’s played a big part. They were so supportive, they were really lovely.”

Shaunna’s nominator for this award said: “This summer, Shaunna made the Dean’s list, graduated from the University of Hertfordshire and even won an award as a primary science specialist. In a few weeks, she will gain her full Qualified Teacher Status. I am so proud of Shaunna’s effort and resilience. Now she will be inspiring and teaching the next generation.”

ACL Essex helps learners to step on and progress up the career ladder and achieve their personal and professional goals. The learning provider also offers a wide range of courses to support mental wellbeing, languages, plus arts and crafts. The awards ceremony shines a light on those who have achieved outstanding things during their time at ACL. Awards include Personal Growth and Achievement, which recognises learners who have improved their social or learning skills, while the Supporting Others award is given to people who have provided exceptional support to their fellow learners.

Speaking of the awards ceremony, Katherine Burns, ACL Essex Principal, said: “It’s so moving to see standout learners being recognised for their achievements. Our learners are making courageous steps towards changing their lives and I’m proud to celebrate their successes.”

Also in attendance was Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability. He said: “The annual ACL Essex Achievement Awards celebrates the fantastic accomplishments of learners, partner organisations and staff. I believe that lifelong learning is key to enabling the people of Essex to have equal access to excellent learning and training opportunities, as well as helping to improve quality of life, support others in the community and help our children to aspire to great things.”

Over 100 people attended the ceremony in Chelmsford, and there were over 30 award recipients who were nominated by their teachers and fellow learners.

To discover more about the ACL Essex Awards, visit www.aclessex.com/acl-awards2022/.

The ACL Essex course guide for 2022-23 is now available on their website. Visit www.aclessex.com for more. 

Full list of ACL award recipients in 2022:

• Lifelong Learning Award
  • Claire Kirby (staff)
  • Helene Mayes (learner)
  • Shaunna Bond (learner)
• Community Support
  • ACL Little Learners (team)
  • ESOL Team (team)
• Personal Growth and Achievement
  • Amy Parker (learner)
  • Jianzhi Chen (learner)
  • Mira Lolliyee (learner)
  • Ryan Breedon (learner)
  • Suzanne Smithies (learner)
  • Billy-Joe Temple (learner)
  • Nathan Rumsey (learner)
• Going the Extra Mile
  • Anita Higgs (staff)
  • Ian Hyde (staff)
  • Paula Hughes (staff)
• Learning in the Workplace
  • Karen Gowlett (staff)
  • Stacey Johnson (learner)
  • Celia Toms (learner)
• Inspiring Others
  • Mercury Theatre Drama Group
• Digital Innovation
  • Maria Paola (staff)
  • Tara Rasor (learner)
• Creating Great Places to Learn
  • Lee Henshaw and Michael Kilbey (staff)
  • Tony Scholfield (staff)
• Making the Difference
  • Alex Bealey (staff)
  • Danielle Kelly (learner)
  • Tracy Headford (staff)
• Supporting Others
  • Charlotte Smith (learner)
  • Rachel Mills (learner)
  • Sam Railton (learner)
  • Victoria Hepden (learner)
  • Carly Lett (learner)
  • Helen Carnell (learner)
• Whistle While You Work
  • Gill Witchell (staff)
  • Melanie Diwell (learner)
• Champion of Lifelong Learning
  • Katherine Burns (ACL Essex Principal)