Welcome to Activate Alumni!

Our students are at the heart of everything we do. Activate Alumni aims to celebrate and recognise the achievements of our students beyond their time at college.

Our alumni community is all about building lasting connections, providing lifelong learning opportunities, and giving back to our former students.

What is Activate Learning?

We recognise not all our former students are familiar with Activate Learning. We’re an Ofsted rated GOOD further education group which has grown over the past 10 years to include eight campuses across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Surrey. We also deliver Higher Education programmes, Apprenticeships, Adult Education and employability training. 

If you studied at Banbury and Bicester College, Bracknell and Wokingham College, City of Oxford College, Farnham College, Guildford College, Merrist Wood College or Reading College, that makes you part of Activate Alumni! 

Some of our colleges have been part of our local communities for over 70 years. Whether you attended an Activate Learning College one year ago or 70 years ago, we want to hear from you! 

Become an official member of Activate Alumni, and sign up for our wide range of alumni benefits, by filling out our alumni form. 

 

What’s in it for you?

As a member of Activate Alumni, you will be entitled to a lifetime of benefits. This includes course discounts, volunteering and business engagement opportunities, invitations to exclusive events and more. 

You'll also be the first to hear about all the amazing things we are doing across our colleges, as we change and evolve to meet our communities' needs. You will also get to discover opportunities to give something back to the next generation of alumni, by helping to nurture new talent coming through the colleges into the sectors and industries you've ended up in. 

Stay in touch

If you want to get in touch or have an enquiry, please contact us via alumni@activatelearning.ac.uk and remember to follow our alumni page on LinkedIn! 

What are they up to now?

Many of our alumni have gone on to do amazing things and we love sharing their stories.

Andrew Haydon Practice Educator for Oncology

Life at Reading College

Andrew Haydon studied Access to HE: Nursing at Reading College from 2014 to 2015. He now works for the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust as a Practice Educator for Oncology, after achieving a first-class degree in Adult Nursing at the University of West London. 

Andrew said: “College set me up really well for university, giving me the study skills that I didn't have. 

“The way the course is interlinked with your first year at university means you have a great foundation for when you start your degree. I felt like I was already ahead when I started university. 

“I left school at 16 with below average GCSEs, then trained as a golf professional and took a more practical route. So, to go back to studying was challenging as I had been out of education for 16 years.” 

 

Coming back to Education

Andrew shared his experience of returning to education later in life, and what led him down this unexpected path. 

“I'd never written an assignment with references or a bibliography or anything like that, so I had to learn a lot of new academic skills and life skills, which was daunting. 

“My wife was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in the November of 2011. We also lost her mum in 2012 to lung cancer. 

“It was when my wife was going through treatment that I first felt the desire to become a nurse, as I wanted to learn how to better support her and others in similar situations. 

“She then encouraged me to go to college, and the support I received from the teaching staff helped me overcome my doubts about returning to education,” Andrew added. 

 

Life since college

Since attending Reading College, Andrew secured a place at the University of West London and achieved a first-class degree in Adult Nursing. 

“I qualified in 2018 and started working in A&E. Then I got a promotion and went to be a senior nurse in respiratory throughout the second wave of COVID,” Andrew said. 

“Now I look after education within Oncology. My title is Practice Educator and I look after all the educational needs of all the nurses and care support workers and support staff across the whole of Oncology. 

“I'm also doing a PGCert in healthcare education at the University of Reading, to develop my teaching knowledge and skills.” 

 

Proudest achievement

Andrew’s proudest achievement is completing his Access to HE course and degree with a young family and making the best out of a bad situation. 

“You'll never have a positive experience out of having a cancer diagnosis, but strangely, lots of positive things have come out of it, like me getting my degree and becoming a nurse,” Andrew said. 

“I think many adult learners tend to have a personal connection or an experience in the area that they want to study, and that gives them a greater drive and motivation to succeed.” 

 

Advice for changing career paths later in life

Andrew had some words of wisdom to share with others who want to go back to education later in life to change their career path. 

