OCN London Michael Sargent Bursary Awards 2023-24

We are delighted to announce the results of our Michael Sargent Bursary Awards 2023-24.

The bursary awards were established in memory of Michael Sargent, who played a pivotal role in the development of OCNs and was one of OCN London’s longest-serving moderators.

Michael’s contributions to our work were substantial and multifaceted over the years. He served as a Trustee on our Board, participated as a member of our Quality Committee, attended countless OCN London validation panels over a 25-year span, and served as an External Moderator for 15 years, overseeing programmes ranging from Basic Skills to Access to Higher Education.

Michael is remembered not only for his professional expertise but also for his kindness, his wonderful sense of humour, and his unwavering commitment to supporting adults in returning to education and realising their potential. It is fitting that we honour his lifelong dedication to widening participation in education through this bursary award.

The Bursary awards celebrate the achievements of Access to HE learners who studied in 2023-24 and celebrates outstanding academic achievement and commitment to study.

Outstanding Academic Achievement

WINNER: Paolo Cruz, Access to HE Diploma (Paramedic Science), Kingston College

Paolo impressed his tutors from the beginning with his dedication and drive. His tutor said,

“His works were consistently of high quality, well-presented whilst meeting all set deadlines. He was organised, methodical and took responsibility for his own learning. He was able to carry out research using variety of resources to find out information relevant to his studies and applied them in manners that demonstrated clarity of understanding.”

The Awards judge said:

“Paolo displayed outstanding academic rigor within the Access to HE Diploma in Paramedic Science, consistently achieving distinctions across key units. His work demonstrates exceptional research skills, and the ability to apply complex medical concepts to practical scenarios.”

Paolo is now studying Paramedic Science at St George’s, University of London.

RUNNER UP: Paule Sandrine Massacdo Simo, Access to HE Diploma (Digital Technologies and Computer Science), The College of Haringey, Enfield, and North-East London

Paule’s tutors were impressed by the passion and focus her showed throughout the course. They said,

“Driven by a passion for mathematics and coding, Paule embarked on her journey in Computer Science with a clear vision. This pursuit of knowledge has not only equipped her with critical skills in planning, organisation, and time management but has also fostered a resilient spirit that will undoubtedly contribute to her future success at university.”

The awards judge said:

“Her work in assignments such as Database Theory, Numerical Methods, and Software Testing Principles illustrates excellent analytical skills, particularly in applying technical and mathematical knowledge to real-world problems.”

Paule is going to be studying Computer Science at City, University of London in September 2025.

Outstanding Commitment to Study

WINNER: Thaynara Dias Da Silva Castro, Access to HE Diploma (Humanities and Social Science), Kingston College

Thaynara’s tutors were impressed with her determination and perseverance throughout the course. Her tutor said:

“Her presence in class was always positive and supportive, despite her difficulties. She always enriched discussions with her contributions and frequently studied during the night to ensure her assignments were of a good standard. It is to her immense credit that she achieved many Distinctions across the diploma, including in her Extended Project, on the conflict between Human Rights law and proposed plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, which epitomised her commitment to her academic studies and her professional trajectory.”

The Awards judge said:

“Thaynara demonstrated an exceptional level of resilience and commitment to her studies, excelling despite considerable personal challenges. Despite these obstacles, Thaynara maintained her focus, achieving many distinctions, including on her Extended Project, and actively contributing to class discussions. Her unwavering dedication to her academic journey, in the face of such adversity, aligns strongly with the award’s criteria of outstanding commitment and inspirational personal transformation.” 

Thaynara is now studying Law at the University of Surrey.

RUNNER UP: Tanisha Williams, Access to HE Diploma (Social Science), CU Coventry

Tanisha’s tutors were impressed with her perseverance and dedication throughout the course. Her tutors said,

“She has grasped every opportunity to develop her own skills to enable her to achieve the golden distinctions that she aspired to. Without this dedication she would not have gained the results she has. She has learned to undertake research and to seek a range of sources for different perspectives to inform her ideas. Shortly before the last unit she came to talk to me about her joy in participating in the course. She explained how the course had empowered her and helped her to understand her own status in life.”

The Awards judge said:

“Tanisha presented a compelling journey, showing remarkable determination to complete her course while managing multiple family responsibilities and financial constraints. Her motivation to support others, including family members impacted by challenging circumstances, and her extensive use of college resources to improve her academic skills demonstrate her strong commitment to personal growth.”

Tanisha is now studying Psychology and Criminology at Coventry University.

Want to find out more about our  Access to HE Diploma offer, please contact Michelle Wood at michelle@ocnlondon.org.uk