NEON, the professional organisation supporting people involved in widening access to higher education, has recognised an Essex school that works closely with Make Happen for its widening access achievements, in its annual national awards for 2022.
The NEON annual awards were held on on 11th May 2022 and The James Hornsby School, Basildon, was commended in the NEON School or College Widening Access Award category for the school’s work in widening access for students.
NEON enables those working to widen access to higher education at all levels, and in all sectors, to affect change in their own organisations and communities. The awards recognised The James Hornsby School’s work in the nomination details, which read:
“James Hornsby School works very hard to enable their students from underrepresented groups enter higher education. Despite the pandemic in 2020-21 they engaged in 23 activities across the academic year and worked with 720 students.
“So far, this academic year, the school has participated in five activities with Make Happen (Uni Connect) including working with 534 students with more planned for summer term.
“Activities have included Careers Week, mock interviews, activities in the National Apprenticeships Week and British Science Week, Make Happen assemblies, workshops and mentoring.
“The school is always striving to give the best to their students and meet their core purpose of ‘enhancing life chances of all our young people, enabling them to fulfil their potential and achieve the best possible outcomes’.”
The awards were hosted by MP Matt Western, Shadow Universities Minister at Westminster, with Professor Sir Les Ebdon, Chair of the NEON Executive Committee, also present. The awards this year took place at Portcullis House, Westminster and around 50 people attended.
Congratulations to The James Hornsby School from all the Make Happen team!
Ami Parsad (right) Head of Careers at The James Hornsby School, Basildon pictured with their well-earned certificate of commendation, accompanied by Professor Sir Les Ebdon (left), Chair of NEON Executive Committee, and MP Matt Western (centre), the Shadow Universities Minister.