Author: Emma Wilde

Buckinghamshire College Group is celebrating another year of outstanding achievement after students secured excellent Level 3 results, outperforming national benchmarks and progressing to leading universities, higher apprenticeships and skilled employment. 

The results highlight the success of the College’s ambitious and career-focused curriculum, with achievement rates exceeding national benchmarks in most subject areas and students excelling across technical, vocational and creative programmes. 

Alongside their academic and technical success, students are now preparing for the next stage of their journey. Of those who have accepted a university offer, an impressive 98% have secured a place at their first-choice institution, while many others are progressing into higher apprenticeships, specialist training opportunities and employment in key industries. 

Particularly strong performances were recorded in subjects closely aligned to regional and national skills priorities. Electrical Installation students achieved a pass rate 20 percentage points above the national average, while Art & Design students continued the College’s tradition of excellence with an exceptional 99% pass rate. Counselling and Access to Higher Education programmes both achieved 100% pass rates, helping students progress into university study and professional careers. 

The College also celebrated remarkable success in Education & Early Years, where every student passed and 85% achieved high grades. Health T Level students achieved a 100% pass rate, reflecting the strength of the College’s employer-led curriculum and extensive industry placement opportunities, which give learners valuable real-world experience alongside their studies. 

Hannah James, Vice Principal Curriculum & Quality at Buckinghamshire College Group, praised both students and staff for their hard work and dedication: 

“These results reflect the ambition of our students, the expertise of our staff and the strength of our technical and vocational curriculum. Achievement, retention and pass rates are above national benchmarks, with strong high-grade performance in many areas. 

Most importantly, our students are progressing successfully to their chosen futures, with 98% of university applicants securing places at their first-choice institution, while others move into apprenticeships and skilled employment in key growth sectors.” 

The results further strengthen Buckinghamshire College Group’s reputation as a leading provider of technical, vocational and professional education across the region. Through close collaboration with employers, universities and industry partners, the College equips students with the qualifications, skills and practical experience needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive job market. 

As students prepare to take their next steps, whether in higher education, apprenticeships or employment, the results demonstrate the positive impact of a curriculum designed to meet the needs of both learners and industry. From healthcare and education to construction, engineering, digital, media and the creative industries, Buckinghamshire College Group students are leaving ready to make a meaningful contribution to their communities, the economy and the workforce of the future. 

PERSHORE, WORCESTERSHIRE – WCG is thrilled to announce it has successfully
secured nearly £4.8m in grant funding from the Department for Education’s Construction
Skills Capacity Fund. This major investment will fund a rapid and transformative expansion
of the Pershore Construction Academy, scaling training capacity from 67 learners to over
275.
With significant growth in construction across Worcestershire, the expanded provision will
directly support booming infrastructure and housing development across the region,
including the 10,000-home development planned near Worcestershire Parkway Station.
The Academy was initially launched at the Pershore campus last September in 2025,
operating out of disused landscaping barns following the strategic consolidation of provision
from Evesham College. This new financial backing will now allow us to propel our
construction training offer to the next level.
Sara-Jane Watkins, Principal and Chief Executive at WCG, commented:
“We are absolutely thrilled with this announcement. Securing this £4.8 million funding is truly
game-changing for our Pershore College campus and allows us to respond aggressively to
the considerable growth in construction we are seeing across Wychavon and the wider
Worcestershire region.
We have been delighted to work alongside our local MPs, Nigel Huddleston and Dame
Harriett Baldwin, who have offered fantastic support for this bid. We are also incredibly
grateful for the collaboration with Wychavon District Council, the team behind the
Worcestershire Local Skills Improvement Plan, Worcestershire County Council, and the
Local Enterprise Partnership. Their shared vision has been instrumental in making this a
reality.”
Currently, the Pershore Construction Academy offers full-time foundational training in
carpentry, plumbing, and multiskills. While we do not yet offer Construction apprenticeships
at Pershore, this DfE capacity funding will allow us to broaden our curriculum significantly to
introduce a dedicated apprenticeship centre for all construction trades.
The expanded, industry-standard facilities will enable the introduction of critical new trades,
including electrical, painting and decorating, brickwork, and groundworks. It will also pave
the way for advanced progression routes, including T Levels and Higher Education pathways
such as the HNC and HND in Construction Management.

Rather than embarking on carbon-intensive new builds, the project will focus on sustainable
estate rationalisation. A disused 1,300 square metre machine workshop on the campus will
be completely renovated into a dedicated, state-of-the-art academy building. Additionally, the
adjacent Norbury Hostel will be transformed into the Pershore Construction Academy
Apprenticeship Centre.
For more information on the Pershore Construction Academy and upcoming course
enrolments, please visit the WCG website at:
https://wcg.ac.uk/page/11/construction-and-the-built-environment

Barnet and Southgate College Student, Celebrates Natural Afro Hair and Resilience at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Show.

