Celebrating the 2022 Outstanding Commitment to Study runner-up

Every year CAVA celebrates our students with the two CAVA awards - the ‘Outstanding Commitment to Study’ award and the ‘Outstanding Academic Achievement’ award. Last year we received incredible stories from a range of different CAVA members. Among all of the worthy nominations, these four students stood out.

For the academic year 2022-23 our runner up for Outstanding Commitment to Study, was Cherie Shepherd who completed the Access to HE Diploma (Science) at Nottingham Trent University.

Cherie Shepherd

Despite a daunting array of health challenges, including Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), dyslexia, and ADHD, Cherie displayed remarkable resilience throughout her studies.

Beginning her course, Cherie quickly demonstrated her ability and commitment to succeed. Whilst she lived with carers due to her health conditions, she navigated her studies with an extraordinary level of dedication. Her routine included long hours at the library whilst balancing her academic responsibilities with the demands of being a mother.

Cherie's resolve was particularly evident in March 2023, following a serious health episode that resulted in her hospitalisation. Against medical advice, she returned to college immediately after being discharged, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to her education.

Despite the significant obstacles, Cherie achieved Distinction grades and is currently studying at the University of Nottingham towards a MNutr integrated masters in Dietetics. Her success is not only a personal triumph but also a true inspiration for others facing similar challenges. Cherie's story exemplifies that with determination and resilience, overcoming even the most daunting barriers is possible. Congratulations Cherie for being the 2022-23 runner up of the CAVA Outstanding Commitment to Study award.

CAVA reveals 2024-25 Award winners, celebrating exceptional learners and the first Inspirational Tutor Award

Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA) has announced the winners and runners-up of the 2024-25 CAVA Awards, recognising 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. Winners of the student categories Outstanding Academic Achievement and Outstanding Commitment to Study, will be nominated for the national Keith Fletcher Memorial Prize, a prestigious award honouring the legacy of Keith Fletcher, a champion of widening participation across the South West. 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.” Outstanding Academic Achievement Winner: David Langley (Nottingham College) After 20 years away from educat...

CAVA: The Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper: What it means for Adult Learners and Access to HE

The Department for Education’s Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper sets out an ambitious programme to reshape England’s skills system. It places employers at the heart of planning, strengthens regional responsiveness, and expands opportunities for adults to study flexibly throughout their lives. For the many adults who begin their higher education journey through the Access to HE Diploma, this reform agenda is significant. It opens new pathways, particularly through modular learning, while placing greater expectations on providers to demonstrate how their provision contributes to local and national workforce needs. A Changing Skills Landscape The White Paper, alongside the updated Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) Guidance published in November 2025, sets a direction of travel that will shape the environment in which Access to HE operates. Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs), developed by Employer Representative Bodies and Strategic Authorities, will increasingly dete...

Celebrating Access to HE success: Nominations now open for the CAVA Awards 2025

We’re delighted to launch the CAVA Awards 2025, our annual celebration of the dedication, ambition, and achievements of Access to HE students and tutors. Recognising Student Excellence This year, tutors are invited to nominate students in the following two categories: Outstanding Academic Achievement Outstanding Commitment to Study These awards recognise students who have gone above and beyond-whether through academic excellence, determination, or personal growth during their Access to HE Diploma journey. Students are eligible for nomination if they are enrolled on an Access to HE course at the time of submission. Nominations must be submitted via the online nomination form by Monday 6 October 2025. To support tutors, we’ve also created a guidance document with helpful tips for completing the form. Please note: You’ll need to obtain the student’s permission before submitting any personal details to CAVA, and students must also complete a separate consent form confirming they’re ha...

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