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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 happy to be contacted directly about the awards and any related publicity.

All winners and runners-up will be recognised at the CAVA Conference in December 2025, and our category winners will also be nominated by CAVA for the national Keith Fletcher Memorial Prize, held in partnership with Access Validating Agencies (AVAs) across England and Wales.

New for 2025: The CAVA Inspirational Tutor Award
We’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new award this year: the CAVA Inspirational Tutor Award.

This category invites Access to HE students to nominate a tutor who has made a lasting impact-whether through excellent teaching, unwavering support, or helping students build confidence and reach their potential.

Nominations for this award can be submitted by students using a short nomination form, with a guidance document available to help them write their submission. 

This award is open to any student currently enrolled on an Access to HE or Pre-Access course. While it is not part of the national Keith Fletcher scheme, the winning tutor will be recognised with equal celebration at the December conference.

Student nominations must also be submitted by Monday 6 October 2025. 

If you would like to make a nomination for any of the awards, get in touch to request the documents. 

If you have any questions or need further information, please let us know. We can’t wait to hear your stories and celebrate the brilliant achievements across our Access to HE community.



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Location: Cambridge, UK

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