July 2026 Roots of Resilience, a striking ceramic sculpture by 17-year-old Barnet and Southgate College student Sachelle, who studies Art and Design, is now on free public display at the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts (RA). Selected from over 25,000 national submissions, the piece stands as a powerful, tactile exploration of identity, heritage, and the cultural narrative surrounding Black hair.

About the Artwork

Roots of Resilience is a sculpture that masterfully uses form, depth, and texture to celebrate the complex beauty of Afro hair.

Through intricately sculpted coils, braids, and patterns, Sachelle addresses the historical and ongoing struggles many face in seeking acceptance for natural hair. The piece actively challenges the systemic stigma and discrimination long associated with natural Black hair, transforming a historical pain point into a triumphant celebration of pride and cultural strength.

“This piece explores the beauty and complexity of Afro hair, using form and texture to highlight both personal identity and wider cultural narratives,” says Sachelle, who created the work during her creative studies at Barnet and Southgate College. “Through the sculpted coils and patterns, the work reflects on the struggles many people have faced in seeking acceptance… The piece becomes a celebration of resilience and pride.”

Exhibition and Voting Details

The Royal Academy’s eighth annual Young Artists’ Summer Show is a highly celebrated platform championing the UK’s next generation of creative minds. Sachelle’s sculpture is part of a curated selection displayed on-site at the RA’s Weston Studio in London.

To view Roots of Resilience, read more about the artist’s vision, and cast your vote to help the North London college student secure this year’s public award, visit the official Royal Academy Exhibition Portal.

Buckinghamshire College Group Graphic Design student Johnny Gibbins has been selected to exhibit his work at Origins Creatives 2026, UAL Awarding Body’s flagship annual exhibition celebrating emerging creative talent. 

Johnny’s animation, A Brand New World, was chosen from more than 600 submissions and will be showcased at the prestigious Mall Galleries in London from 15th to 18th July, following selection by Origins Creatives curator Calum Hall. 

The exhibition, organised by UAL Awarding Body and curated by leading arts organisation Creative Debuts, celebrates the work of the next generation of artists, designers, filmmakers, performers and creative practitioners from across the UK. 

Johnny’s selection highlights both his creative talent and the supportive learning environment at Buckinghamshire College Group. The College’s Graphic Design programme combines technical skills development with creative exploration, helping students build the confidence, knowledge and professional portfolio needed to progress into the creative industries and higher education. 

A Brand New World brings a vibrant fantasy landscape to life through a series of visually engaging animated scenes featuring original ecosystems, landscapes and creatures. Beginning in space before descending into a colourful imagined world, the animation follows the journey of a single day, with changing skies and atmospheric environments reflecting the passage of time from daylight through to sunset. 

Created primarily using Procreate, Johnny’s work also incorporates hand-painted watercolour elements, blending traditional and digital techniques. Inspired by both anime and the principles of animation, the piece creates an immersive visual experience that showcases his creativity, technical skills and passion for storytelling. 

Origins Creatives aims to provide young creatives with the opportunity to experience exhibiting their work in a professional London gallery setting and gain exposure within the creative industries. 

Johnny’s selection is particularly impressive given the highly competitive nature of the exhibition, with more than 600 submissions received from creative students across the UK. His inclusion reflects both the originality of A Brand New World and his ability to combine imaginative storytelling with strong technical animation skills. 

Commenting on the exhibition, curator Calum Hall described Origins Creatives 2026 as “unapologetic, undivided and unbound.” 

Alongside exhibitions of artwork, animation, film, fashion and photography, visitors will also be able to enjoy live music performances and interactive creative experiences throughout the four-day event. 

Origins Creatives 2026 takes place at Mall Galleries, The Mall, St James’s, London, SW1Y 5AS, from 15th to 18th July 2026. Entry is free, with tickets available via Eventbrite. 

Johnny’s selection is a fantastic achievement and highlights the exceptional creative talent being developed within Buckinghamshire College Group’s Graphic Design programme.  

For more information about Origins Creatives 2026, visit arts.ac.uk/awarding

A Gower College Swansea lecturer has been revealed as a Silver award winner in the prestigious Pearson Teaching Awards 2026.

Andrea Davies was nominated for the award because, as Curriculum Lead for Modern History at the Gorseinon Campus, she exemplifies outstanding leadership and teaching excellence, combining academic rigour with warmth, authenticity and an infectious enthusiasm that inspires students to exceed their own expectations.

