Update 15/08/2026
At Get Further, we are deeply saddened by the news of Jason Arday’s passing. Out thoughts are with Jason’s family, friends and all those who knew and loved him during this incredibly difficult time.
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We are excited to announce that Professor Jason Arday has joined Get Further as our new Patron. Jason’s story serves as an inspirational example that it is never too late to thrive in education, and we are honoured to have him as a supporter of our work.
After being diagnosed with autism and global development delay in his early years, Jason was unable to speak until he was 11 and couldn’t read or write until he was in his late teens. While studying at Merton College (part of South Thames College Group), he overcame illiteracy with the support of his tutor and mentor.
He went on to become one of the youngest professors ever appointed at Oxbridge, currently working as Professor of Sociology of Education at the University of Cambridge, Faculty of Education, and a Professorial Fellow at Jesus College, Cambridge. Jason’s work focuses on race, inequality, and education, and particularly on how we can open doors to more people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Jason told us:
Professor Jason Arday speaking at the launch of our new five-year strategy in November 2024.
“It’s an honour to become a Patron for Get Further. I’m a firm believer that we should never write people off based on their achievements at school and should instead offer meaningful opportunities for lifelong learning. My own experiences in further education were transformative, and post-16 education is a crucial platform for allowing individuals to reach their potential. For this reason, Get Further’s mission to provide tailored support to help post-16 learners to secure English and maths qualifications that unlock future opportunities is very close to my heart. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive in education, regardless of background or circumstance.”
Our Founder and CEO, Sarah Waite, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Jason Arday as a Patron for Get Further. Jason’s story highlights the incredible opportunities that the further education system creates for unlocking potential and changing lives. His unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and his advocacy for greater equity in education align perfectly with our mission to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds in further education to overcome barriers. Together, we are determined to ensure that every learner, no matter their background, has access to the tailored support they need to gain gateway qualifications and unlock opportunities. We are delighted to have such an inspiring advocate join us in this important work.”
We look forward to working with Jason as we continue to expand our work supporting post-16 learners.
