Harry Prentice

HND Professional Cookery Management student Harry Prentice is set to leave Forth Valley College this summer, but he says the experience will forever find a special place in his own special heart. 

Harry Prentice (31) a HND Professional Cookery from Carluke has had to deal with many challenges in his life which would be unimaginable for most people. He had to undergo a heart transplant operation 13 years ago and on top of that he subsequently suffered a stroke which left him with a brain injury and impairment to the left hand side of his body.

But this has not stopped Harry from following his ambition to become a teacher and a desire to inspire young people to overcome any challenge that is put in front of them. And he is determined to highlight how FVC has made him stronger and thoroughly prepared him for moving on to university and a teaching career.

Over the last few years he has enrolled on courses at other colleges which have not worked out, but he can’t speak highly enough about the academic and personal support her has received at Forth Valley College’s Stirling Campus to help him complete his HND Professional Cookery Management course and prepare him for him making an application for a PDG in Teaching qualification at the University of Strathclyde.

Earlier this year he was selected to go to Japan with a selected group of fellow students on an educational trip funded through the UK Government’s Turing Scheme, which many student, including Harry described as “life changing”.

With two high achieving brothers, John a consultant doctor – who advocates on his behalf – and Fraser a mechanical engineer, who stepped in at the last minute to act as a carer on the recent trip to Japan enabling him to travel, Harry is delighted to be rivalling them in the ‘sibling rivalry stakes’, despite his ongoing medical challenges.

However, he is now looking forward to taking a year out from education for a period of self-improvement, which will include spending time with his parents at their small holding farm near Carluke, and taking them on holiday to spend quality time with them in New Zealand.

Harry, said: “Forth Valley College has been the perfect learning environment for me and with the help of the teaching and support staff, everything has fallen into place for me. Everyone from the Head of my department to the janitors have been absolutely fantastic with me and my needs.

“Stirling Campus is situated in a nice area and the facilities are well maintained and practical for passing the course, the lecturers and all members of staff are fun friendly, engaging and easy to approach.

“Small classes paired with excellent teaching abilities have made it a very welcoming atmosphere which is engaging and makes it easier to learn. The College has helped me engage in situations with young learners and given me the experience to work in schools for the next course I apply for at university.

“I would recommend Forth Valley College to anyone wanting to learn a new skill or course or that would like to do so for learning purposes or for social interaction.

“The interaction with students and lecturers alike has seen me as an individual and not just because of my health issues. The opportunities I was given during my course not just to pass, but to experience interaction with the public has been excellent, and going away on a funded trip to Japan with other students and staff has been unbelievable.

“Going to Japan abroad solo for the first time taught me not all learning is done in the classroom. Learning the history and culture of a country and seeing life unfolding in front of you with the people and everyday scenarios, is extremely valuable…and there's no rush like cramming onto the last train from Shibuya! The lecturers and students we met were all amazing people who were approachable and understanding of each other’s situations.

“Forth Valley College is a great environment to learn in and develop skills as well as prepare you for other courses at university and or work experience. The environment promotes a healthy learning environment where you are pushed to achieve and they make the courses to suit your needs in a productive manner. I will miss I, but it will hold a special place in my heart.”

John Prentice, Harry’s brother, said: “One thing that struck me was Harry's wider educational journey before arriving at Forth Valley College. He had attended other institutions in the past and, despite his determination to succeed, those experiences often felt characterised by a limited understanding of the challenges arising from his disability and neurodiversity. By contrast, one of the things Harry has consistently spoken about regarding FVC is that staff took the time to understand him as an individual, recognising both his strengths and the barriers he faced.

“Looking back on his time at the College, I think one of the themes that stands out is that education is about much more than simply delivering information and skills. At its best, it involves understanding students as individuals and helping them realise their potential. In Harry's case, I think that understanding has made a significant difference to his confidence, development and overall success

“Another thing that stood out to me was the significance of the Japan trip. From Harry's perspective, the importance of the experience wasn't simply the opportunity to travel. What he valued most was the effort made by staff to ensure he could participate fully. There was a willingness to look at the practical challenges, work through them, and find a way to make the opportunity accessible.

“I suspect that says quite a lot about the culture within the College. The trip ultimately became a life-changing experience for Harry, but it also reflected a commitment to treating students as individuals and ensuring they can access opportunities that contribute to their personal growth and development.”

Diane Creed, Director of Curriculum for the Department of Creative, Digital and Leisure Industries, said: “Harry is a remarkable individual whose resilience, determination and positivity have inspired both staff and fellow students throughout his time at Forth Valley College. He has never allowed the challenges he has faced to define or limit his ambitions. Instead, he has embraced every opportunity available to him — from succeeding on his HND Professional Cookery course to earning a place on our highly competitive educational visit to Japan through the Turing Scheme. Harry’s journey is a powerful example of what can be achieved through perseverance, courage and self-belief, and we are incredibly proud of everything he has accomplished. We look forward to seeing him continue to inspire others as he progresses towards a career in teaching.”

Hospitality Lecturer, Michal Tomaszewski, said: “Teaching Harry has been an absolute privilege. He approaches every challenge with determination, humour and a genuine passion to learn and support others around him. From day one he demonstrated a strong work ethic and a willingness to push himself outside of his comfort zone. His participation in the Japan trip showed just how much he has grown in confidence and independence during his time at the College. Harry is an inspiration to many people, and I have no doubt he will go on to make a real difference in the lives of young people through his future teaching career.”

For more information on FVC's Hospitality and Cookery courses visit https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/courses/hospitality-and-cookery