As National Apprenticeship Week 2025 comes to a close, we’re marking Celebration Friday by shining a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible achievements of our learners. This week has been all about showcasing the power of apprenticeships and training, and today, we want to recognise the hard work, dedication, and success of those who have embraced learning to improve their careers and futures.

At Educationwise, we take immense pride in supporting individuals on their educational journeys, ensuring they gain the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to thrive. Today, we celebrate two learners who have truly embodied the spirit of lifelong learning, Connor Maguire and Samantha Hunn.

Connor Maguire: Functional Skills for Workplace Success

For Connor Maguire, a team member at 21 Union Fitness, the Functional Skills programme has been an eye-opening experience, particularly in learning new, simple ways to tackle maths problems. These newfound skills have made a significant impact on his approach to work, allowing him to overcome tasks with greater composure and confidence.

One standout moment for Connor was when he was able to help an athlete calculate a percentage for one of their lifts. Thanks to the problem-solving techniques he has learned, he was able to provide quick and accurate calculations, making a real difference in their training.

Throughout the course, Connor has found the support from his tutors invaluable, with their guidance offering alternative methods to solve problems and keeping him accountable for his progress. His positive experience has led him to highly recommend Educationwise to others looking to develop essential skills for both their careers and everyday life.

Samantha Hunn: Elevating Playwork Through Apprenticeship Training

For Samantha Hunn, undertaking the Level 2 Playwork Apprenticeship has been both a professional requirement and an opportunity to develop leadership skills and enrich children’s experiences. As part of her role at Playlink, OFSTED regulations require at least one team member with an L2 Playwork qualification on-site at all times. However, Samantha saw this as more than just a necessity, she viewed it as a chance to grow and refine her approach to teamwork, leadership, and inclusivity.

One of the most rewarding aspects of her apprenticeship has been the supportive and flexible approach provided by her tutor, Kate. Balancing studies alongside the demands of busy playschemes can be challenging, but Kate’s understanding and encouragement have made it possible for Samantha to learn at her own pace while still excelling in her role.

Through her training, she has implemented new team strategies, introduced more inclusive play activities, and developed techniques to better support both her colleagues and the children in her care. The impact of her learning is already visible, with her team and the children benefiting from the fresh ideas and best practices she has gained throughout her course.

Celebrating Success at Educationwise

As Celebration Friday marks the grand finale of National Apprenticeship Week, we want to take a moment to applaud all of our learners, past and present, who have taken the initiative to grow, improve and invest in their futures.

Connor’s and Samantha’s stories are just two examples of how apprenticeships and training programmes transform careers, providing learners with the tools they need to thrive in their workplaces and beyond. Their dedication is inspiring and we couldn’t be prouder to be part of their journeys!

Change often brings mixed emotions – a blend of gratitude for the past and anticipation for the future. Gavin Deane, our esteemed Chief Executive Officer and founder, will be stepping into a new role as Founder, Director, and Strategic Lead for Growth. His visionary leadership has been integral in shaping Educationwise Academy, and we are deeply appreciative of his contributions. 

As Gavin expressed, “I am excited to engage and work with you all on taking Educationwise to the next level.” 

Meet Judith Allen, Our New CEO

Now, it’s our pleasure to introduce Judith Allen, who will lead Educationwise into an exciting new chapter. Judith brings a wealth of experience and a passion for education that aligns seamlessly with our mission. 

In her own words, Judith shared, “I am thrilled to become a part of your esteemed institution and contribute to the future success of Educationwise.” 

Educationwise has a rich history of excellence, and with Judith’s leadership, we aim to build upon this solid foundation. Her focus on innovation, diversity, and excellence will shape our future endeavours, as she stated, “I am eager to work collaboratively with the talented staff to enhance the quality of education we provide.” 

Collaboration is at the heart of our community at Educationwise, and Judith has expressed her eagerness to connect with all our valued community members, to gather insights, ideas, and aspirations for the organisation. This collaborative approach will be pivotal in shaping our shared future. 

As Judith states, “I want to thank you and the entire Educationwise team for entrusting me with this significant responsibility. I look forward to joining the academy, rolling up my sleeves, and working diligently to fulfil our shared vision.”

A new vision for the future…

Judith’s vision for Educationwise is clear – a commitment to innovation, diversity, and excellence. Her dedication to leading with integrity, empathy, and a growth mindset ensures that our students’ best interests will always be paramount. 

Gavin added, “I will use all my knowledge and experience to promote, engage, and excite the sector on all that we do as an Outstanding education and skills provider.” 

As we embark on this exciting next phase of our journey, we are filled with enthusiasm and optimism. The road ahead is filled with possibilities, and together, we are confident that we will continue to inspire, empower, and uphold the banner of educational excellence. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we work hand in hand to create a brighter and more promising future for all those who are a part of Educationwise Academy. We extend our gratitude to Gavin Deane for his pivotal role and thank you all for your ongoing support.