Ashley Roberts, who has been attending various courses at Academy Transformation Trust Further Education, Sutton Campus, over the past 18 months, was named adult learner of the year at the Inspire Awards ceremony.

When Ashley first went to the academy he could barely read or write and needed support while learning the basics of phonics.

He had low confidence skills and struggled to focus, but has improved significantly in all aspects of his learning.

Attending the academy helped Ashley to improve his everyday life. He now has the confidence and skills to undertake simple tasks such as reading a menu in a café or a newspaper, which he had not been able to do before.

Ashley has learnt to read and write and has successfully undertaken three literacy exams.

He said: “The course has helped me with my reading and writing. My work has improved a lot since I first started. I have enjoyed every minute of it and can’t thank the tutors enough.”