“Take the opportunity with both hands. Understand that it’ll be challenging but that the end goal is 100% worth it,” said Andrew. 

“My advice would be to fully immerse yourself in college life and university life. Test your boundaries and push yourself well outside your comfort zone, because it’ll teach you valuable skills for life and your career.” 

Elin Weresch Children's book illustrator

Life at City of Oxford College

Elin Weresch studied Art and Design at City of Oxford College from 2016 to 2018. She has since become a published illustrator for a series of children’s books, Willy and Wally the Windscreen Wipers. 

“I loved my experience at college and really miss it. There was so much variety in my course. One week we could be doing metal work, and then we could go onto ceramic or print, and we had access to so many resources,” Elin said. 

“I’ve always been quite multidisciplinary, so having all of this at my fingertips really helped me figure out my skillset. 

“The people also made it what it was. I’m still in contact with many of my friends from college today. I love that I’ve built lifelong relationships from my time there.” 

 

Life since college

After college, Elin took a gap year to get some work experience before applying to university. She worked in one of the local pubs and was promoted to pub manager before going to Birmingham School of Art to study Art and Design. 

The pandemic had a big effect on Elin’s experience at university, but it also allowed her to discover her love for illustration. 

“Covid hit when I went into my second year. We were isolating and all of the teaching was online, so I taught myself a lot at home, and this is where my illustration style grew. I was thinking back to my favourite childhood stories and started doing illustrations based on that,” she said. 

“I then made the decision to drop out, which is a shame as I most likely would have been able to finish my degree if the pandemic hadn’t happened, but it wasn't sustainable for me to stay on, so it was the right decision for me. 

“I then went back to my work in the pub, where they greeted me with open arms. I came across my illustration job through one of the regulars at the pub, who had just won a children’s book competition and needed an illustrator, so I kind of fell into it.” 

 

Next steps

“The Willy and Wally books will be a series, and I’ve signed on to illustrate all of them in the series which is really exciting,” Elin shared. 

“While I don’t want to be a pub manager for the rest of my life, I do really love it, and it’s allowed me to make a lot of connections with my art. The customers all know me and really appreciate that I’m an artist, which has allowed me to do some freelance work, doing illustrations for people. 

“I’m still figuring out where I want to go with my career, but I don’t think I need to decide right now what I want to do. I don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket. 

“There’s so much I enjoy doing. I knit, I crochet, I paint, I make jewellery, I illustrate, I sculpt, I’ve even tried tattooing and have considered a business in that. But I love doing freelance work as it lets me take charge of what I do,” she added. 

 

Advice for Art and Design students finishing college

After her experience with university, and entering the world of freelance, Elin has some words of advice to share with those seeking a career in the creative industries. 

“University is great, but you don’t always need a degree to get where you want in life. My experience taught me that university isn’t the only option,” she said. 

“As long as you keep doing what you enjoy, keep learning, keep reading, and keep creating, you’re on the right track. 

“I also would advise people to not get too stressed about their career straight away. College is a really great way to start off on the outside world, but you can always go back and keep studying. 

“You’re never too old to learn. Whether you do that by yourself, or whether you go back to do another course at college, or go to university later in life, there are endless possibilities, even after you’ve left college.” 

Emily Prachar Training solicitor working in clinical negligence

Life at City of Oxford College

Emily Prachar studied A Levels in Sociology, Psychology and Law at City of Oxford College. She has since graduated from the University of Southampton with a Law degree and is now a training solicitor working in clinical negligence. 

“I transferred over from my secondary school where I had started my A Levels but wasn’t really enjoying it. I’m so glad I came to college, as I had a really positive experience there,” Emily said. 

“One thing that made my time at college so great was my brilliant law teacher, Saima Hussain. She really helped me throughout my course, and we’re still in touch today. I dedicated my university dissertation to her for all her incredible support and for sparking my interest in law!” 

