University of Winchester student Liana Wilson’s remarkable journey back into education has reached another high spot after she received a national award.
Mother-of-five Liana, aged 39, was one of three winners in the Academic Success category at the upReach 2025 Student Social Mobility Awards.
The awards recognise sixth form students and undergraduates who have overcome significant obstacles on their path to success.
Liana was in abusive relationship for seven years until 2020. The following year she was assaulted violently at her home by her ex-partner and became involved in a long and arduous series of legal proceedings to protect herself and her family.
It was while seeking to make sense of the criminal justice system that Liana discovered she had a talent for research and rediscovered a love of learning which led her back to college and eventually university.
Liana is excelling in her studies and this year Winchester Students’ Union Recognition Awards was named Outstanding Student Academic Representative for the Faculty of Law, Crime and Justice. She was also part of the Commuting Student’s Network Committee which won Network of the Year.
The Student Social Mobility Awards citation praised Liana and her fellow winners’ “… truly outstanding profile, characterised by consistent academic excellence, impactful leadership and commitment to their university community.”
Speaking after the awards ceremony, held at London’s Mansion House, Liana said: “I was holding back tears. I genuinely didn't think they'd say my name.”
Liana added: “My further and higher education journey has helped me to grow individually and external to my parenting role.
“I feel like what I am doing now will help me to provide a better life for my children, inspire them to pursue their own goals - and, as they all grow up, I will have created a full life for myself.
“I do feel that University has provided me with ample opportunities to support, advocate for and inspire people.
“Being at Winchester has had a huge impact on my confidence and self-belief - I've realised that some of my biggest challenges beforehand have provided me with skills that have helped me to excel.”
All of Liana’s children were delighted with their mum’s achievement.
Sofia, 9, said: "I'm so proud of my Mummy for winning her award, she works so hard taking care of us and going to University as well."
Harrison, 10, said: "I'm really glad my Mum got this award because she works really hard and gets such good grades at Uni, as well as being our full-time parent and looking after the house. I'm really proud to have her as my Mum."
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winchester, Professor Sarah Greer said: “Many congratulations to Liana. I am delighted that she has won this award - it is so well-deserved. Her story is inspirational, showing that with determination, hard work and good support it is possible to overcome very challenging circumstances to succeed in achieving your dreams.
“I am sure that Liana will go on to make a real difference in the world – something that we always try to support our students to do at the University of Winchester. We are very proud of her."
Dr Simon Fox, head of the University’s Department of Policing, Criminology and Forensics, said: “Liana’s journey, determination, and commitment to making a difference reflect the very best of our student community, and we are delighted to see her achievements celebrated in this way.”
Read Liana’s inspiring story here Media Articles - University of Winchester
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