Patients are celebrating top class results after studying at a pioneering vocational learning service within our trust.
Staff and service users united this week for a Celebration of Achievement event to mark the latest exam and course success at Ridgeway College.
Specialist teacher and education lead Andy Longstaff said: “I am immensely proud of the amazing achievements of our patients.
“Many have overcome significant challenges. Some have no formal education, or English may not their first language, but they all work extremely hard to succeed.”
Major milestone in education
Dozens of patients have studied at Ridgeway College – which is based within Ridgeway at Roseberry Park Hospital, Middlesbrough – since it opened in 2023.
The college is an approved City & Guilds and AQA centre of education and offers over 100 courses, including maths, English, history, theatre and woodwork.
A total of 267 AQA certificates and 33 maths and English functional skills qualifications have been awarded since the college opened – with a 100% pass rate on first attempt.
“Many of our patients haven’t really engaged with education before. They might have missed a lot of school, or never taken exams, but find they flourish here,” said Andy.
“One patient hadn’t been to school since they were six and couldn’t read or write. Now they have qualifications in maths and English, which is such an achievement.
“Our oldest learner is 75 and our youngest is 20. We welcome people of all ages, abilities, nationalities and religions – and are here to support everyone in their learning.”
Building brighter futures through education
The education and wellness team at Ridgeway works with internal services and local organisations to create courses which support recovery, wellbeing and future career opportunities.
“It’s very rewarding to see how proud and happy our patients are when receive their certificates and see their names on the Honours Board,” said Andy.
“We’ve had one patient who was unable to make themselves understood, due to a language barrier, but now they can talk, listen, read and write in English and have exams to prove it.
“We also have someone who is just about to pass their Maths Level 2 and is to become our first ever Ridgeway peer mentor in maths, supporting other patients – which is fantastic.
“I’m incredibly grateful to our leadership team for believing in Ridgeway College and supporting the service. We are helping people work towards their futures.”
Staff and patients unite to celebrate learning
Almost 50 patients were this week awarded over 200 AQA and City & Guilds certificates between them – and celebrated their success at the special achievement event.
One patient said: “I love how the education team involves us in our care plan goals and make our learning fun and interesting.
“I never knew I could learn so much. I feel more confident to get off the ward and get involved in other things too.”
General manager Richard Hand today praised the work around education at Ridgeway and added:
“The progress, achievements and impact the education team makes never ceases to amaze me. It’s amazing. I am impressed with the diversity and co-delivery.”