The support Emily received at college helped her secure a place at university, and a scholarship for her A Level grade in Law. 

“My teachers supported me a lot with my university application. There was also a time during university when I went back to them for help and they were happy to support me, even after I'd left,” she added. 

 

Most memorable moment

Emily’s most memorable college experience was when she got the opportunity to witness a real case and gain valuable industry experience with other students from her A Level Law class. 

“At college, my class had the chance to go to the Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, in London to see a court case about an MP that was murdered,” she said. 

“It was a fascinating experience. It was our first glimpse of a real-life court case and what our future careers could be. It solidified my interest in pursuing a career in the legal profession.”  

 

Life since college

Since completing her Law degree at the University of Southampton, Emily has been doing her LPC, Legal Practice Course, to become a Solicitor. 

“I started working at Freeths almost two years ago now. I started on the Legal Assistant Programme. The idea is that you have regular reviews and after nine months, there is an opportunity to secure a training contract to become a solicitor,” Emily said. 

“I joined as a legal assistant and then I was offered a training contract which I started in September. We do four seats in total and I’m on my first seat, so I will hopefully qualify a year in September. 

"I started working in the Trusts, Estates and Tax team and now I'm working in our Clinical Negligence team. So, I’m getting a broad range of experience which I’m really enjoying.” 

“The support I have had at Freeths has been really great, particularly around my studies. I started during Covid which was such a turbulent time for most, but I settled into working life seamlessly. It has been amazing to see all the things I learnt at College and University in working practice. 

“There are plenty of school leaver and graduate opportunities at Freeths, which I would really recommend looking into if you’re wanting to start a career in Law.” 

 

Proudest achievement to date

“I'm coming to the end of my LPC now, so I think doing the LPC alongside full-time work is my biggest achievement,” shared Emily. 

“It’s quite a difficult course, and to do that alongside working quite a demanding job, is something I’m really proud of. I've got my last exam in March and then I'll graduate. 

“For most law students, the training contract is the end goal after studying. So, feeling like I've made it there is quite nice.” 

 

Advice for someone leaving college

Emily has a few words of wisdom to share with students who are leaving college soon and embarking on their next steps. 

“Cherish your time, whether that be with education, your career, or spending time with friends and family,” she said. 

“Time goes by so quickly that it’s important to enjoy where you are now as it can be easy to get absorbed in what’s next and forget to cherish the experiences and opportunities that you have today.” 

James Scott Garden Designer

Life at Merrist Wood

“Without college, I don't think I could have done what I do now. We had some great teachers that I admired. They all took a lot of pride in what they did, and I looked up to them.” 

James Scott studied Landscape Construction at Merrist Wood College from 1986 to 1989. Since then, he’s gone on to establish his own highly successful garden design-and-build business in Hertfordshire, winning multiple national awards. 

One of James’ most memorable moments at Merrist Wood was the college’s involvement with the Chelsea Flower Show each year. 

“During our year, there was an internal competition running, where we had to design a garden for the London Association of the Blind, which would then be built for the Chelsea Flower Show,” said James. 

“I was fortunate enough that my design got chosen to be to be built. I spent a lot of time designing it, hoping it would get chosen and was thrilled when it was. I probably got offered my first job on the back of having that experience.”  

Industry knowledge

James’ course at college required pre-college work experience, and an industrial placement year in-between the two years at college. James spent his placement year working in the USA. 

James said: “Working for different companies before and during my time at college gave me a good foundation to build a career on. It allowed me to learn a few different ways of doing things, which was very valuable when I later set up my own business. 

“The college’s links to industry were also really important, especially its connection with BALI, the British Association of Landscape Industries. When I left college, I joined BALI as soon as possible and have benefited from my membership ever since. 

“College is not just about studying. You need to make the most of your industrial experience too, and continuing professional development once you have started work,” James said.   

 

Life since college

When James finished his studies at Merrist Wood, he worked as a designer/manager for Capital Garden Landscapes in North London. 

