When adults choose to return to education, they’re not just signing up for a course – they’re taking a brave step towards a new future. And for Jake Anderton, that step has led to an extraordinary year of achievement.
Jake, a student at Lancashire Adult Learning (LAL), has been awarded “Highly Commended” in the Outstanding Academic Achievement category at the 2025/26 Keith Fletcher Awards – a national celebration of Access to Higher Education students.
Jake’s journey has been genuinely transformative. Over the past year, he has gone from strength to strength – growing in confidence, sharpening his critical thinking and developing the research skills needed to thrive at higher level study.
Judges recognised the determination and ambition Jake has shown throughout his Access to HE course and, alongside the honour, awarded him a £350 bursary to support his continued studies.
This latest recognition builds on an already remarkable year for Jake. He was recently named the national winner of the Outstanding Academic Achievement category at the Ascentis Access to HE Excellence Awards And he has also been celebrated closer to home – receiving the Pilkington Scholarship and being awarded Access Learner of the Year at LAL’s most recent Student Awards.
Reflecting on what the year has meant to him, Jake said:
“This year has been completely life-changing for me. The support I’ve had from my tutors and the opportunities I’ve been given by LAL have helped me believe in myself and realise I can succeed.
“Winning this award has really boosted my confidence ahead of starting my degree and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who’s been part of the journey.”
At Lancashire Adult Learning, students are at the heart of everything we do. Access to Higher Education courses are designed for people who want to progress to university but may not have traditional qualifications such as A Levels.
They provide a supportive pathway that helps adult learners build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to succeed – and Jake’s success is a powerful example of the life-changing impact that can have.
Lisa O’Loughlin, Principal and Chief Executive of East Lancashire Learning Group (ELLG), home to LAL, said:
“Jake should be incredibly proud. He’s shown real courage, commitment and resilience throughout his Access to HE journey and this award is a wonderful recognition of the effort he’s put in every step of the way.
“It’s been a privilege for us all here at LAL to support him – and we’re excited to see him take this next step towards his future.”
Explore the amazing opportunities available through Lancashire Adult Learning’s Access to Higher Education provision and create the extraordinary future you deserve.
Find out more here: https://lal.eastlancslearning.ac.uk/professional-learning/subject-area/access-to-higher-education/
