Author: Emma Wilde

Motor vehicle learners from Stoke on Trent College are set to benefit from the donation of a seized nuisance bike from Staffordshire Police.

The bike will be used as an educational tool that learners will be able to examine and use within practical teaching sessions from Level 1 up to Level 3 qualifications.

The donation continues an exciting collaboration between the College, Staffordshire Police and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Hassan Rizvi, Principal & CEO at Stoke on Trent College said:

“The opportunity to gain hands-on experience using this bike and other vehicles is vital to the development of practical skills, which ensures our motor vehicle learners are skills ready, future ready.

“I’d like to thank partners at Staffordshire Police and Stoke-on-Trent City Council for their generous donation of the bike.

“The College’s Motor Vehicle courses continue to be extremely popular and we are proud to lead on the local and regional offer in line with the Local Skills Improvement Plan.”

Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police continue to collaborate on Operation Transom, a campaign focused on helping to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on Staffordshire’s roads.

The work aims to target those who are damaging public green spaces and putting the public at risk through the illegal use of off-road motorbikes.

As part of the ongoing commitment to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB), increased patrols continue to take place in hotspot areas and the seizing of bikes used to commit ASB.

Councillor Majid Khan, cabinet member for safe and resilient communities, said: “It’s fantastic to see this nuisance bike now being put to good use – supporting students in the city instead of causing problems in our communities.

 “Nuisance bikes bring real misery to residents and this behaviour is simply unacceptable. Working with Staffordshire Police, we’ve put robust measures in place so vehicles being used in a way that causes alarm, distress or annoyance can be seized.

 “Our anti-social behaviour team will keep gathering evidence and the police have assured us they will continue to take firm action against anyone who chooses to cause disruption.”

Inspector Chris Moss, from Staffordshire Police’s Road Crime team, said: “I’m pleased that this motorbike is being put back into the community for positive use and I hope it proves valuable for young people’s education.

“Those that choose to use an illegal vehicle or drive dangerously put other road users and pedestrians at risk. We’ll take action against them as we carry on working proactively to tackle this.”

To report a nuisance bike call Staffordshire Police on 101 or visit their website here – https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Stoke on Trent College serves up to 7000 students a year including young people, adults and apprentices. Working with a wide range of employers in key growth areas of the economy such as Digital, Construction, Engineering, STEM and Health and Social Care and more.
• The College also work with young adults who may have a special educational or additional need.
• A wide range of flexible and distance learning is provided by the College to individuals and businesses.

For all media enquiries, please contact marketing@stokecoll.ac.uk  

Gower College Swansea has been shortlisted in two categories at the prestigious Wales STEM Awards 2025.

The Wales STEM Awards shine a spotlight on the organisations and individuals making a difference to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) agenda in Wales.

The College is in the running for two awards – the STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Public Sector) and STEM Woman of the Year.

For STEM Educational Programme of the Year, the College has been recognised for its Education and Beyond initiative which addresses STEM and construction sector skills needs whilst tackling regional socio-economic barriers such as deprivation, poor school attendance and low aspirations.

Entirely funded by the College, Education and Beyond focuses on creating high-level talent pipelines through inclusive, employer-led education and outreach. Since launch, the College has engaged over 150 employers, more than 50 staff across four directorates, and multiple awarding bodies to co-create six new sector pathways. Over 160 learners have already accessed new placements, with 74 additional enrolments on new part-time construction courses during the academic year of 2023/24.

Apprenticeship uptake in construction has grown by 28% while full-time and part-time construction enrolments rose by 15% overall. The initiative particularly supports underrepresented groups such as women, school pupils, economically inactive adults and career changers. Equality, diversity and inclusion has been central to the initiative, with outreach across community centres, schools and job fairs.

For the STEM Woman of the Year category, Hannah Pearce has been shortlisted in recognition of her unwavering dedication to transforming the construction industry.

As Learning Area Manager for Built Environment, Hannah has redefined how education and industry collaborate to drive inclusive, future-ready practices. Her impact spans from site to classroom, demonstrating resilience, innovation and influence at every step.

A trailblazing civil engineer and STEM ambassador, Hannah has broken barriers for women in construction ever since her early career with Laing O’Rourke. Collaborating as part of a team in sustainable, technologically advanced builds – such as the Oxford Brookes Abercrombie project – set a new standard for experiential education.

Even after a turning milestone, Hannah transformed adversity into opportunity to launch Big Bang UK, which inspires the next generation through engaging STEM programs for primary pupils.

