From adversity to Oxford: Elizabeth Histed’s inspiring Access to HE journey
E
lizabeth Histed’s path to Oxford is a powerful example of resilience and the life-changing potential of adult education. Facing significant challenges in her early years, including an unstable home life and health struggles that prevented her from taking GCSEs, Elizabeth’s educational journey was far from typical.
Despite these obstacles, Elizabeth possessed a remarkable determination to shape her future. Finding stability later in life, she returned to education with unwavering focus. She tackled GCSE English Language, achieving a grade 8 after just months of study – a remarkable leap demonstrating her capacity for rapid progress and willingness to step outside her comfort zone. Elizabeth then enrolled on the AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group’s (AIM) Access to HE Diploma (Humanities and Social Science) at Shrewsbury Colleges Group, consistently achieving distinctions. Her tutors noted her proactive approach to learning, her ability to effectively integrate feedback, and her exceptional research and analytical skills, particularly in literature where she blended sociological and feminist perspectives with her critical analysis.
Her academic excellence gained national recognition when she won an award in AIM’s Brian May Access to HE Learner Awards in November 2024, automatically putting her forward for the prestigious Keith Fletcher Memorial Prize for Outstanding Academic Achievement in early April 2025, which she subsequently won.
Now, Elizabeth is reading English Literature at Harris Manchester College, Oxford. Her former tutor at Shrewsbury Colleges Group, Julianne Ward,
celebrates her achievement, stating, “No doubt, this is just the start of a lifetime of learning for her.”
Elizabeth’s story powerfully illustrates how Access to HE Diplomas provide adult learners with a vital second chance, proving that dedication and inner strength can overcome past challenges and lead to the realisation of academic dreams.
For more information on AIM’s Access to HE Diplomas, contact the Access to HE team: 0333 034 8833
www.aimgroup.org.uk/access-to-he
L-R - Sally Howard (AIM’s Head of Access and Compliance), Pam Stanway (AIM’s Access to HE Manager), Julianne Ward (tutor, Shrewsbury Colleges Group), Elizabeth Histed, Kevern Kerswell (AIM Group CEO)
Pupils Wellbeing Prize Win £10,000 to Support Your Pupils’ Mental Health and Wellbeing!
H
owden’s specialist Education division, formerly known as Endsleigh, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Pupils Wellbeing Prize. This exciting competition offers schools the chance to win up to £10,000 to support the mental health and wellbeing of your pupils.
How Can the Prize Money Be Used?
It’s up to your school to decide how best to use the prize money. Here are some ideas: • Mindfulness and Relaxation Spaces: Create quiet areas for reflection, sensory rooms, or nature-inspired zones.
• Peer Support Networks: Train mental health ambassadors to support fellow pupils.
• Outdoor Activity Programmes: Develop activities or challenges that promote physical activity, team-building, and connection with nature.
• Sports and Fitness: Purchase equipment or sports kits, provide training, or mental health support.
• Art/Music and Wellbeing: Fund installations, drama performances, or music sessions/instruments to boost self-esteem and reduce stress.
May 2025 How to Enter
Entering the competition is simple. Complete the application form at Pupils Wellbeing Prize and explain the challenges your school is facing and how the prize money would be used to address these challenges and support your pupils’ mental health and wellbeing.
Who Chooses the Winner(s)?
A panel of judges including Health and Wellbeing Expert, Broadcaster and Author, Dr Radha Modgil, and Entrepreneur, Educator and TV Personality, Baasit Siddiqui will review the applications and decide whether the prize money will be awarded to a single school or shared among several schools which have all successfully demonstrated how they intend to use the prize money to support pupils with their mental health and wellbeing.
Key Dates • Competition Closes: 18 July • Shortlist Announcement: 22 August • Winners Announced: 8 September
About Howden
With 60 years’ experience, Howden’s specialist Education team provides tailored insurance, risk management, and wellbeing solutions to the education community and currently supports more than one million young people with their mental health through their school, college, university, and accommodation provider.
For more information, visit
howdengroup.com/education or contact the team at:
pupilwellbeing@howdeninsurance.co.uk
www.education-today.co.uk 7
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