Activate Learning Alumni

Yesterday we welcomed back one of our alumni, Ellie, to City of Oxford College! 🤩👏

Ellie completed a Level 3 Media course with us three years ago, then went on to study Media Communications at Bath Spa University.

She has just finished her degree this summer, and we were delighted to have her back at college to speak to our current media students about her time at university.

Thanks so much for coming, Ellie!

What better way to celebrate than with a look back at some of the amazing trips our learners have gone on with their fellow classmates!

From our performing arts students from City of Oxford College visiting (and performing at!) Disneyland Paris, to our tavel and tourism students from Guildford College visiting Stonehenge, we've been on so many adventures.

What trips do you remember from your time at college? Let us know in the comments below 👇

A truly inspiring story we’re proud to share 🌟

Former Activate Learning student, Sally (S.J.) Poyton, has published her very first novel, Mammoth Rider, after 19 years of dedication and hard work.

Sally studied at Banbury and Bicester College and has written a story that combines adventure with environmental awareness, imagining a world where mammoths are brought back to help tackle climate change.

Her journey hasn’t been easy. As someone who is neurodiverse, living with dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia, Sally faced additional challenges along the way, but never gave up.

Her book reflects that experience too, featuring a neurodiverse main character and being designed to support accessible reading. 👏

Today, Sally is visiting schools and museums, inspiring young people with her story, encouraging them to think about sustainability, creativity and believing in themselves!

We couldn’t be prouder. Congratulations, Sally 📖🎉

Read more here: https://bit.ly/4nb4BOX

We're delighted to share that we hit a significant milestone today! There are now 2,000 of you signed up to our alumni network 🤩🎉

We can't wait to get to know the newest members of our community and hear what they've been up to since leaving college!

We're so proud of Reading College alumna Pascha Myhill for making it to the final of The Apprentice UK 👏🎉

Pascha studied a Travel and Tourism Level 3 Extended Diploma at Reading College and University Centre, which she completed in 2021.

She has achieved so much since leaving college and we can't wait to see what she goes on to do next!

If you missed the final of the apprentice, you can hop over to BBC iPlayer to follow Pascha's journey.

Pascha said: "This experience has been intense, challenging, emotional, and without doubt one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity." 💜

Wishing all the best of luck to Reading College Alumna Pascha Myhill who has been taking part in this year's BBC Apprentice and is now in the final! 👏🎉✨

Pascha studied and completed a Travel and Tourism Level 3 Extended Diploma between 2019 and 2021 at Reading College. 🎓🌍✈️🤩

Her teacher Christina Elkins said: "I am very proud of her and I am looking forward to seeing how well she continues to do in the final." 🌟😍

Pascha said: "I'm a 22-year-old from Reading with a dream of building my own recruitment business. I chose to back myself. 💼🔥No fear, no limits. That belief led me to become part of the biggest season yet of the UK's most well-known business show. 📺

"This experience has been intense, challenging, emotional and without doubt one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. 💪✨ I am beyond grateful for this opportunity. 🙏

"Healthcare recruitment has shaped my career over the past three years, and my passion for the industry continues to drive my ambitions. ❤️📈

"Throughout the process, I stayed true to who I am, even when pushed far beyond my comfort zone. 🌱It has been the toughest, yet most fulfilling journey, and I'm proud of the resilience and growth it has brought." ❤️🌟

✝️ This Easter, we celebrate the joy of renewal, hope, and the promise of new life. 🌅

This season reminds us of hope, renewal, and new beginnings values that inspire us every day at Activate Learning.

May this Easter bring light, love, and the promise of growth to all who celebrate. 💛

🌿 Sustainability snapshot:

🔹 Carbon footprint baseline: 9,639 tCO₂/year
🔹 Focus areas: energy, water, waste and travel
🔹 Interim goals to 2030 and beyond

Stay tuned for updates as we measure progress and celebrate wins: https://bit.ly/4aOBTil

We’re all part of this journey — learners, staff and our communities 🤝

Here’s how you can make a difference today:

✔️ Reduce, reuse, recycle
✔️ Choose greener travel options
✔️ Learn your carbon footprint
✔️ Share sustainability ideas with your team

🌱 Together we’re building a culture of sustainability, learn more: https://bit.ly/4aOBTil

🎓✨ As Higher Education Day for comes to a close…

Today we’ve celebrated the power of college-based Higher Education and what it does best.

✔️ Academic rigour with real-world application
✔️ Smaller class sizes and personalised support
✔️ Strong employer partnerships aligned to local skills needs
✔️ Affordable, accessible routes to Level 4–6 qualifications
✔️ Graduates who are confident, capable and career-ready

Higher Education in colleges plays a vital role in developing local and regional talent. It opens doors, unlocks potential and creates meaningful opportunities.

Thank you to our students, alumni, employer partners and staff who make Higher Education at Activate Learning so powerful.

✨The impact of college-based HE doesn’t end today — and neither does our commitment to delivering it.

👉 Read more here: https://bit.ly/3N0PBWq