EDUCATION
Picture your future – Atomix Educational Trust is set to welcome more adults on their learning journey.
Transforming lives through learning
WORDS: SARAH WALKER
Atomix educational trust expands adult education to Stockton
After years of success at Prior Pursglove College, Atomix Educational Trust is bringing its transformative adult education programme to Stockton Sixth Form College, creating new pathways to higher education and employment across the Tees Valley.
For many adults in our region, returning to education can seem daunting. Whether it’ s balancing family commitments, financial concerns, or simply the confidence to step back into a classroom, the barriers are real. Yet the rewards – career advancement, increased earning potential, and personal fulfilment – make the journey worthwhile.
Building on their impressive track record at Prior Pursglove, Atomix Educational Trust is set to launch a comprehensive adult education programme at Stockton Sixth Form College this September, with support from the Tees Valley Combined Authority Adult Skills Funding.
“ We’ re taking a proven approach that really works,” explains Angela Stephenson, deputy head of Prior Pursglove College.“ A massive barrier for adult learners is simply the idea of‘ going back to college.’ By delivering qualifications within community settings first, we build confidence gradually, helping learners overcome past negative experiences with education.”
This community-first approach has been critical to Prior Pursglove’ s success and will be replicated at Stockton. Working with local partners like the Tees Valley Women’ s Centre, Atomix delivers accessible education where people feel comfortable, before supporting their transition to more formal learning environments.
From September, adults across the Tees Valley will have access to an expanded range of opportunities, including: > Access to Higher Education Diplomas in health sciences, humanities, business and law – providing university pathways with a remarkable 100 % progression rate
> Teaching and learning qualifications at Level 2 and 3, opening doors to careers in education
> Functional skills in maths and english – essential qualifications for employment and further study
> Specialist professional development courses including understanding autism, behaviour that challenges, and mental health first aid
> Digital Skills qualifications including Microsoft Office specialist certifications
> Early years and healthcare qualifications meeting industry demands The new Access to Higher Education diplomas are particularly significant, offering direct university pathways without traditional requirements.“ We’ ve seen incredible success stories,” notes Sam Roth, Contract Manager for the Adult Provision,“ One student who began with functional skills has now been accepted to Teesside University for Early Years and Childhood Studies with QTS, completely transforming her career prospects.”
What truly sets Atomix apart is its commitment to removing obstacles that prevent adult learning.“ We understand it’ s not just about the courses,” explains Michelle Sugden, deputy head for from Stockton Sixth Form.“ It’ s about creating the conditions where learning becomes possible.”
The Trust utilises flexible delivery methods, combining classroom teaching with online sessions and hybrid approaches that fit around work and family commitments.“ We adapt to meet the demands of adult learners’ everyday lives,” adds Sugden.
Financial support is equally important. The funding secured from Tees Valley Combined Authority enables Atomix to offer practical assistance with childcare, transport, and even interview clothing, ensuring that financial circumstances don’ t prevent talent from flourishing.
Working closely with Teesside University and Sunderland University, Atomix creates smooth transitions to higher education. Students can access university library facilities and resources even before formally enrolling in degree programmes.
“ The beauty of our approach is its flexibility,” says Angela Stevenson.“ Whether someone wants to progress to university, enhance their current career, or change direction completely, we provide the stepping stones they need.”
This responsive approach extends to employment preparation, with CV workshops and close collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions ensuring learners are well-positioned for job opportunities upon completion.
At its heart, Atomix Educational Trust’ s expansion represents more than just additional course offerings – it’ s about fulfilling a vital civic role in the Tees Valley’ s development.
“ We’ re helping upskill people, enabling them to realise their ambitions,” explains Dr. Noel Dennis, director of business development.“ This leads to thriving communities and economic growth for our region.”
With skills gaps identified across the Tees Valley, these adult education programmes directly address workforce needs while transforming individual lives. The Trust’ s experience shows that many learners go on to become employees themselves, creating a virtuous cycle of opportunity.
As Atomix Educational Trust launches this expanded provision, it continues to develop innovative approaches to lifelong learning. The Trust is already exploring exciting new initiatives.“ This is just the beginning,” hints Dr. Noel Dennis.“ We have ambitious plans to extend our educational offering even further, ensuring that Atomix remains at the forefront of adult education in the Tees Valley.”
For those interested in exploring adult education opportunities, enrolment is now open for September courses at both Prior Pursglove and Stockton Sixth Form College sites.
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