“Andrea’s exceptional teaching practice demonstrates how further education can shape not only academic achievement but ethical awareness, empathy and lifelong citizenship,” says Dean of Faculty, Jenny Hill. 

“Her engaging personality creates learning environments built on trust and curiosity, encouraging learners from diverse backgrounds to develop confidence in discussion, critical enquiry and independent thought. Under her leadership, learners consistently achieve outcomes above national benchmark averages, reflecting both the quality of her teaching and the high aspirations she instils in others.”

It is particularly through her visionary leadership in Holocaust education that Andrea has transformed how post-16 learners engage with one of history’s most complex and sensitive subjects. 

Her approach places learners at the centre of enquiry and reflection, enabling them to explore difficult historical truths while developing the confidence to challenge discrimination, misinformation  and intolerance within modern society.

Working in partnership with the Holocaust Educational Trust, Andrea has embedded internationally recognised best practice into further education delivery across Wales.

A defining achievement of her leadership has been establishing Wales’ first Testimony 360 Community Hub at Gower College Swansea. Recognising that opportunities to hear directly from Holocaust survivors are becoming increasingly limited, she identified the urgent need to safeguard testimony through innovative digital solutions. Through determination and collaboration, she introduced immersive virtual reality survivor testimony to Wales, enabling learners to encounter authentic human narratives in ways that remain emotionally powerful and intellectually rigorous.

The impact has been profound. Learners frequently describe the experience as transformative, reporting deeper empathy, greater confidence discussing sensitive topics and stronger understanding of the consequences of intolerance.

The Hub’s success quickly gained recognition beyond the College. Engagement exceeded expectations, with educators identifying measurable improvements in participation, reflective dialogue and learner confidence. As a direct result, the model expanded into Pembrokeshire schools in 2025, demonstrating wider national significance.

Andrea’s commitment to widening access is equally evident through collaboration with local schools. Driven by a belief that Holocaust education should reach learners regardless of background or pathway, she organised a landmark event at Sketty Hall Business School, bringing together six schools and more than 250 learners. Working closely with the Holocaust Educational Trust, the programme combined survivor testimony, historical scholarship and structured ethical reflection.

“Andrea’s personality plays a central role in these outcomes,” adds Jenny. “She combines high expectations with genuine care, ensuring students feel valued and capable of success. Learners consistently highlight her enthusiasm and authenticity as key motivators in their academic progression and personal growth. Her classrooms foster curiosity, empathy and confidence, enabling learners not only to achieve academically but also to develop as thoughtful individuals.”

Andrea is now in the running for a Pearson Gold teaching award, the winners of which will be announced in late November.

Students and staff from Gower College Swansea have celebrated another fantastic year of academic and vocational excellence.

At the Annual Student Awards event at Swansea.com Stadium, hosting duties were overseen by Mal Pope, the Welsh BAFTA-winning singer-songwriter, broadcaster and producer whose career spans music, theatre, film and television. 

Learners from a range of full and part time courses, apprenticeships, higher education pathways and access programmes picked up awards.

The event was a practical showcase for staff and student skills with the set, lighting and sound provided by the Level 3 Theatre and Live Events Production team.

Talented first and second year students from the UAL Level 3 Performing Arts course performed Day by Day from their recent successful production of Godspell.

The College was also delighted to welcome back former student Katherine Foxall, who has recently completed her third year at the Royal Northern College of Music. Katherine wowed the audience with her rendition of I Could Have Danced All Night.

The College’s fantastic Floristry students, studying at the Llwyn y Bryn campus, made the beautiful table centrepieces.

Guest speaker for the evening was former Gower College Swansea student Lauren Evans who spoke about the incredible career journey that has taken her from working class South Wales to the very heart of the entertainment industry.

Lauren is a highly acclaimed, UK-based casting director who recently won a BAFTA for Best Casting for her work on the film I Swear. She established herself as a casting director in 2018 and has since built an impressive portfolio across television, film, theatre, and audio.

“Gower College Swansea has always enjoyed one of the highest quality profiles of any education institution, not just in Wales but across the UK,” says Chief Executive Officer, Kelly Fountain. “All of this has been achieved as a result of the outstanding commitment and dedication of both our students and our staff, and tonight is an occasion when we get to celebrate their success and pay tribute to the best of the best.”

“This evening is an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our learners and to recognise everyone who has played a part in their success,” said Principal, Paul Kift. “To all those receiving awards tonight, congratulations on your achievements. You should be immensely proud – as we are of you. Thank you also for being such positive role models, inspiring other learners to believe in themselves and to pursue their ambitions.”

