Activate Learning Alumni

06/10/2026

💬 What does community mean to you?

This year’s Black History Month theme, Honouring Our Communities, gives us an opportunity to recognise the people whose contributions strengthen the places where we live, learn and work.

Communities are shaped by people: the leaders, educators, creatives, families, colleagues, neighbours and role models who make a difference every day.

Throughout October, we’ll be celebrating those contributions and encouraging our students and colleagues to learn more about Black history, culture and experiences.

Discover more 👇

https://bit.ly/4zkexe4

01/10/2026

🖤 This October, we’re proud to celebrate Black History Month at Activate Learning.

The theme for Black History Month 2026 is Honouring Our Communities, recognising the Black people and communities whose contributions shape, support and sustain everyday life.

Throughout the month, we’ll be celebrating Black history, culture, achievements and voices, while sharing opportunities to learn, listen, read and discover more.

We’ve also brought together recommendations from our students and staff, including books, films, documentaries, podcasts, music and learning resources.

👉 Explore our Black History Month resources: https://bit.ly/4xXT8Gp

25/09/2026

Some of the people helping shape Merrist Wood College’s future first came here as students.

At the recent opening of the new buildings at Merrist Wood College and University Centre, we welcomed back alumni who studied here across the 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s. Today, they’re employer partners, working with us to help develop the next generation.

It was a pleasure to recognise each of them with an Activate Learning Alumni pin badge and to bring them together with Activate Learning CEO Gary Headland DL, Group Director Jo Manser and Business Engagement Specialist Sarah Markham.

The buildings mark a new chapter for Merrist Wood. Seeing former learners play a part in that chapter makes it especially meaningful.

Thank you to our alumni for continuing to share your experience and support our learners.

15/09/2026

🎓 What if higher education didn’t have to mean committing to a three-year degree?

The introduction of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) could reshape how people access higher education, opening up more flexible opportunities to learn, retrain and develop new skills throughout their careers.

From January 2027, the LLE is expected to give learners greater flexibility to fund individual modules and study at colleges and universities throughout their working lives.

But greater flexibility raises an important question: could this change who gets to participate in higher education altogether?

We explore what the LLE could mean for learners, employers and education providers, and why colleges have an important role to play in making higher-level learning more accessible.

🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/3SIudIw

14/09/2026

We're delighted to hear of the success of Reading College alumna Marianna Mahdavi, whose salon recently won the Best of Berkshire category at the 14th English Hair & Beauty Awards – East & South Edition ⭐

Marianna said the achievement "means the world" after running her business for nearly two decades.

Born in Maidenhead, Marianna set up a beauty room in her father’s house before opening a salon on Norfolk Road in 2014.

She studied qualifications in Hair and Beauty at Reading College, including Diplomas in Wig Making and Theatrical Makeup.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4Ah7LqM

The awards ceremony took place on Sunday, September 6, at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham, bringing together hair and beauty professionals and businesses.

10/09/2026

We were excited to learn that City of Oxford College fashion art alumna, Ella Douglas, had one of her designs worn at the NTA's last night by the one and only Paloma Faith!

What an incredible achievement. We are so proud of Ella and can't wait to continue to follow her journey and see what else is in store for her and her fashion brand! 👠✨

04/09/2026

Not every hero wears a teacher's lanyard.

Ben wanted to recognise Bethan from Student Support, who was always there with encouragement whenever it was needed.

This series is also a thank you to the incredible support staff who help our learners succeed every day.

01/09/2026

Confidence grows where encouragement thrives.

Maisam remembers how tutor Aly created a welcoming environment that made learning enjoyable and helped build confidence throughout the course.

The little things teachers do every day leave lasting impressions.

26/08/2026

Balancing study with family life isn't easy.

Rhys says Access to Nursing tutor Barry Morton was supportive, understanding and always helped learners make the most of their studies.

A little flexibility and encouragement can make a huge difference.

26/08/2026

We’re incredibly proud to share that Nirmaan has been selected as a South East Regional Finalist in the T Level Student category at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2026! 🎉

Nirmaan completed his T Level with an outstanding Distinction, achieving the highest Year 2 T Level mark across his cohort at Reading College, an impressive 128 out of 145. 🌟

A special thank you to Nirmaan’s teacher, Mehwish Khan, who recognised his achievements and took the initiative to nominate him for the award, completing the nomination and supporting him throughout the process. 👏

Thank you also to Reading Council , Paul Bowers, Preeti Vohra and all the teachers and staff who supported Nirmaan throughout his T Level journey.

Mehwish will join Nirmaan at the Regional Apprenticeship and Skills Awards Ceremony on 14 October, where the regional winner will be announced. We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed! 🤞🏆