Astrophoria Foundation Year Wins ‘Transformation in Education’ Award 2025

The Astrophoria Foundation Year has been honoured with the 'Transformation in Education’ award at this year’s Oxford Lifelong Learning Inspiring Excellence Awards (OLLIEs). The award highlights the Foundation Year team's exceptional commitment to enabling students to realise their academic ambitions and potential. 

This accolade recognises outstanding contributions that align with the Department’s mission, vision and values. The awards ceremony took place on Wednesday 25 June in the Rewley House Lecture Theatre, followed by a celebratory gathering in Wellington Square Garden. 

In addition to the team award, several Foundation Year colleagues were individually recognised for their contributions: 

• Catherine Purtell – Colleague of the Year (nominated) and Community Contribution (nominated) 

• Eleanor Baker — Student Experience (nominated)

• Jo Begbie – Inclusive Leadership (nominated) 

• Maria Garcia – Collaborative Spirit (nominated) 

• Michael Lyons — People’s Choice (nominated)

This recognition follows last year’s success, when the Astrophoria Foundation Year Welfare Lead, Catherine Purtell, was also celebrated for her outstanding contribution in supporting the first cohort of Astrophoria Foundation Year students during their time at Oxford. 

The awards come at a time of exciting change for the Department of Continuing Education, which recently adopted a new name and identity: Oxford Lifelong Learning. This change reflects a renewed commitment to inclusive, accessible, and transformative education for learners at every stage of life. Read more about the name change here. 

Congratulations to the entire AFY team and all the nominees for their inspiring dedication and impact!