After a couple of years, James decided he wanted to take a more independent route and set up his own business, The Garden Company, in 1991 with his business partner. 

James said: “We set up a business in designing, landscaping and gardening. We slowly grew that business from one employee to a few employees and we now employ about 20 people. 

“Alongside our own talented team, we also draw on a strong network of professionals with specialist skills. We are a design-led business and alongside my BALI membership I am a fully Registered Member of the SGD (Society of Garden Designers). 

“We support our clients every step of the way through their transformation projects. Most of our work is for residential sites and we also work on commercial spaces, including business parks, corporate Head Offices, wedding venues and independent schools. 

“We are honoured to have worked with the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew and at the historic Temple Garden in London’s legal district.” 

 

Proudest achievement to date

“I'm really proud of The Garden Company’s track record in winning many national awards over the years,” James said. 

“We were delighted to win a BALI Award in 2022 for Best Design and Build project, and around the same time I was voted as one of the 25 Most Influential people in the landscape industry. 

“I'm also proud that my business contributes to people's livelihood, providing employment and being a good place to work. 

“Winning awards is great, but it's quite fleeting. It’s having a business that operates at the highest possible quality standards that matters most,” James added. 

 

Advice for building a successful career in the landscape industry

The years of experience after studying at Merrist Wood have given James a broad knowledge of the industry. He had some words of wisdom to share with students that will finish college soon: 

“You need to join the best company you can, get stuck in and make the most of the opportunities around you. It’s worth working at more than one reputable business in your early career. 

“Get to know other people in your profession. Immerse yourself in the industry and build a network. Go to trade events, RHS shows and join relevant professional societies. 

“Finally, visit gardens!  When I’m interviewing job candidates, so many people talk about being inspired by garden design or landscaping, then can’t name a garden they have visited recently. 

“It’s really important to be able to demonstrate your genuine interest and passion for the industry, not only to prospective employers like me but to clients and business contacts too.” 

Rebekkah O’Neill Owner - The Orchard Hair Salon

Life at Banbury and Bicester College

Rebekkah O’Neill studied Hair and Beauty at Banbury and Bicester College from 2014 to 2016. She has since made her way up the ladder in the beauty industry by setting up her own salon and successful hairdressing blog. 

“My first year at college was probably one of the best years of my life. I didn’t really enjoy school, so it was really refreshing when I got to college and had a lot more freedom and was treated like an adult,” she said. 

“The teachers were lovely, and I found myself really looking forward to going into college every day. I knew that I was going there to learn something that I was really passionate about.” 

 

Favourite memory

One of Rebekkah’s most memorable moments from college was her time spent with teacher, Sam Smith, and the skills she learnt through one-to-one teaching. 

“If it weren’t for her, I would not have the knowledge I have today. She always went out of her way to make sure we understood things and help us practice,” Rebekkah said. 

“Her help throughout college is what really stuck with me. For example, she taught me how to razor cut hair, and now I get people who specifically come to me because I razor cut. I learnt all of that from Sam, and now that’s one of my specialities.” 

 

Life since college

After working in a salon for a couple of years after college, and then in a home salon, Rebekkah found a space to set up her own business, The Orchard Hair Salon in Banbury. 

“I’ve been there for four years now, but in 2022 I finished my training to be an educator, so now I teach beauty and hairdressing courses as well,” Rebekkah said. 

“I also manage a hair and beauty blog which has been quite successful. I’ve been featured on sites like Buzzfeed, Bustle, and SheFinds.” 

While Rebekkah has been a hair enthusiast from childhood, she was surprised to discover her love for teaching. 

“I absolutely love it, it’s very rewarding. The training has opened my eyes in so many ways, for example how everyone has different learning styles,” she said. 

“I think I didn’t enjoy school because the way we were taught did not suit how I learn best. I now transfer that knowledge to my teaching and try to understand all my students’ learning styles so that I know my teaching is beneficial to each student. 

“I can definitely see myself wanting to teach more in the future,” Rebekkah added. 

