Buckinghamshire College Group is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Bronze Award in Trauma-Informed and Attachment-Aware Practice by the Buckinghamshire Virtual School. This recognition reflects the College’s unwavering commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all learners, particularly those who have experienced adversity.
The Bronze Award is part of a county-wide initiative led by the Buckinghamshire Virtual School to equip educational settings with the knowledge and strategies needed to support vulnerable children and young people. Trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches are proven to help learners overcome barriers, build resilience, and achieve their full potential.
This achievement comes on the heels of the College’s recent Ofsted inspection, which rated Buckinghamshire College Group as “Good” across all categories, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and provision for learners with high needs.
The College’s trauma informed work is closely aligned with its role in Opportunity Bucks, Buckinghamshire Council’s flagship programme to improve opportunities for people in the county’s most disadvantaged communities.
Nicky Ellis, Assistant Principal for Student Engagement and Support, said:
“We are delighted to receive the Bronze Award from the Buckinghamshire Virtual School. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the strength of our community. By embedding trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches, we are not only supporting our most vulnerable learners but creating a culture where every student feels safe, respected, and empowered to achieve their best. We are proud to lead the way in trauma-informed education for post-16 learners and look forward to expanding our impact in 2025 and of course achieving our Silver Award!”
Emma Owen, Head of the Buckinghamshire Virtual School, commented:
“Buckinghamshire College Group has demonstrated a deep commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of all its learners. Their work in trauma-informed and attachment-aware practice sets a powerful example for others and will have a lasting impact on the lives of young people across the county.”
As part of the Trauma-Informed and Attachment-Aware Programme, the College collaborated with twelve local schools who are now beginning their own journeys, reflecting a growing sector-wide commitment to nurturing the wellbeing of children and young people.
This award reinforces Buckinghamshire College Group’s commitment to supporting every learner and fostering an environment where all students can thrive. The College will continue to build on this work, ensuring that trauma informed and attachment aware practices remain at the heart of its approach to education and student wellbeing.
