Efforts to widen university participation celebrated at awards ceremony » Education » 24dash.com

Young people, teachers and staff involved in a major Government scheme to extend educational opportunities to students from some of the most challenging backgrounds were rewarded for their efforts last night at the National Aimhigher Awards.

The event took place in London and gave praise to those who have gained the most from the Government’s £400m investment in the Aimhigher programme, as well as recognising some of the best widening participation practice taking place across the country.

The Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, John Denham, opened the ceremony and presented the winners with their awards.

The focus of the event was on the achievements of five young people who, as a result of their engagement with the programme, have overcome significant personal, physical and social barriers to turn their prospects around and realise their full educational potential.

The youngsters beat off competition from beneficiaries from across the country to pick up the award for ‘Aimhigher Learner Achievement’ and were delighted to meet Hollyoaks actress and Aimhigher Ambassador, Claire Cooper, who compered the evening.

Additional awards recognised the most successful and innovative work being delivered by the programme’s 44 area partnerships and its collaborative partners.

There were more than 130 entries to the scheme this year, which collectively demonstrate the growing breadth and crucially, impact of Aimhigher’s work.

John Denham said: “This Government introduced Aimhigher in order to open the doors of opportunity to literally thousands of young people.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person involved in the programme for their hard work and commitment.

“I believe that Education is the most powerful tool we have to create a fairer Britain. The Government continues to support Aimhigher, which has helped universities seek out many of the most talented young people in our society, irrespective of their background.

“It’s right for us to work to give all young people, regardless of their background, the chance to fulfil their potential. It’s their skills and talents that will make Britain strong and prosperous in the years to come.”

The categories and winners are as follows:

Primary Aimhigher Learner Award
Winner: Shanique Grant (Aimhigher Nottinghamshire)
Winner: Aria Shahrokhshahi (Aimhigher Nottinghamshire)

Key Stage 3 Aimhigher Learner Award
Winner: Francesca Conelly (Aimhigher Kent & Medway)

Key Stage 4 Aimhigher Learner Award
Winner: Darrell Bracegirdle (Aimhigher Nottinghamshire)
Highly Commended: Tahmineh Eslami (Aimhigher Nottinghamshire)

6th Form / FE Learner Award
Winner: Dinneka Smillie (Aimhigher West Yorkshire)

Aimhigher Excellence in Practice Award
Winner: Aimhigher Parent Ambassadors (Aimhigher Staffordshire & Stoke)
Special Mention: Radio 1 Week (Aimhigher London East)
Special Mention: Supporter to Reporter (Aimhigher Greater Manchester)

Aimhigher Partnership Practice Award
Winner: Beaverwood School for Girls (Aimhigher ASPIRE, South East London)
Highly Commended: HMP Springhill (Aimhigher Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire)

Outstanding Individual Contribution to Aimhigher Award
Winner: Kelly Manning (Aimhigher Lancashire)