Teachers nominated over 90 adult learners from across the service for awards in 3 categories: Above and Beyond; Learning for Personal Progression; and Outstanding Improvement.
A total of 14 students were shortlisted and the winners, announced at the event at Molineux Stadium, were Latoyah Dundas for Outstanding Improvement, Sandesh Kaur for Personal Progression, and Ravi Goyal for the Above and Beyond award.
This year’s Celebration of Learning included a new award for 100% attendance, acknowledging the importance of attendance for successful learning and achievement, with students chosen from subjects across the organisation.
Meanwhile, the event also celebrated the success of 6 students who were nominated for the prestigious West Midlands Combined Authority Adult Learning Awards 2025, including Tim Jackson, who was the overall winner of the Skills for Life category.
Tim’s journey into learning British Sign Language (BSL) began after experiencing 2 episodes of Sudden Sensory Neural Hearing Loss, which left him profoundly hard of hearing. Tim said: “Learning BSL has been truly life changing. It’s not just about communication – it’s about confidence, community, and navigating my new reality with resilience and optimism.
“Learning BSL, while I still have some hearing, has allowed me to adapt more easily if my hearing declines further, an insurance option for maintaining my independence and communication, enabled me to engage more fully with the Deaf community, and ensured I will always have a way to connect with others, no matter what happens.”
Tim was chosen for the Celebration of Learning Star Award, the final award of the night, by Adult Education Wolverhampton’s Deputy Head of Service, Anna Place, and was presented with it by Alison Hinds, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Executive Director of Families.
Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “Every year thousands of people take up classes with Adult Education Wolverhampton, and it is great to be able to showcase the achievements of many of them through our annual Celebration of Learning.
“I would like to congratulate all the winners, and especially Tim, for sharing their inspiring stories.”
To find out more visit Adult Education Wolverhampton, call the Student Services team on 09102 558180 or email enquiries@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk.