 

Proudest achievement to date

Rebekkah’s proudest achievement so far was when her dandruff vs dry scalp blog post was feature in Buzzfeed last year. 

“I was blown away when it went live, and the amount of traffic that has come to my website from that one feature is just insane,” she said. 

“That experience made me want to do more, and that’s how I got to be on Bustle and SheFinds. I’m a content reviewer for SheFinds now, so it’s amazing how many doors it’s opened for me.”  

 

Advice for life post-college

Rebekkah shared some words of advice for those leaving college soon. 

“Don’t force things. Sometimes things don’t happen the way you want them to happen, but you have to remember that there will always be other opportunities,” she said. 

“I remember the pressure after college of thinking that I needed to do everything right away, but you don’t have a time limit. You can take it step by step. 

“Just because something doesn’t happen now, doesn’t mean something better won’t happen in the future.” 

Sam Skeates Production apprentice at BBC Radio Berkshire

Life at Bracknell and Wokingham College

Sam Skeates studied a Creative Media Level 3 Extended Diploma at Bracknell and Wokingham College and is now doing an apprenticeship at BBC Radio Berkshire. 

“I really enjoyed college. The course was great and I put a lot of work into it which paid off in the end, as I got a distinction,” Sam said. 

“I also had a brilliant group of mates who I’m still in touch with today, which is just as important for making college a positive experience.” 

 

My fondest memory

Sam shared his favourite memory from his time at college. 

“One day that I remember well was when we had to film a documentary. I decided to do a sport documentary as I’m a big Liverpool supporter, so I wanted to film a piece on Liverpool FC,” he said. 

“I contacted the sports department directly to see if one of the footballers wanted to come and be a part of it, and the guy they sent turned out to be an old friend of mine who I’d lost contact with! 

“It made the documentary a lot more meaningful for me, and  made the whole experience more special. It was great seeing the end product, after our reunion.” 

 

Life since college

Sam discovered the BBC Radio Berkshire apprenticeship opportunity through his tutors at college, who encouraged him to apply. 

“I've been a production apprentice at BBC Radio Berkshire since September, so, almost half a year now and I’m absolutely loving it,” Sam said. 

“As part of my role, I help produce shows and I edit the Reading FC podcast that airs on Saturdays. I'm also getting into the social media side of it, and doing some video editing and filming, too. 

“I'm really trying to do as much as I can to work out where I want to go next. The apprenticeship is helping me see what I find enjoyable and where my strengths are.” 

 

Returning to college to inspire current students

Sam recently returned to Bracknell and Wokingham College to speak to current creative media students. Sam’s former tutor, Paul Boddy, shared his praise. 

“We are extremely proud of Sam's achievements. He was a Distinction-level student at Bracknell and Wokingham College and always put in 100% effort throughout his course,” Paul Boddy, Media Lecturer at Activate Learning, said. 

“His visit showed what can be achieved by studying Creative Media here, and gave our current students a valuable insight into the process of applying for and working in an apprenticeship.” 

 

Proudest achievements

Sam reflected on his proudest achievements from college and the apprenticeship. 

“I was extremely proud of my final video project that I created at college. It was a music video for the song Let You by Iann Dior, and I think it was my favourite video that I’ve produced,” Sam said. 

“I am also really proud that I secured a place on the apprenticeship with BBC Radio Berkshire, and what I have achieved during the programme so far. 

“Just last week, I was listening back to the Reading FC podcast that I edit, and it hit me that it's on BBC Sounds. That’s something I've created is on there is a big achievement for me.” 

 

Advice after leaving college

Sam has some advice to share with students who are leaving college soon. 

“You’ve just got to go in and be confident! Don’t be afraid to talk to people and ask questions,” he said. 

“Building up a network is really important. When you’re meeting new people, pick up on an area of common interest and go from there. You never know what doors it might open for you. 

“It never hurts to be curious and proactive, particularly when you’re fairly new in industry.”