Outstanding Cardiff Tutor Honoured for Lifelong Learning Impact
Sarah Cocchiara-Devine, an exceptional tutor and mentor, is revolutionizing access to lifelong learning across Wales through her unwavering dedication to adult education. As the leader of the Further Education Programme at Media Academy Cymru in Cardiff, she annually supports more than 120 learners, delivering BTEC Levels 1, 2, and 3 in Creative Media subjects to adults who have frequently faced substantial barriers to education.
Inspire! Tutor Awards 2026 Recognition
Sarah is one of six tutors who will be celebrated for their contributions to education at the prestigious Inspire! Tutor Awards 2026 ceremony. This event is scheduled to take place at the Senedd in Cardiff on Tuesday, March 17. The awards, coordinated by the Learning and Work Institute in partnership with the Welsh Government, honour outstanding tutors who go above and beyond to empower adult learners, transform lives, and strengthen communities across various settings, including Higher Education, Further Education, workplace environments, Community Education, and Welsh for Adults.
Tailored Approach to Learner Success
Given that many of her learners have had negative experiences with formal education, Sarah develops bespoke progression pathways to ensure they can thrive, even without previous academic qualifications and often lacking confidence. She creates a safe, inclusive space where learners feel respected, supported, and empowered to re-engage with education on their own terms.
Her innovative methods yield impressive results:
- Learner attendance exceeds 90 percent.
- Eighty-nine percent achieve their accreditation.
- Eighty-six percent progress into further or higher education.
Leadership and External Partnerships
Chief executive Nick Corrigan, who nominated Sarah for the Inspire! Tutor Award, emphasized the significance of these outcomes, noting the complex personal and educational challenges many learners face upon entering Media Academy Cymru. He stated, “Sarah plays a pivotal role in progression, providing tailored guidance, encouragement, and practical support to help learners navigate next steps with confidence. Her holistic approach supports not only educational success but also improved wellbeing and resilience.”
Through a flexible and inclusive curriculum, Sarah has developed engaging, industry-relevant learning programmes that utilize project-based and creative teaching approaches. This enables learners to acquire practical media and transferable skills. She collaborates closely with external partners to expose learners to real-world opportunities, industry connections, and mentorship, effectively bridging the gap between education and employment.
Personal Motivation and Learner Testimonials
Sarah expressed her passion, saying, “Many learners who previously believed that education was not for them now have the confidence and skills to pursue higher-level learning or professional opportunities in the creative industries. Ultimately, my work is driven by the desire to make education accessible, meaningful, and life changing. Witnessing learners overcome challenges, gain qualifications, and progress into further education or employment is what makes this work incredibly rewarding. It’s never too late to start again and your past experiences do not define your future.”
One learner praised Sarah as a “superstar,” adding, “Her belief in her learners and dedication to helping us succeed has had a transformative impact on my life.”
Ministerial and Sector Support
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, congratulated Sarah, stating, “The Inspire! Tutor Awards are a chance to celebrate the fantastic tutors across Wales who are supporting adult learners to develop new skills. I have heard from many adult learners who have told me that returning to learning has improved their lives, and we know when one person learns the benefits extend throughout families and entire communities in ways that are truly life changing. It is important we recognise the amazing tutors like Sarah working across tertiary education who are making a difference every day.”
Michelle Matheron, Learning and Work Institute’s Director for Wales, highlighted the awards' significance, saying, “The Inspire! Tutor Awards celebrate the incredible dedication of educators across Wales who strive every day to support adult learners in every environment - from community settings and universities to FE colleges and the workplace. In honouring their achievements, we celebrate the entire adult learning sector, knowing that wherever learning happens, a passionate tutor has the power to change lives.”
The awards receive support from key organizations including Colegau Cymru, Adult Learning Partnership Wales, Universities Wales, National Training Federation Wales, and the National Centre for Learning Welsh.
