Bournemouth and Poole College Student Triumphs as NCFE National ‘Learner of the Year’

Before joining Bournemouth and Poole College, Nonge explored a variety of career paths, including roles in hospitality, construction and care. Despite gaining valuable experience across several sectors, he struggled to find a direction that offered a strong sense of purpose and experienced periods of unemployment as he considered his future options.

During this time, Nonge faced several personal challenges that affected his confidence and well-being. Following assessments by healthcare professionals, he gained a greater understanding of the factors that had influenced his experiences throughout education and early adulthood. In particular, receiving a diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental condition helped to explain many of the difficulties he had encountered at school, where his needs had not always been recognised or fully supported.

Midway through his course, Nonge began volunteering at a local primary school. Despite initial concerns about returning to a school environment, he quickly found that his own experiences helped him build strong connections with pupils. The placement has been transformative, boosting his confidence and inspiring him to pursue a career supporting children. He has also gone well beyond the course requirements, volunteering four days a week.

His positive impact was recognised almost immediately, with school staff praising his contribution and commitment. Alongside supporting pupils across different year groups, he also works within a specialist provision for children with additional needs. His dedication, empathy and enthusiasm have made him a valued member of the school community.

Reflecting on this period, Nonge believes that gaining a better understanding of his individual needs marked an important turning point, enabling him to rebuild his confidence, re-engage with learning and pursue new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Sara Brown, Nonge’s Lecturer and Senior Assessor at Bournemouth and Poole College, said: “Nonge is a well-deserving winner of the Learner of the Year award. We are thrilled and proud of his success in the NCFE Aspiration Awards. As a college, we are passionate about unlocking the potential of every student.  Nonge is a brilliant example of how we can improve lives through education and empower students to succeed now and in the future.”

Speaking of his course and subsequent award, Nonge said: “I was apprehensive about coming back into education because of my experiences at school. I enrolled on the Level 2 Support Work in Schools and Colleges and quite quickly settled into it. My tutor and peers were so nice and helpful.  The course helped to give me a different view of education and encouraged me to start volunteering at a primary school and continue my studies with the certificate course.”

He added: “Winning this award means so much to me as it shows me that I’m capable of so much more than what I was told at school. It also means to me that I’m on the right track and this is where I’m meant to be.” 

Nonge now hopes to progress to Level 3 and is keen to become a teacher. His NCFE award serves as a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of college education. His journey demonstrates how resolve, support and opportunity can help individuals overcome challenges and break down barriers. Through sheer hard work and perseverance, he has grown in confidence and achieved remarkable success. His story serves as an inspiration to others striving to reach their full potential, and we’re very proud to be part of his journey.