Inspiring students triumph at 2026 Adult Learner Awards

A demonstration of incredible perseverance and the passion of an amateur film club were just some of the standout stories to emerge from the 2026 Adult Learner Awards at City of Portsmouth College.

More than 20 awards were given out at a glittering ceremony at Highbury Campus, where achievements of all shapes and sizes were celebrated both by winners and by the many family and friends attending. College governor Shirley Nellthorpe told the audience: “As we've heard throughout tonight, success takes many forms. For some of you, it has meant achieving exceptional academic results. For others, it has been about overcoming barriers, building confidence, learning new skills, changing careers, or simply taking that first step back into education.

“We are incredibly proud of everything you have achieved and look forward to seeing where your journeys take you next.”

It was ESOL Pre-Intermediate student Omar Ibrahim who took home the biggest prize of the night – Student of the Year – for showing unbelievable determination and dedication to learning English to settle into UK life.

The 35-year-old came to the UK from Sudan and joined the course with limited confidence in English. Making remarkable improvements in both his reading and writing skills, he also successfully passed his B2 English qualification and the Life in the UK Test during his studies. He’s found work and has now applied for British citizenship.

Meanwhile, it was a Hollywood-style finale for the Student Team of the Year as the Tuesday Club Studios – a group of adult learners who formed their own film club and premiered their first short films this year – took home the prize.

The club, comprising Jackie Rea, Joe Malia, John Roskilly, Rosemary Ward, Billy Stevenson, Christopher Jupp, Cris Black, Emma Gilmore, Jo Cox, Joanne Abery, Lyndsey Lang, Richard Gardner and Susan Wakely, were recognised for their outstanding creativity, professionalism, and dedication throughout the past year.

The night was capped off with celebratory drinks and plenty of photo moments for family and friends to mark a brilliant night for our award winners.

Adult Learner Awards 2026

100% Attendance – Maryam Raufi and Fred Irvine
Above & Beyond – Mumeka Kabongo and Billy Stevenson
Academic Excellence in ESOL – Hamid Alrashid and Abazer Taleb
Attitude for Learning – Tina Dugan and Melissa Hart
Most Supportive – Hannah La Roche and Sue Whitelock
Outstanding progress in Maths – Noreen Asim and Melina Rossi
Outstanding progress in English – Karidjata Sylla
Outstanding Progress – Rene-May Gray and Beverley Spencer
Outstanding Commitment to Learning – Sarah Carter and Magdalena Rzesotarska
Outstanding Performance – Nahima Lalzai and Sarida Beardsmore
Student Team of the Year – The Tuesday Club Studios (Jackie Rea, Joe Malia, John Roskilly, Rosemary Ward, Billy Stevenson, Christopher Jupp, Cris Black, Emma Gilmore, Jo Cox, Joanne Abery, Lyndsey Lang, Richard Gardner, Susan Wakely)
Student of the Year – Omar Ibrahim