Coordinating lecturer makes short-list for Inspire! Adult Learning Award
12 March 2025
The awards celebrate the achievements, exceptional passion and commitment of people working in lifelong learning.
Dr Paul Webster is a finalist in the Inspire! Adult Learning Awards organised by The Learning and Work Insitute Cymru. Paul coordinates the Exploring the Past Pathway, which provides a route to undergraduate degrees in history, archaeology and religion at Cardiff University.
He was nominated by Abdul, Anastazia and Lisa (former students) because of the positive impact he has made in their lives and the transformative powers of lifelong learning. They wanted to champion Paul after receiving outstanding support from him over the years.
Abdul graduated with a BA in History (1st class honours) in 2023 and is now studying an MA in International Relations:
“Aged 17, a road accident left me tetraplegic. After a long rehab, I knew I wanted to pursue Higher Education and make a meaningful contribution to society. Due to my accident, I was unable to complete A-levels, which left me uncertain about my future.
The Pathway provided the support and structure I needed. It has been transformative and empowering, helping me grow personally and develop renewed purpose and determination.
Paul has provided exceptional support that made me feel prepared and connected.
This supportive environment continued throughout my degree, whether through one-on-one meetings, helpful feedback on assignments, or access to additional resources. He genuinely cares about our progress and success, and his encouragement has been invaluable.”
Anastazia graduated with a BA in Ancient History and History (1st class honours) in 2023 and now works in the heritage sector. She is currently completing an MA in History:
“I gave birth to my son in May 2019, joined the Pathway in September 2019 and completed most of the modules with him in my arms! Before the pathway, I wasn't able to sit GCSE history due to complications at home.
The Pathway opened opportunities and confidence I never thought achievable. Paul provided me with so much support and understanding. I will be forever grateful for his time, energy and compassion.
He has been my first point of contact over the last five years, and I can't express how much he has helped me develop academically.”
Lisa graduated with a BA in Ancient and Medieval History (2:1) in 2023. She recently completed an MA in History (Merit) and is now planning to undertake a PhD:
“When I was growing up, studying a degree was never an option. I was expected to leave school, start working and earning money. However, I always felt a burning ambition to learn and knew I was capable of studying at university.
I was in my forties, disabled and wallowing in self-pity when I first heard about Exploring the Past. The Pathway builds your confidence, I received so much advice and support. Everything fell into place really quickly.
Paul has been amazing. He has done so much for me, when I say this has not only changed my life, it has given me my life back! I received so much support and encouragement.”
Although Paul was not the final winner we would like to congratulate Paul on making the short-list.
He works tirelessly to make sure the needs of all students are met through a combination of friendly, individual interactions and establishing peer support activities. The results are often life-changing.
Paul commented:
“It was a great honour to be nominated for this award. Working with students on the Exploring the Past Pathway is a real passion, and it’s so rewarding to see our students return to study and succeed in achieving their ambitions, building confidence and going from strength to strength as they do so.
The pathway provides an invaluable route for students who often thought that the possibility of studying at university was closed to them, and provides opportunities for widening participation in Higher Education and forging links with the community that are everything a university should be amidst the challenges of the modern world.”