Activate Learning

Sometimes, all it takes is one person believing in you.

When Moner struggled during his course, his tutor Gerina encouraged him to keep going. That support gave him the confidence to stay, work hard and complete his studies.

Never underestimate the impact a teacher can have.

Looking back on an incredible year for Activate Learning Alumni! 💜🎓

As we enjoy the summer break, we’re taking a moment to look back at just some of our favourite alumni moments from the past academic year.

We’ve celebrated award-winning alumni, welcomed former students back to share their university and career experiences, and celebrated new graduates at our Determined to Lead Oxford and Higher Education graduation ceremonies.

We’ve also loved seeing old friends reunite, hearing memories from decades gone by, and watching our alumni give back by sharing their experiences with the next generation.

There have been so many reminders of the lifelong connections that can begin at college!

Whether you left us this year or more than 50 years ago, you’ll always be part of our community. 💜

Here’s to many more alumni moments in 2026/27!

Returning to education as an adult can feel daunting.

Claire says her maths tutor, Mike Fisher, made learning enjoyable, helped her build confidence, and left her feeling proud of what she had achieved.

That's the power of great teaching.

Great teachers don't just teach, they guide, encourage and help you navigate life's challenges.

Jamie says his apprenticeship tutor, Andrew Portsmouth, was a constant source of support throughout his learning journey, helping him succeed during a particularly difficult period.

Thank you to all our tutors who go above and beyond for their learners.

🧶✨ Could knitting, sewing or pottery be the secret to better wellbeing?

The rise of 'granny crafts' is proving that traditional hobbies are anything but old-fashioned. As more people step away from screens and embrace creative, hands-on activities, research shows these timeless crafts can reduce stress, improve confidence and support mental wellbeing.

Written by Danielle Sterrenburg and Samantha Robertson, our Learning for Leisure Team Leaders, at Activate Learning, this latest article explores why traditional crafts are making a comeback and how creativity can help us slow down, connect with others and improve our wellbeing.

Whether it's sewing, painting, jewellery making, pottery or woodwork, creative hobbies help us focus on the present and rediscover the joy of making something with our hands.

At Activate Learning, our Learning for Leisure courses give adults the opportunity to discover a new passion, build new skills and improve their wellbeing in a friendly, supportive environment.

Read the full article and discover your next creative hobby: https://bit.ly/4z6kxI4 🎨🪡🧵

Here’s everything you need to know about collecting your qualifications and exam results this August:

🗓️ Level 3 results (A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, UAL):
Available on Thursday 13 August.

🗓️ Level 1 & 2 results (including GCSEs):
Available on Thursday 20 August

📍 You can collect your results in person from 8am–12pm at your college campus – just remember to bring photo ID!

Prefer to view them online? Log in to the ExamNet portal on the day your results are released.

👉 For full details, including certificates and FAQs, head to our dedicated webpage: 🔗 https://bit.ly/3TVFncT

Education isn't always a straight path.

Cherise faced challenges with her mental health during college, but thanks to the support and belief of her teachers, she was able to complete her course and achieve things she once thought were impossible.

Sometimes, simply believing in a student can change everything.

We know that leaving college and taking your next steps can be nerve-wracking. This is why, when you finish your course, it’s a great idea to keep in touch with us and make the most out of the resources available to you.

Staying connected to your college and classmates can be an excellent way to maintain a sense of community and access support as you take these next steps.

Through our Activate Learning Alumni network, you will be able to gain access to a range of benefits and opportunities to continue your personal and professional development.

We’ve put together this handy blog for you can find out how to make the most out of being alumni: https://bit.ly/4fCGZAU

If you are in your final year, don’t forget to sign up to our alumni network https://bit.ly/3yc2sdo

Sometimes, the greatest gift a teacher gives isn't just knowledge, it's confidence.

Rubab credits her GCSE English teacher, Deborah Flatley, with helping her believe in herself throughout her learning journey.

Every word of encouragement can make a lasting difference.

Thank you to all our incredible teaching staff. 💜

A great teacher can change the course of a student's life.

When Rebecca was studying her T Level Health course, her teachers, Wendy and Julia, helped her see beyond her medical circumstances and believe in her own potential.

Today, she's pursuing her dream of becoming a paramedic.

Thank you to every teacher, tutor and member of support staff who helps our learners believe in themselves every single day. 💜

Bracknell and Wokingham College