Category: College News

The College and its partners are celebrating after being successfully reaccredited with the matrix Standard for delivering high quality information, advice and guidance.

Following a rigorous assessment, Stoke on Trent College has been accredited to the prestigious matrix Standard for another three years. The matrix Standard demonstrates the high quality of the information, advice and guidance it provides to students of all ages, including apprentices and adult learners, to ensure they have the confidence and skills to fulfil their career ambitions.

Stoke on Trent College has a vital role to play in ensuring untapped talent in the local area is identified and supported to progress into skilled employment, higher-level skills or an apprenticeship. Working with local employers, the College is actively looking to fill skills gaps identified in the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) through their four dedicated Skills Hubs.

An independent assessor from matrix Standard visited the College and met with over 60 students and staff across a week at both campuses, to find out about how the College supports students at different stages of their learning and in accessing and achieving their career aspirations. Achieving whole-college accreditation demonstrates a shared, cross-college commitment to delivering outstanding learner support and aspirational career progression outcomes.

The Assessor also met with college partners from ASDA, Carson Powell Construction, DB Cargo, The Discovery Academy, Overclockers, Moorside High School, Port Vale FC, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Careers Hub, to find out about how we work with them to develop a highly-trained and reliable workforce and the active role we play in the development of a robust and vibrant local economy.

The final report commended the College for its strong commitment high-quality at every level, from leadership to frontline delivery, developing highly effective strategic partnerships and for fostering a culture of wellbeing, aspiration, and learner achievement.

The matrix Standard assessment report highlighted several key strengths:

• The culture of wellbeing is a strength of this College. Staff and students alike benefit from a holistic approach to wellbeing, with specific outsourced solutions and specialist internal roles in place.
• The College is adept in forging and sustaining valuable relationships with partners. The breadth and quality of external relationships enhances the student IAG offer and provides insights and stimulus for innovation in IAG practice.
• CPD for staff remains a strength. Staff benefit from impactful activities including peer shadowing, formal and informal observations of practice, structured training and development opportunities.
• Staff in curriculum and in support roles engage fully with the College values, and this implicitly places students at the centre of consideration.

Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for Stoke on Trent College and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. We believe that at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service and a focus on continuous improvement, all underpinned by effective use of the resources available. The matrix Standard is designed to benchmark organisations against best practice in these areas. With their accreditation success, Stoke on Trent College is working to provide the best possible support to their learners.”

Commenting on the award, Stoke on Trent CEO & Principal Hassan Rizvi was understandably delighted, he said:

“I could not be prouder of our College and the outstanding work and contributions of our staff, colleagues, partners and Governors in ensuring our learners are supported, motivated and challenged in the best way.

“Getting the right advice at the right time means our learners successfully progress to the next stage of their career, whether that is employment, university or on to an apprenticeship.

“This prestigious accreditation reinforces Stoke on Trent College’s mission to achieve ambitious outcomes for all learners enabling them to positively progress.”

Dave Hopley, Assistant Principal Student Experience, added:

“The Matrix Standard assessor was extremely thorough in questioning and working across different areas of the College, observing the high importance the College places on an individual career journey and supportive environment embracing equality, diversity and inclusion.

“Achieving the whole-college matrix Standard accreditation for Stoke on Trent College is a powerful endorsement of our high aspirations for our learners and our community. It affirms the exceptional quality and consistency of our support for learners. I’m really pleased with the result, and the knock-on effect this will have for the College and our City region.”

To find out more about courses at Stoke on Trent College please visit stokecoll.ac.uk/courses

The next open event at the two College sites is Wednesday 25 June 5-7pm. The Burslem campus offers courses in Construction, Engineering, Science & Technology, and the Cauldon campus has courses in Health & Social Care, Digital and Creative, Pharmacy, Sports, Public Services and Hospitality & Catering.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Picture caption – Stoke on Trent College learners, Admissions team and Careers & Progression Lead Chrissy Pawliszyn and Dave Hopley, Assistant Principal Student Experience celebrate matrix Standard accreditation.

 

• Stoke on Trent College serves up to 9000 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  

St Basils is aiming to engage with more young people in need on its digital and social media platforms with help from two Walsall College students.  Alex Fletcher and Ela Salts are producing dynamic new content for the charity and housing association as part of an industry placement for their Creative Media T Level course.

