Level 1 Health and Science student, Leila Spree, has scooped a silver medal in the National Finals of the Foundation Skills: Health and Social Care competition. She is one of only eight Level 1 students to compete nationally.

The competition is for learners with special educational or additional learning needs. Leila has been at Harlow College for a number of years in Supported Studies; on a Supported Internship with Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust, and on the Level 1 programme. She started the Level 2 Health and Social Care course in September 2025.

The UK’s most talented young foundation skills learners were named at the end of an intense day of competitions at the WorldSkills UK national finals in Wales. Over 70 SEND and high needs students competed in eight national skills competition finals in Cardiff and Vale College on Friday 28 November 2025.

Forty-two students have won gold, silver and bronze medals in foundation skills competition finals in catering, creative media, digital, enterprise, hairdressing, health and social care, horticulture and restaurant services.

The competitions took place at Cardiff and Vale College, which brought together over 70 SEND and high needs competitors from across the UK.

Marion Plant, chair of WorldSkills UK and principal of North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, said: “Congratulations to all those who took part. Your involvement demonstrates to employers that you have the skills and the mindset to succeed in the workplace. Foundation skills is one of the programmes I am most proud of as chair.”

For the competition, Leila had to first progress through the regional rounds, submitting a written task and then a zoom role play with a Worldskills assessor who was playing the part of a patient. For the finals, Leila submitted a written situational judgement test and then completed two timed pressure tests playing the role of a health care support worker.

Assistant Academy Manager for Health and Science, Philippa Bennett, said of Leila’s achievement: “Leila approached each task with enthusiasm and professionalism, using her knowledge, skills and experience to progress through each stage. It was my privilege to attend the medal ceremony, meet other inspirational young people and witness the first ever medal winner from Health and Science. We can’t wait for next year’s competition.”

Karen Spencer, Principal of Harlow College, said: “Leila’s silver medal is an outstanding accomplishment and a powerful reminder that talent is everywhere when young people are given the opportunity to thrive. Her journey through Supported Studies into Health and Science is exactly the kind of progression we work so hard to enable at Harlow College. We are immensely proud of her success and of the staff who have supported her to reach this national milestone.”