A multi award-winning advocate for women in STEM, under Hannah’s leadership, Gower College Swansea has seen an incredible 616% increase in female enrolment in Built Environment courses. Hannah also leads a thriving Girls in STEM group and serves as an executive board member of Swansea Bay Construction Support Group.

“Gower College Swansea is committed to advancing the STEM sector in Wales through a bold, inclusive, collaborative approach that aligns education, industry, and community,” says Interim Principal, Paul Kift. “At the heart of our strategy is a determination to break down barriers to opportunity, ensuring that STEM is accessible, inspiring and relevant to all, regardless of background, gender or age.

“We do this by developing innovative programmes that directly address regional skills needs while tackling socio-economic barriers. Our employer-led model ensures our curriculum reflects real-world needs and technologies, which helps us prepare learners not just for jobs, but for lifelong careers in future-focused sectors.

“We are delighted to be shortlisted in two categories at the Wales STEM Awards. Huge congratulations to Hannah and my colleagues who thoroughly deserve this recognition.”

The Wales STEM Awards will take place on 16 October 2025 in Cardiff.

A Walsall employment initiative that combines football with job search support has received a special commendation for its outstanding impact.

Back on your Feet delivered by Walsall FC Foundation, Walsall College and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), was highly commended at the West Midlands Adult Learning Awards.

Judges praised the programme for helping individuals aged over 50 address barriers to employment, with many retraining for new careers.

Held at Walsall Football Club, the 12-week training programme encourages participants to raise their fitness and confidence levels while exploring training and education opportunities that can lead to employment.  Meeting others in similar situations also paves the way for mutual support and friendship opportunities.

Adam Davy, Director at Walsall FC Foundation, said: “We are delighted to win the highly commended award as it shows how powerful the partnership is between the Club and the College.

“This project has been developed, and shaped, over the last two and a half years to ensure we get maximum outcomes for the participants.  The primary outcome is that we get people back into employment and training.

“Our success on this is almost 50% of all participants, which is well above national statistics. Extra outcomes have included increased health and wellbeing, raising confidence and friendships.

“The project has become a jewel in the crown for the Foundation and we are so pleased that our recent application to the Sky Bet Building Foundations Fund has been approved and we can extend the project for another three years.  All staff do a wonderful job delivering the sessions and we can’t wait to continue the programme and the partnership with Walsall College.”

James Norris, Assistant Principal for Adults and Work based Learning at Walsall College added: “The Back on Your Feet programme plays an important role in addressing some of the challenges faced by local jobseekers, whether that’s limited access to training, lack of confidence, or simply needing a supportive environment to take the first step.

“It helps show participants that employers are able to recognise their existing life skills, experience and future potential, and that with the right support, they can move forward, both in work and in life.

“This award recognition encourages us to continue working with key partners to develop this provision for others in our community and build on its impact.”

The Adult Learning Awards showcase the remarkable achievements of adult learners, as well as the collaborative efforts of employers and training providers working in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Stoke on Trent College has announced the start of construction on a £2.3 million Advanced Green Technologies (AGT) Hub at its Burslem campus. Funded through government Levelling Up money, distributed to the College by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the new facility will support both construction and engineering education, offering dedicated teaching spaces for learners from Level 2 up until Level 5. It will also serve as an incubation hub for employer partners working in green and digital technologies.

Set to open in Spring 2026, the AGT Hub will provide hands-on training in areas such as retrofitting, ground and air source heat pumps, solar energy systems, and emerging digital solutions including drone technology and robotics. The initiative aims to boost advanced manufacturing and engineering employment across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire by training young people, adults, and apprentices, creating a pipeline of skilled local talent.

Principal and CEO of Stoke on Trent College, Hassan Rizvi, stated, “Stoke on Trent College is the leading technical and vocational further education provider for Staffordshire, and facilities like the Advanced Green Technologies Hub will further strengthen our ability to deliver the best career pathways for our learners. Through Level 2 up to Level 5 qualifications, including T Levels, focused on green technologies, we can provide a route to higher-level apprenticeships in areas such as surveying, digital modelling, and advanced manufacturing.”

Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, added: “This facility provides vital training opportunities in key sectors that will shape our future workforce. Funded through government support allocated by the city council, the AGT Hub will deliver cutting-edge education in green and digital technologies. This Advanced Green Technologies Hub, funded through Government money allocated through the city council, does just that – providing the very latest learning opportunities in green and digital technologies.”