The 45-day industry placement has so far seen the students carrying out extensive research into the social media activities of similar charities and organisations, along with an audit of St Basil’s own platforms.  Working from the head office in Birmingham, they are now developing a series of content plans to bring to life on TikTok and Instagram over the coming months, then measuring their success.

Barrie Hodge, Head of Fundraising and Communications at St Basils said that he and his colleagues are already enthused by Alex and Ela’s work ethic and insights into youth culture.

“St Basils is keen to be more proactive in reaching out to young people on social media who may need us,” he said.  “Working with Alex and Ela allows us to make better use of the right tools, content and messaging to build supportive relationships and help people move in a positive direction.”

Barrie continued: “I would thoroughly recommend T Level placements to other employers.  It gives you access to a rich talent pool and fresh perspectives that may be missing from your own team. 

“It’s a real opportunity to learn together, making these placements a worthy experience for all involved.”

Alex and Ela both agree.

“I’ve already gained more real-life industry experience than I initially expected to,” said 18-year-old Ela.

“I’ve enjoyed researching how other organisations deliver their social media content and host events.  I also have a much clearer understanding of the type of content to post for the best impact.  This is something I can apply to my own professional platforms as I begin my career.”

Alex, 17, added: “I already feel I have meaningful industry experience to go with my qualification.

“Not only is this placement providing me with a wider set of skills around content production and communications, it’s also made me realise that youth homelessness is a massive issue across the UK.  I feel have a responsibility to raise awareness in a way that shows empathy towards young people facing difficulties and shows others that youth homelessness is not something to be ignored.”

Alex and Ela have so far created a ‘how to find St Basils’ walkthrough video and will next focus on collecting vox-pops from the local public.

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For further media information contact Shobby Patel on 01922 657000 or email

shobbypatel@walsallcollege.ac.uk

Buckinghamshire College Group is proud to announce a new partnership with the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector workforce.  

This exciting collaboration recognises Buckinghamshire College Group as an approved CIMSPA Education Partner, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality education that aligns with industry standards and supports students’ career progression in sport and physical activity.  

As a recognised and respected body within the sector, CIMSPA sets the benchmark for professional excellence. Through this partnership, Buckinghamshire College Group will ensure its sport and fitness curriculum is mapped to CIMSPA’s professional standards, providing students with industry-relevant qualifications and enhanced employability.  

Kiran Bharj, Faculty Director of Health & Life Science, Sport & Public Services at Buckinghamshire College Group, said:

“I am thrilled that Buckinghamshire College Group has become an official CIMSPA Partner. This partnership ensures our curriculum remains current, industry-aligned, and fully prepares our learners for exciting careers in the sports and physical activity sector. By fostering collaboration between CIMSPA and our dedicated lecturers, we are creating a dynamic, innovative, and exceptional learning experience that truly sets our sports offer apart.” 

Micki Ruggins, Technical Education Officer at CIMSPA, commented:

“This partnership demonstrates both parties’ commitment to supporting curriculum development and improved employability outcomes for students who are aspiring to become future professionals in the sport and physical activity sector. Buckinghamshire College Group has also been instrumental in the development of the Local Skills Accountability Board which forms part of the regional ecosystem that tailors qualifications and learning to meet the needs of local employers and further enhancing career prospects for learners.” 

This collaboration offers students increased access to employer-informed content and networking opportunities, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment in sport, fitness and physical activity. It marks a significant step forward in empowering students with the skills, qualifications, and confidence to thrive in this dynamic and evolving sector.  

To learn more about our courses, visit Buckinghamshire College Group’s website or contact our admissions team at admissions@buckscollegegroup.ac.uk  (01296 588599).  

Stoke on Trent College’s award-winning Hammersley restaurant has hosted a special Centenary lunch to mark the first-ever Stoke-on-Trent Day (5 June).

Civic dignitaries were invited to the restaurant, based at the college’s Cauldon campus to enjoy a three-course meal. The mouth-watering menu had previously been selected by a number of guests following a tasting evening that took place in April.

The Civic Lunch is another opportunity for the college’s Hospitality and Catering students to experience a real-world restaurant scenario, preparing and serving food and drinks for external guests.

The lunch was opened by Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor, Councillor Steve Watkins, who welcomed all the guests and thanked college dignitaries for hosting this milestone event, before Reverend Geoff Eze led a brief prayer. Guests also observed a loyal toast hosted by Lord Lieutenant Sir Ian Dudson KCVO OBE.

