United Colleges Group (UCG) is thrilled to announce that Hamzeh Mouallem, a student from City of Westminster College, has won the prestigious Mayor of London Inspirational Adult Learner of the Year Award.
This award recognises London’s most outstanding adult learners who have overcome significant barriers to achieve their educational goals.
Hamzeh’s journey is a powerful testament to hard work and determination. Arriving in London in 2019 as a refugee from Syria, he spoke little English and was separated from his family. When his younger brother joined him two years later, Hamzeh selflessly took on a paternal role, supporting his brother while forging his own path.
Despite these personal challenges and working full-time in a restaurant, Hamzeh enrolled in a Higher National Diploma in Business at City of Westminster College, where tutors consistently highlighted his exceptional work ethic and positive attitude that quickly saw him become a popular and integral part of the college community.
Hamzeh rapidly progressed in adult education after struggling with English to producing university-level academic essays and achieving a Distinction overall in his HND Business qualification.
In his final year, he was City of Westminster College’s Adult Student of the Year and received the CEO and Group Principal’s Award in recognition of his outstanding progress against a backdrop of fiercely challenging circumstances.
Hamzeh now attends West London University, where he will complete a Top-Up degree to convert his HND into a BA (Hons) to facilitate his journey to owning his own business. His story stands as an inspiring example of how lifelong learning can change lives.
Stephen Davis, CEO and Group Principal of United Colleges Group, said: Stephen Davis, CEO and Group Principal of United Colleges Group, said: “Hamzeh’s journey through City of Westminster College empowered him to learn English, forge a career pathway, and secure a place at university. It is a testament to how education can support people to achieve extraordinary things. We are incredibly proud of his success and the example he sets for all adult learners in London.”
Reflecting on his achievement, Hamzeh Mouallem said: “I chose to study to build a better future for myself and my family. This journey was about rebuilding a life with purpose. I was proud to be recognised with distinctions; achievements I never imagined when I first arrived in the UK. My time at City of Westminster College has given me confidence, new skills and renewed hope for the future.”
Watch Hamzeh’s story below.
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