Construction is now underway, with the Hub set to become a cornerstone of sustainable skills development in the region.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Stoke on Trent College serves up to 7000 students a year including young people, adults and apprentices. Working with a wide range of employers in key growth areas of the economy such as Digital, Construction, Engineering, STEM and Health and Social Care and more.
• The College also work with young adults who may have a special educational or additional need.
• A wide range of flexible and distance learning is provided by the College to individuals and businesses.

For all media enquiries, please contact marketing@stokecoll.ac.uk  

Students and staff at Gower College Swansea are celebrating a fantastic year of academic achievement, as envelopes were opened to reveal another impressive set of A Level and vocational Level 3 results for 2025. 

This year the College has seen a rise in its overall A Level pass rate, which stands at a remarkable 100% (the Wales national average is 97.5%), with 1250 individual exam entries. 

Among these, 12% achieved the highest grade of A* (up from 9% in 2024 and higher than the Wales national average of 10.5%), 34% are at A*-A (Wales national average is 29.5%), 65% are at A*-B, and there is a continued improvement in our A*-C grades which stand at 85%, reflecting the high standards of achievement at the College.  

The overall pass rate at AS Level is very strong and stands at 94% (Wales national average is 90.9%), with 73% of grades awarded at A-C and 54% being awarded at grades A-B. 30% of grades were awarded an A (in comparison to the Wales national average of 22.7%). There were 2127 separate exam entries for AS.

The College’s vocational results are also very strong again this year, with an impressive 98% pass rate across those learners completing their two-year Level 3 programmes. Among these high achievers, 37% of students achieved at least one Distinction and 9% attained a top Distinction* grade.

These results underscore the College’s commitment to providing high quality vocational education, ensuring our learners achieve high standards and success.

“We know how much hard work has gone into these results so we are absolutely delighted to share in the success and celebrations of our students today,” says Chief Executive Officer, Kelly Fountain. “To have an overall 100% pass rate is a fantastic achievement for the College and we are particularly pleased to see another increase in those top grades of A* and A*-A, which demonstrates once again our drive for academic excellence.

“As well as maintaining our very high overall pass rates at A Level and AS Level, our vocational learners have also achieved outstanding results.

“I would like to offer my congratulations and best wishes to all the students collecting their results today. And a sincere thanks to all the staff at Gower College Swansea, who are tireless in their support of our learners both in and outside of the classroom.

“I really hope everyone got the results they expected and needed to move onto their next step but, if you didn’t, please don’t worry. We are here to help. Come and talk to us – we have dedicated staff to provide personalised advice and guidance for learners.

“At Gower College Swansea, we are proud to offer a wide range of pathways to support every learner’s ambitions. From higher education courses to apprenticeship routes, and dedicated employability support for those heading straight into the workplace – our aim is to ensure that every student has access to the opportunities that best suit their goals. We remain firmly committed to helping each individual achieve their full potential and succeed in whichever path they choose.”

“Today marks the culmination of your hard work and determination – be very proud of what you have achieved and how far you have come,” says Rebecca Evans, MS for Gower. “Thank you to all the teachers and support staff who have guided, encouraged, and supported the students. Your dedication has helped them reach their potential and has opened up exciting horizons and opportunities for their futures.”

“Huge congratulations to all students at Gower College receiving their results today,” adds Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West. “Behind every one is months and years of hard work, including the vital support offered by teachers and other school staff. Well done! No one can take away what you have achieved today. Whether you’re now stepping into a university course or a job, whether you stay in Swansea or not, I hope the next step on your journey brings you fulfilment, pride and purpose.”

“ColegauCymru is proud to congratulate learners at Gower College Swansea and across Wales today as they receive the results of their hard work and commitment,” says ColegauCymru Chief Executive, David Hagendyk. “Reaching this point takes determination, resilience, and the unwavering support of staff across both vocational and academic pathways. Congratulations to everyone at Gower College Swansea on your achievements – you should be very proud.”

Among the students picking up their results were:

Alex Barnett (formerly Cefn Hengoed Community School) achieved a Distinction in the UAL L4 Professional Diploma in Performance and is heading to Rose Bruford College to study European Theatre Arts.

Jessica Bevan (formerly Olchfa School) received triple A* grades in the L3 Extended Diploma Health and Social Care: Principles and Contexts?and is going to study Occupational Health Therapy at university. 

Aaron John achieved ABB in the L3 Extended Diploma Health and Social Care and is heading to Lancaster University.  

Jessica Johnson (formerly Penyrheol Comprehensive School) achieved A grade in the L3 CCPLD: Practice and Theory and is heading straight into employment as a teaching assistant in a local primary school.