Tara Walters, who is studying Level 3 Hospitality and Catering was one of the students preparing the meals on the day said: “We’ve been practicing the menu in the lead-up to the event. I’m proud to be supporting the Centenary and Stoke-on-Trent Day.”

Level 3 Hospitality and Catering learner Mason Dawson, is also part of the team, and said,

“I will be prepping some of the food on-the-day and serving for the guests. I also work in the Hammersley on the Thursday evenings and sometimes on the Wednesday lunchtime slots.

“I want to work in a hotel, so all of these events help us to gain vital experience before we start working. The whole team is happy to support the 100-year celebration.”

Hassan Rizvi, Principal & CEO at Stoke on Trent College said: “As a proud civic partner, Stoke on Trent College was honoured to be asked to host the Centenary Lunch to mark 100 years of Stoke-on-Trent.

“The reputation of the Hammersley Restaurant continues grow within in the wider community of Staffordshire, with partners regularly booking external lunches and events here.

“All of the guests were very impressed by the quality of the food and service from our talented Hospitality and Catering learners.”

Lord Mayor, Councillor Steve Watkins, said: “It was a great honour to be invited here to officially open this very special Centenary lunch and to enjoy some fantastic food prepared and served up by a very talented group of students. It was a very fitting event to help celebrate our Centenary – taking place a hundred years to the day when Stoke-on-Trent first received city status.”    

Throughout 2025, Stoke-on-Trent is celebrating its Centenary with a series of events aimed at engaging with all members of the community.

To find out more about the Centenary year of Stoke-on-Trent, please visit sot100.org.uk.

To enquire about booking The Hammersley restaurant for your next event please email hospitality@stokecoll.ac.uk.

ENDS

 

Notes to Editors

Picture caption – (Left to right)

Stoke on Trent College Principal & CEO Hassan Rizvi, Lord Mayor Cllr Steve Watkins, Cllr Lynn Watkins, Lady Jane Dudson, Lord Lieutenant Ian Dudson KCVO OBE, Jeremy Cartwright, Chair of Governors at Stoke on Trent College.

• Stoke on Trent College serves up to 9000 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  

Inspire Education Group (IEG) has officially unveiled its £13.5 million Centre for Green Technology (CGT) at Peterborough College — a landmark facility designed not only to address the UK’s green skills shortage, but to serve as a bold example of how education can directly power economic growth, workforce readiness, and environmental responsibility.

More than the opening of a building, the launch of the CGT marks a major step forward in delivering on IEG’s 2024–2030 strategy Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Exceptional, which prioritises innovation, inclusion and sustainability across every area of its curriculum and campus culture. With green jobs projected to reach over 440,000 by 2030 and employer demand for green skills having grown by 46% in the last year alone, the CGT has been designed to ensure learners, employers and the wider community can adapt to the demands of a low-carbon future.

The centre houses industry-standard facilities that support training in electric vehicle infrastructure, solar PV systems, air source heat pumps, retrofit, and sustainable construction practices. These are complemented by immersive technologies including a Virtalis virtual reality wall, which enables simulated work-based learning across a range of curriculum areas. Designed in close consultation with industry, the Centre supports full-time students, apprentices, and adult learners — offering everything from entry-level trade qualifications to Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) and CPD for professionals. Learners benefit from hands-on experience with equipment provided by trusted industry partners including Rolec EV, Worcester Bosch and Quantum.

“I was impressed by the breadth of opportunities and courses that are offered by the Centre, and it was fascinating to see how new technologies will drive the construction and development of the homes this country needs. The development of new skills to help build green, safer buildings is at the heart of this government’s commitment to build 1.5 million homes, and students from this college will help contribute to this.”

– Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government.

“The Centre for Green Technology represents far more than the launch of a new facility – it’s a bold statement of intent. It shows what’s possible when ambition meets investment, and when education leads from the front. This centre is a key milestone in delivering on our 2024–2030 strategy and reflects our commitment to creating campuses of the future, where learners gain the skills they need, employers find the talent they’re looking for and communities benefit from inclusive, sustainable growth.”

– Rachel Nicholls, Chief Executive Officer, Inspire Education Group.

