Sophie Dey, winner of the Inspire! Adult Learning Awards 2024, is ready to take on the world and fulfil her dream of becoming a nurse, after a challenging childhood.

Aged 19, Ms Dey was adopted at age five and homeschooled from ten years old by her adoptive parents.

Ms Dey, living near Llandrindod Wells, shared: "Whilst I was able to learn at home, there were barriers to my social and emotional development which left me both socially anxious and greatly lacking in confidence."

Ms Dey enrolled at NPTC Group’s Brecon Campus in January 2023, marking the beginning of her educational journey.

This year, she will be honoured with the Young Adult Learner Award at the Inspire! Awards ceremony at the Coal Exchange Hotel, Cardiff on September 10.

Ms Dey thanked her supportive tutors in Brecon and Newtown, adding: "I’m shocked but ecstatic to win this national award.

"Thank you to my tutors in Brecon and Newtown who have been so supportive after my education was set back so many years."

The Inspire! Awards, a highlight of Adult Learners’ Week in Wales from September 9-15, is co-ordinated by the Learning and Work Institute with support from the Welsh Government recognising those committed to lifelong learning.

Ms Dey fits the bill, as she said: "Life has changed for the better and I am now ready to take on the world!"

Having completed Maths and English GCSEs, and a Level 2 Combined Health, Social and Childcare course, Ms Dey is keen to progress to the Level 3 Health and Social Care qualification alongside an advanced Welsh Baccalaureate, then an Apprenticeship in Nursing.

Her ultimate ambition is to become a mental health or children’s nurse.

Ms Dey shared, "If I were to give advice to any other young person who has experienced trauma in their lives, I would say just because you have had a rough start, it doesn’t define you as a person."

Claire Bumford, Ms Dey's lecturer, said: "In over 25 years of teaching, I don’t think I have ever come across such an inspirational young lady as Sophie.

"She wants to become a nurse because, in her own words, ‘it would be nice to help other people’.

"That understatement sums up Sophie.

“She’s studying at college to hopefully make her dream a reality, despite having had several major upheavals in her life. 

"I have no doubt that Sophie will succeed and gain the qualifications she needs to achieve her dream."

Welsh Government cabinet secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said: "I am determined that Wales should be a place where everyone has the chance to return to learning and renew their career at whatever stage of life they are at."

Learning and Work Institute director, Joshua Miles, congratulated all nominees and winners and shared the importance of supporting and celebrating adults who return to learning later in life.