The 2026 award winners in full:

Adult Basic Education/ESOL Student of the Year –  Oleksandr Pantiukhov
Bernie Wilkes Award – Hair, Beauty and Holistic Student of the Year – Eleanor Ball
Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Student of the Year – Cai Groom
Independent Living Skills Student of the Year – Eva Robins
Sport and Public Services Student of the Year – Abdulghani Kaytouh
Visual Arts Student of the Year – Charlie Chandler
Business Student of the Year – Evan Pedrick
Creative Arts Student of the Year – Lucca Smith
Humanities and Languages Student of the Year – Rowan Fielding
Maths, Science and Social Science Student of the Year – Jamie Fifield
Engineering Student of the Year – Matilda Topliss
Health, Social Care and Childcare Student of the Year – Kacey Felton
Built Environment Student of the Year – Ashton Williams
Apprentice of the Year – Natalie Phillips
Outstanding Sports Achievement of the Year – Sam Morgan
Employer Partner of the Year – Microsoft
Elaine McCallion Award – GCS Training Student of the Year – Michelle James
International Student of the Year – Nisha Wattananavin
Access Student of the Year – Jennifer Jones
Holly Donohoe Award – HE Student of the Year – David Southam
Welsh Language Student of the Year – Elis Fowler-Brew
Progression and Commitment Student of the Year – Ella Davies
Skills Student of the Year – Ruhan Ahmed

Inspirational Student of the Year – Jamie Fifield

A big thank you to all our 2026 sponsors:

Asbri Planning
AtkinsRéalis 
Bardic Construction
Blake Morgan
Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol
Kelly Fountain
Get Yourself Noticed
Greenwood Projects
Hengoed Care
Kier Group
Paul Kift
Knox and Wells
MPS Furniture
reThink PR and Marketing
RW Learning
Secret Hospitality Group
South Wales Transport
Swansea Council
Swansea University
The Cusp
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
WalesOnline
Waters Creative

The Fashion Team at East Riding College’s Beverley campus, part of the TEC Partnership, has been named a Silver Winner in the Further Education Team of the Year category at the 2026 Pearson National Teaching Awards. 

The national award recognises the outstanding work of the college’s Fashion Team, whose innovative teaching, industry connections and unwavering commitment to student success have helped transform the confidence, skills and aspirations of learners across the region. 

The team, made up of Sarah Rands, Lyndsey Kemp, and Amanda Harvey, was recognised for creating an inspiring learning environment where students are encouraged to develop both their creative talents and professional skills. Through a combination of industry-focused projects, real-world experiences and personalised support, the team has helped students progress to higher education, employment and successful careers within the creative industries. 

Their success comes shortly after students and staff played a central role in Hull & East Yorkshire Fashion Week, showcasing the talent, creativity and ambition of the next generation of fashion professionals. Through their involvement, students gained valuable experience working alongside industry professionals and participating in one of the region’s most exciting celebrations of fashion and creativity. 

Nicola Adams, Interim Campus Principal at East Riding College, said: 

“This national recognition is a testament to the passion, creativity and dedication of our Fashion Team. Sarah, Lyndsey and Amanda consistently go above and beyond to create opportunities for students, helping them develop the confidence, skills and industry experience needed to succeed. We are incredibly proud to see their hard work recognised on a national stage. 

“Fashion and the wider creative industries play an important role in our region’s future, and our team works tirelessly to ensure students can see a clear pathway from education into exciting and rewarding careers. This award is thoroughly deserved.” 

The achievement is part of a wider success story for the TEC Partnership in this year’s Pearson National Teaching Awards. 

Jaqui Graham, of East Riding College, Hull campus, was awarded Bronze in the Lifetime Achievement category, while Emma Wray (East Riding College), Emma Stephens (Grimsby Institute), James Thundercliffe (Grimsby Institute) and Amanda Harvey (East Riding College) all received Highly Commended recognition. 

These awards celebrate the exceptional educators who go above and beyond to support learners, inspire ambition and help students achieve their goals. 

Ann Hardy, CEO of the TEC Partnership, said: 

“We are incredibly proud of all our colleagues who have been recognised through this year’s Pearson National Teaching Awards. 

“To have a national Silver Award winner, a Bronze Award winner, and four Highly Commended recipients across our TEC Partnership colleges is a fantastic achievement and reflects the exceptional talent, commitment and professionalism of our staff. 

“Every day, they make a real difference to the lives of students, helping them to build confidence, develop skills and achieve ambitions they may never have thought possible. Their impact extends far beyond the classroom, and it is wonderful to see that recognised nationally.” 

The Pearson National Teaching Awards celebrate excellence in education across the UK and recognise the individuals and teams making a lasting difference to the lives of learners.