“I warmly welcome the launch of the Centre for Green Technology at Peterborough College. This £13.5 million, net-zero-ready facility is a crucial step towards tackling the green skills shortage and supporting sustainable economic growth in our region. Peterborough has a real opportunity to be at the heart of the Green revolution, and investments like this ensure that local people are the ones who benefit from the new jobs and opportunities coming our way. By bringing together education providers, employers, and industry, we can create valuable apprenticeships and training pathways that open doors to rewarding, sustainable careers, building a prosperous and environmentally responsible future for Peterborough and beyond.”

– Andrew Pakes, Local MP for Peterborough.

“The Centre for Green Technology is a shining example of how public partnership working, investment and industry can come together to drive real change. This facility not only equips our residents with the skills needed for the green jobs of the future but also strengthens Peterborough’s role as a leader in sustainable innovation. We’re proud to support a project that delivers opportunity, growth, and environmental responsibility in equal measure.”

– Councillor Nick Thulbourn, Cabinet Member for Growth and Regeneration at Peterborough City Council.

“It’s so important for Peterborough that we give our young people the chance to do well in life. And I know how tough it can be, at any age, if you don’t have the right training for the new jobs on offer. Given its close links with employers, the Centre should be a real boost for Peterborough and the region.”

– Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

“The launch of the Centre for Green Technology was an amazing event — well organised and full of energy. It’s really put a fire in my belly to do more for our young people, and I look forward to sending some of our engineers for training in the new building.”

– Mark Brear, Director, EML Electrical

The Centre has already drawn attention from government and policymakers. In the past year, Andrew Pakes MP, Chi Onwurah MP and Peter Kyle MP have all acknowledged IEG’s leadership in delivering education that meets national priorities. In November 2024, Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, launched the Government’s ‘Get Britain Working’ white paper from IEG’s Peterborough campus, praising the Group’s contribution to economic renewal and sustainable skills development.

The £13.5 million project is partly funded by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), with £2.471 million from the Transforming Cities Fund, £400,000 from the Local Growth Fund, £1.9 million from Peterborough City Council via the Towns Fund, and the Department for Education’s Local Skills Improvement Fund (£1.42 million). IEG’s contribution to the project was £8.3M, with £5.5M from the DFE capital loan scheme and £2.8M from IEG’s capital reserves.

As students, employers and partners begin to collaborate within the new space, the Centre for Green Technology stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when education, industry and public investment align. It reaffirms IEG’s position as an anchor institution — one working at the heart of its community to meet the challenges of tomorrow and lead the transition to a greener, stronger, more inclusive economy.

Buckinghamshire College Group is proud to announce an exciting opportunity for those considering a career working in one of the region’s leading further education colleges.

In partnership with education recruitment experts Dovetail & Slate, Buckinghamshire College Group is hosting an informal Jobs Fair on Wednesday 11 June 2025, 4pm – 7pm at its Aylesbury Campus.

The open event is intended for job seekers either just starting out, exploring a career change or already working in education, to experience a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to be part of a college which is empowering and supporting people to thrive and achieve both their personal and professional goals.

During the event visitors will have the opportunity to network with peers and professionals to explore the diverse roles available across Buckinghamshire College Group’s campuses in Aylesbury, Amersham and High Wycombe (Flackwell Heath). In addition, they will be able to meet hiring managers from several departments including SEN, Construction, Early Years, Health & Life Sciences and more, get practical advice on applying for jobs in education and how to start their teaching or support staff journey. The College leadership team and HR will be on hand to answer any questions and refreshments will be available.

Jenny Craig, Principal and Chief Executive, commented: “Our staff are our greatest asset. We are committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment where every individual can flourish. With a competitive benefits package and personalised professional development, we are proud to support our team in achieving their career goals.”

Anne-Marie, Interim Head of HR, said: “The College has so much to offer, not only as a great place to work but also as a springboard for exceptional career opportunities. We’re proud to foster a flexible, inclusive and supportive environment where staff can grow and thrive.

“With roles available in teaching, support services and professional operations, Buckinghamshire College Group is more than just a place of learning, it’s a key employer in the local area, offering rewarding careers.”

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday 11 June 2025
• Time: 4pm – 7pm
• Location: Buckinghamshire College Group, Aylesbury Campus, Oxford Road, Aylesbury HP21 8PD
• Free entry, open to all

To learn more about working at Buckinghamshire College Group or register your interest, visit: https://www.buckscollegegroup.ac.uk/work-with-us.