Alex Mort (formerly Morriston Comprehensive) achieved three A* grades and is heading to Cambridge University to study Engineering.

Caerwyn Richards (formerly Gowerton School) achieved Distinction in the BTEC L3 Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and is heading to British Airways in Cardiff to start a career in aircraft maintenance. 

Alexander Rigbey achieved triple B grades in L3 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development and has gained a place at Swansea University to study Early Childhood.

Rosie- Ann Rune, who studied Travel and Tourism at College and is now off to Bath Spa University to study Creative Writing. 

Steffi Saji (formerly St John Lloyd Catholic Comprehensive School) achieved one A* and three A grades and is progressing to study Medicine at Cardiff University.

Leah Spackman (formerly Penyrheol Comprehensive School) who achieved two A* grades and  is going to Cambridge University to study Education.

Kara Thomas, who achieved triple A* after completing the L3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care and is heading to Swansea University to study Psychology. 

Lois Travers (formerly Bishop Gore School) who studied L3 Business and is now progressing to Swansea University to study Business Management and Finance. 

Leri Watkins (formerly Bryngwyn School) who achieved an A grade in the L3 CCPLD: Practice and Theory and is heading into employment as a nursery practitioner.

Friends Libby Wittey and Olivia Griffiths both received triple A* grades in Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development and are heading to Swansea University to study Education Psychology. 

Inspire Education Group (IEG) is celebrating a year of exceptional student success, with 1 in 2 students achieving top grades A*-B at A Level or D*D*D* to MMM in equivalent diploma qualifications, including the first-ever cohort of T Levels students.

Among the successful students receiving their A Level results today is Jayde Clementson, who achieved AAB in Geography, Biology, and Sociology. She said:

“Studying at Stamford Sixth has been great, I loved the independence you get, I had responsibility for my own work and was treated like an adult.” She added, “I was also able to get so much support in my university application from the Careers Advisor.”

Jayde is delighted to have been accepted into the BSc(Hons) Environmental Sustainability and Management at the University of Reading in September.

Many students flourish in the flexibility of the College learning environment. Alexander Watson, who was delighted with his A*AC in Maths, Business and Sociology, said:

“I’ve really enjoyed the learning environment here” Alexander added, “they let you be independent, but your teachers still give you support when you need it.” Alexander is heading to study a BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance at the University of Reading. 

Students who have studied diploma and T Level courses at Peterborough and Stamford Colleges also collected their results. Equivalent in value to A Levels, these qualifications are accepted by 95% of universities, giving our students an excellent start to their future careers.  

Ella Boyce, one of IEG’s first T Level Adult Nursing cohort, said,  “The course has opened doors for me. I’m hoping to become a Healthcare Assistant and work my way up. There was a great balance of theory and practical work. I would definitely recommend this course for people who want to go into healthcare!”

Lottie Dawson, Early Years and Childcare T Level student said, “I’ve really enjoyed the T Level course, especially the support from lecturers and making friends at College. Lottie, who completed her work placement at Acorn Childcare added, “ the work experience has been brilliant for my learning and I’ve loved getting hands- on experience.” Lottie is now progressing her studies to a BA (Hons) in Primary Education at Bishop Grosseteste University.

Connor Saunders, a Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity student at Stamford College, achieved a DD in his end-of-year exams. He said, “ Borderville is a nice community to learn in, I’ve developed lots of  skills over my course, including coaching in local primary schools.”

Lauren Watkins achieved a D*D*D* overall in her Level 3 Media course and praised the social aspects of her time at the Media and Journalism Centre (MJC). “The MJC is a nice space, and the people I met there are really nice. I am going to Lincoln University to study Media Studies!” she said, highlighting the value of the connections she made.

Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough, said, “I want to congratulate all students across Peterborough receiving their results today. You have put the work in and should be incredibly proud of your achievements. I wish everyone the best for the future.“

Julia Bates, Chief Curriculum Officer, said, “Today’s achievements are more than just results, they represent the growth, determination and potential of every student. At IEG, our vision is to be an exceptional learning organisation, and it’s moments like these that show the power of education to shape futures. To all of our students, we are so proud of how far you’ve come and even more excited for where you’re heading.”

Got your results and changed your mind? It’s been months since you applied to university, and like thousands of other students, you may have changed your mind and are considering reaping the benefits of studying close to home. If this is you, we are here to help!

University Centre Peterborough is here to offer you a fresh opportunity through Clearing. Visit www.ucp.ac.uk.