Mayor of London Adult Learning Awards: 10 winners revealed

An adult learning provider which helped a woman to progress from unemployment to a job as care team leader within four months was among a clutch of double winners at this year’s Mayor of London Adult Learning Awards.

Urban Care Community, Westminster Adult Education Service and the London South Bank education group each celebrated two successes at the fifth annual ceremony at City Hall on Thursday evening.

Among the 10 winners was Elise Harrison, who was named inspirational adult learner of the year after overcoming alcohol dependency, developing her artistic talents and securing work supporting others affected by substance misuse.

This year’s awards attracted 205 nominations across 10 categories, including a new honour for higher education institutions for widening participation.

Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, said: “Tonight, we’re celebrating some of our very best people who worked hard, overcome challenges, and achieved incredible things, and the brilliant employers, educators, and organisations who’ve helped them along the way.

“Congratulations to all of tonight’s winners and runners-up, and thank you to each and every one of you for everything you do to make London the greatest city in the world.”

‘Never too late to start again’

Harrison joined Westminster Adult Education Service in 2023 while recovering from alcohol dependency. After developing her creative skills, she went on to exhibit and sell her artwork and was selected for the University of the Arts London’s Origins exhibition.

Harrison has since found employment with the alcohol and drug charity Via.

“Adult education has changed my life. It has shown me that it is never too late to start again and that, with the right support and opportunities, anything is possible,” she said.

The learning for personal progression award went to Laila Sardar, a former ESOL student at West Thames College who arrived in London from Afghanistan in 2009 speaking little English

She progressed through beauty therapy and hairdressing qualifications before returning to study health and social care. She now works supporting vulnerable people.

Sardar has also encouraged her sister, who recently moved from Afghanistan, to enrol on an ESOL course at the college. “Studying at West Thames College changed my life,” she said.

Laila Hussain Shah picked up the learning for good work award after progressing from having low confidence in her English and digital skills to securing employment in care.

Within four months of starting work, she was promoted to team leader and now helps to train new care workers.

Her training provider, Urban Care Community, also received the Ascentis award for distinguished provider of adult education.

The Ilford-based training company was recognised for its personalised training in health and social care, with qualification achievement rates of 100 per cent and 98 per cent in 2023-24 and 2024-25, respectively.

City Lit tutor Alex Thomas won the inspirational tutor award for his work leading the college’s percussion orchestra for adults with learning disabilities.

The ensemble, whose members compose and perform their own music, has a longstanding partnership with the Royal Academy of Music.

Westminster Adult Education Service celebrated another winner in Ali Kanu, who was named inspirational professional in adult education

The service’s designated safeguarding lead and welfare officer, Kanu was recognised for helping learners facing complex challenges by building partnerships with housing providers, healthcare services, charities and other organisations.

Housing association Peabody won the champion employer for skills and apprenticeships award. Its academy has supported 273 apprentices since 2023, including 107 based in London, providing training in areas such as housing, customer service, leadership and management.

Double gong for London South Bank

The inaugural participation and excellence in higher education award went to London South Bank University Group.

The group was recognised for connecting South Bank Academies, South Bank Colleges and London South Bank University to provide progression routes from entry-level learning into higher education and employment.

South Bank Colleges also won the inclusive provider of adult education award, recognised for its ESOL skills centre at Lambeth College, which supports around 1,000 learners from 50 nationalities.

The inclusive talent award for outreach and engagement into learning went to Teen Action, a Hackney organisation helping Charedi women to access adult education through partnerships with training providers.

The ceremony was hosted by Gogglebox personality and education consultant Baasit Siddiqui, with speakers including deputy mayor for business and growth Howard Dawber, WorldSkills UK’s Emma Roberts and the historian Olivette Otele.

Since launching in 2022, the awards have attracted more than 1,000 nominations and recognised over 90 winners and finalists.

Ascentis is the lead sponsor, with awarding organisation NCFE joining as a sponsor for the first time this year. FE Week is the media partner.