Stoke on Trent College’s Director of IT & Digital has won the prestigious NextCIO award at a ceremony at the Sofitel London St. James.

 

Chris was one of 26 awarded a place on the 2025 cohort of rising stars in the UK IT sector.

 

The highly competitive process involved selection by a number of high-profile judges from multiple organisations including Stantec, Viridor, FlyingBinary Ltd., University of London and The IN Group.

 

The award reflects a career of continuous improvement in a number of roles at different employers over the past two decades, including Chris’ role of overseeing all IT & Digital advancements at Stoke on Trent College.

 

Chris has overseen a comprehensive Digital Strategy, plus sustained investment into IT, creating significant improvements across the College.

 

Chris Hodgson, Director of IT & Digital at Stoke on Trent College said:

 

“I’m incredibly proud to be recognised as a NextCIO 2025 award winner, a testament to the exceptional collaboration and innovation within the teams I have led during my career. This award inspires me to continue driving digital transformation that empowers our college to deliver outstanding outcomes for our learners, staff and wider community.”

 

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

 

“Were extremely proud to see Chris be recognised for his contributions to the IT & Digital sector with the NextCIO award.

 

“Chris has brought many years of expertise within IT to the college and the changes and advancements we continue to make in this area, ultimately benefiting our learners and staff. Going forward we are looking to embed new and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help increase productivity and efficiency.”

 

Find out more about the NextCIO 2025 Awards here – https://events.idc.com/event/Next_CIO_Awards_UK_2025/overview

ENDS

 

Notes to Editors

Picture caption – (Left to right) Stoke on Trent College Menopause Champions Claire Gordon, Gill Walker, Sally Lunn and Kelly Clarke

• Stoke on Trent College serves up to 9000 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  

Six staff from Stoke on Trent College have signed up to become Menopause Champions; giving others staff support when dealing with menopause.

Menopause Champions will provide an approachable and friendly face across both campuses, answering questions about menopause plus signposting for further support and advice.

Each of the volunteers have enrolled in a Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Menopause in the Workplace; and will liaise with college senior management to ensure appropriate support is in place for people with menopause.

The College also plans to offer the Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Menopause as a distance learning course for businesses in Stoke-on-Trent in the near future.

One of the Menopause Champions, who has signed up is Claire Gordon, Head of Inclusion at the College, who said:

“I’ve recently completed the Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Menopause in the Workplace, which has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges menopause can present for women at work.

“With this knowledge, I am delighted to be taking on the role of Menopause Champion — aiming to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and help ensure that colleagues feel supported and understood during this important stage of life.

“It’s an exciting and important step towards creating an inclusive and empathetic workplace, and I’m glad to be part of this.”

Nova Abela, Chief People Officer at Stoke on Trent College said:

“At our college, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all staff is a top priority. Appointing menopause champions is a meaningful step in ensuring that colleagues experiencing menopause feel understood, respected, and supported.

“By raising awareness and promoting open dialogue, we’re not only challenging stigma but also reinforcing our commitment to staff wellbeing and equity. This initiative is part of our broader vision to create a workplace where everyone can thrive, at every stage of their career.”

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

“We’re delighted to have six staff signed up as Menopause Champions. Once they have attained their qualification, they will be fully equipped to provide vital support for our teaching and business support staff.

“The response, has been so positive; we already have another five staff signed up to take the course during the 2025/26 academic year.”

Find out more about courses at Stoke on Trent College here – https://stokecoll.ac.uk/courses

ENDS

 

Notes to Editors

Picture caption – (Left to right) Stoke on Trent College Menopause Champions Claire Gordon, Gill Walker, Sally Lunn and Kelly Clarke

• Stoke on Trent College serves up to 9000 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  

Waltham Forest College is proud to announce it has been awarded full College-wide accreditation to the nationally recognised Matrix Standard, a significant milestone that reflects the exceptional quality, reach, and consistency of its careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) services for learners and apprentices.

The Matrix Standard, owned by the Department for Education, is the international quality benchmark for organisations delivering effective information, advice and guidance (IAG). Achieving whole-college accreditation demonstrates a shared, cross-departmental commitment to delivering outstanding learner support and aspirational career progression outcomes.

