Jack has been awarded the Inclusive Practice Student of the Year. He has displayed impressive resilience and determination throughout his time at College. Jack navigated his educational journey with remarkable perseverance as an autistic individual who also has dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia, 

Jack started his learning journey within Foundation Learning, accessing a personalised programme to develop his confidence and self-esteem where he embraced opportunities for growth and advocacy. Jack self-nominated as a student representative, amplifying the voices of his peers and campaigning for inclusivity within the college community. 

Jack's commitment to personal and academic development shone and he is now working towards level 2 qualifications in maths and English. Beyond his academic studies, Jack's passion for gardening became a driving force and he started to develop these skills within the Garden at South West Skills Campus and then progressed to a larger scale environment within our alternative classroom at  Butcombe Farm.  Jack learned to cultivate produce for cooking sessions and, notably, completed a work experience placement at Red Chilli Kitchen, crafting chilli sauces sold as part of Uncle Paul’s Chilli Charity as part of his Supported Internship placement. 

Jack's dedication and exemplary attitude were quickly recognised during his placement, demonstrating that determination and hard work can overcome many barriers to education and employment. Consequently, Jack was offered a paid position at Red Chilli Kitchen which he will start when he finishes college. 

Jack's impact extended beyond his personal achievements. As a student representative, he facilitated positive change within the College, actively engaging with external partners and stakeholders. Notably, he was selected for a meeting with the education minister to share his experiences and progress. 

Reflecting on his college experience, Jack expressed gratitude for the supportive staff and the opportunities that enabled his growth.  In Jack's own words, "I enjoyed my time...I felt really proud about the award...I think I won it because I am always there making people laugh and being a good team person." His infectious positivity, resilience, and dedication make Jack an inspiring role model for inclusivity and achievement within the College community.