Finalist Rachael Speers Earns National Recognition

We are thrilled to announce that Rachael Speers, a student on our Foundation Degree in Children’s Development and Learning, has been named a national finalist in the prestigious Association of Colleges (AoC) Student of the Year Awards

Nominated in the Higher Education category, Rachael’s achievement highlights an extraordinary journey of perseverance, personal growth and professional impact.

Balancing a full-time role as an Assistant in Occupational Health at a specialised school for neurodivergent children, managing her own complex health conditions and parenting children with additional needs, Rachael’s academic trajectory is nothing short of exceptional.

After initially facing challenges with academic writing and critical feedback, Rachael intentionally overhauled her study habits. She transformed her approach from earning basic passing marks to consistently securing top-tier distinctions. Her remarkable turnaround previously earned her the college-wide Higher Education Student of the Year Award.

"Rachael’s trajectory represents one of the most profound transformations observed in higher education," said Sharon Falconer, Course Director for Foundation Degree in Children’s Development and Learning. "She turned personal adversity into a catalyst for professional excellence, translating high-level university research directly into innovative, inclusive support for vulnerable children in her community."

Beyond her academic achievements, Rachael serves as an empathetic mentor to her university peers and a powerful advocate for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) families. By integrating therapeutic strategies into classroom environments, she bridges the gap between academic theory and practical community care.

The AoC Student of the Year Awards celebrate outstanding individuals in further education across the UK. Winners will be announced at the national awards ceremony later this year.