Gateway Qualifications are pleased to announce that our nomination for the Keith Fletcher Awards 2018-19 has been named runner-up in the Outstanding Academic Achievement category – for the second year in a row!

Reaching for the stars

Megan Wachowiak from Colchester Institute had an ambitious plan to read Archaeology at Durham University. Durham University is regularly ranked for having one of the top three Archaeology departments in the UK, and one of the top six in the world, meaning only high grades would do  – 30 credits at distinction – but Megan was determined to gain them all.

Having had a poor attendance record on a previous course, Megan had a point to prove. While studying Gateway Qualifications Access to HE Diploma (Humanities), Megan looked to enhance her learning and practical skills beyond the classroom and became a member of the Colchester Archaeological Group which hosts weekly lectures and opportunities to take part in fieldwork and digs.

“Megan studied extremely hard and took every opportunity to improve her knowledge of History and develop her research and presentation skills. I was especially impressed by her research project on Roman Archaeology – despite not having as much access to materials as we would desire, Megan produced a fluent incisive piece.” – Richard Farrar, Access to HE tutor, Colchester Institute

Hard work pays off

Credit to her hard work and focus, Megan achieved a Distinction in every unit studied on her diploma and was offered a place at Durham University. Her efforts were also praised by the Chair of the Final Awards Board who sent her a commendation letter for her excellent academic profile and achievement.

To top it all off, Megan was nominated by Colchester Institute and Gateway Qualifications for the Keith Fletcher Memorial Prize and has been named as runner-up in the Outstanding Academic Achievement category

Megan will receive her prize at a prestigious ceremony held at The Houses of Parliament in May, where she and other winners and runners-up will celebrate their achievements.

“I am absolutely delighted that Megan has been chosen as runner-up for such a prestigious award. This clearly demonstrates the hard work and determination Megan has shown throughout her Access to HE Diploma. It highlights the value of Access to HE, how it can change lives and be a stepping stone to fulfilling dreams and ambitions. Congratulations Megan.” – Sarah Doe, Access to HE Quality Manager, Gateway Qualifications

This is the second year in a row that a Gateway Qualifications nominee has been named as the Oustanding Academic Achievement runner-up. Michael Allport from Colchester Institute received the award for his determination to succeed and achieve his dream of studying BSc Computer Science. Read about Michaels success and what happens at the prize-giving ceremony:

Outstanding Academic Achievement runner-up heads to parliament