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OLA 2026 Case Studies

Case Studies of BAES Outstanding Learner Award Winners

Andri’s Story

  • 2 min read
Smiling woman in a striped shirt on a banner reading 'Composing her future' with a blue background and a subtitle about returning to learning.

After a 10 year break from her employment while she raised her daughter Andri has returned to learning. She is now excited by this new… 

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Learning to make connections

  • 2 min read
Banner: 'Finding purpose' headline with a smiling woman on the right and decorative blue shapes in the background.

Sherry came to Birmingham and discovered that learning was her gateway into new communities and making her feel like she belonged.

Determined to not give up

  • 1 min read
Banner with the headline 'Driven to succeed' and the subtitle 'From a love of history to new ambitions — read James' story,' featuring a man in a cowboy hat on the right.

James has already overcome many barriers to get where he is today. Boosted by the support of staff and family his resilience is paying off.

Finding the words to excel

  • 2 min read
Hero banner: woman with glasses on the right; large 'Finding the words' text on white left, navy subtitle bar below.

Scarlet had always managed to get by in life with Basic English skills – then something happened to inspire her to set about improving them.

Emerging from the silence

  • 2 min read
Banner with the text 'Creative with purpose' in navy, and a man in a white suit on the right against blue shapes.

Shakil’s journey with BAES is an inspiring story of creativity, confidence and compassion.

Blossoming in her community

  • 2 min read
Hero banner: smiling woman on the right with the headline 'New horizons' and an orange underline in blue shapes

Nabila’s journey shows the power of determination and self-belief. Joining our community learning provision helped her to grow and to believe in herself.

The healing power of education

  • 2 min read
Jonathan -

Jonathan brought warmth, humour and a strong sense of community to the centre from day one with in his studies. Then, something traumatic happened.

Maths is my favourite way to relax!

  • 2 min read
Hero banner: 'Confidence by numbers' title with orange underline; woman in teal clothing on the right.

When Nazik arrived in the UK from Ukraine she brought a strong academic background but limited confidence in English.