Two Years of Reflection at WM College

As we mark another academic year completed, we caught up with Principal, Dipa Ganguli OBE, who reflected on her second anniversary leading the College. Her thoughts capture both the successes we’ve celebrated as a college and the challenges we continue to face in adult education.

Take a look below at the key moments she reflected on.

Celebrating milestones

One of the year’s proudest moments was welcoming our first-ever patron, internationally acclaimed author Lisa Jewell. Lisa’s incredible career, with over ten million books sold worldwide, began right here at WM College in a creative writing class. Her story is a shining example of the transformative power of adult education.

The College also celebrated its 170th anniversary, marked by the publication of The Working Men’s College and the Tradition of Adult Education (Routledge, 2024), edited by Tom Schuller and Richard Taylor. Our Level 2 Illustration learners contributed by designing the book jacket, with a winning design by Tomomi T, blending heritage with creativity.

Recognising people and progress

Behind the scenes, WM College was awarded the Mayor of London’s Good Work Standard, affirming our commitment as a responsible and supportive employer. Staff achievements shone too, with former Advanced Learning Practitioner – ESOL, Sam Pepper, receiving the Mayor of London’s Best Teacher Award, and Employability Coach & Adviser, Samiha Mabrouk and Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Coordinator and tutor, Jo Aylmer, being recognised in the Quality Professionals’ Awards.

To close the year, we unveiled a beautiful commemorative mosaic, designed by Level 2 Illustration learner, Jason, through a live brief working alongside the Hackney Mosaic Project. It now stands on the ground of the college as a lasting tribute to creativity and community over the last 170 years.

Acknowledging challenges

Alongside celebrations, Dipa noted the ongoing challenges of funding cuts, underinvestment, and sector-wide pay disparities. These realities have brought difficult decisions and goodbyes, but also highlight why our mission — accessible, inclusive learning for adults, is so important.

Looking ahead

Reflecting on her two years as Principal, Dipa shared her gratitude for being part of an organisation that puts learners and community at its heart. With over 30 years in adult education, she continues to be inspired by the resilience and determination of WM College learners.