The rigorous five-day assessment, led by an independent Matrix Assessor, involved interviews with staff, learners, and a range of valued partner organisations including employers. The final report commended the College for embedding high-quality CEIAG at every level, from leadership to frontline delivery, developing highly effective strategic partnerships and for fostering a culture of inclusion, aspiration, and learner achievement.

The Matrix report highlighted several key strengths:

• CEIAG is seamlessly integrated across the organisation, championed by the Board and Senior Leadership Team, and clearly visible in day-to-day teaching and support practices. Learners recognise and value the guidance they receive in shaping their futures
• The College exemplifies its core values of Integrity, Inclusion, and Excellence through high achievement rates, inclusive recruitment, accessible progression pathways, and a ‘no wrong door’ philosophy. These values are evident in the positive behaviour, warmth, and pride demonstrated across the College community
• Collaborative work with external partners has generated tangible benefits for learners, including enhanced employability and improved progression opportunities
• The adoption of the national Skills Builder Framework has strengthened the development of essential, transferable employability skills within the curriculum
• The College prioritises the wellbeing of its students and staff, providing robust support systems that ensure individuals feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive.

Janet Gardner, Principal and CEO at Waltham Forest College, commented:

“Achieving the whole-college Matrix Standard accreditation for Waltham Forest College is a powerful endorsement of our high aspirations for our learners and our communities. It affirms the exceptional quality and consistency of our support for learners and reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence.

This recognition highlights the strength of our culture, the professionalism of our staff, and our ability to translate vision into meaningful outcomes. It is also testimony to the highly effective strategic partnerships developed with a range of employers and stakeholders that adds value and impact, helping students to successfully progress and achieve their aspirations. As a leading London college, we remain resolute in our mission to equip every learner with the skills, confidence, and ambition to thrive in a dynamic and evolving world.”

This prestigious accreditation reinforces Waltham Forest College’s mission to inspire ambition, unlock potential, and transform lives through high-quality education and guidance.

We are delighted to announce the opening of The Bowker Centre, our brand-new state-of-the-art animal T Level facilities at Rodbaston College, following a formal opening event on Thursday 22nd May 2025. 

Thanks to a £1.15 million investment from the Department of Education, the Bowker Centre will help to ensure our students are able to learn using industry-standard equipment ensuring that they are well prepared for careers within the animal care and management sector. 

Within the Bowker Centre are two multi-use high specification classrooms, a state-of-the-art technology room, an aquatics resource and a high welfare and technological advanced quarantine space. 

The Bowker Centre sits within Rodbaston Animal Zone, the on-site Zoo at Rodbaston College. Rodbaston Animal Zone is home to over 750 animals from 150 species, which offers a fantastic hands-on learning resource available for our animal care students. 

Dr Richard Sands, the Head of Education and Conservation at Twycross Zoo officially cut the ribbon to open the facilities with Chief Executive Principal, Claire Boliver. Richard said “Today isn’t just about opening a building, it’s the opening of a future. A future where more young people have the skills and the passion to protect our natural world, to step into industries that matter and to shape the kind of future that we all want to live in”. 

Following the ribbon cutting, guests were invited to take a tour of the new facilities, led by our animal care tutors. As part of the tour, guests were able to see a live demonstration of the facilities from our T Level students. They demonstrated the anatomage table which allows users to interact with and manipulate 3D images of animal anatomy, which provides a more realistic and immersive experience for students. Guests were also able to put their communication skills into practice utilising the Body Scan Virtual Reality software and talk to our T Level students about their poster symposiums about sustainability in animal collections.  

Marcus Roberts, Landbased Faculty Director at South Staffordshire College said “What began as a bold vision – a bid for Government support and belief in what we could achieve has today become a reality. It fills me with immense pride and excitement, today is the launchpad for ambition, a celebration of opportunity and the beginning of a new chapter for technical education at Rodbaston College”. 

The college’s investment into the new facilities marks an exciting era for the animal care department. The cutting-edge resources will allow the college to continue offering high quality, career focused teaching. 

Claire Boliver, Chief Executive Principal said “We have named the Bowker Centre after Jim a former student and then a valued employee for 27 years.  He was a significant part of Rodbaston, who touched so many lives here before he sadly passed away at the start of this year, and it’s only fitting that this incredible facility stands as a lasting legacy to his memory”. 

If you’d like to learn more about how you can Skill Up and Stand Out for a career in the animal care sector at South Staffordshire College why not check out our courses or come along to our next open day on Saturday 21st June.