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College Marketing Network Celebrates Success of Roadshow Events

Page header image with text stating: 5 cities, 161 marketing professionals, 86 UK colleges, supported by 16 businesses.

The 2025 CMN Roadshow has proven to be an exciting and valuable new addition to CMN events calendar, offering further opportunities for professional development for marketers in Further Education (FE). While the CMN Conference remains the pinnacle event of the year, this new series of Roadshow events has been specifically designed to reach a wider audience of FE marketing teams across the UK.

Spanning five cities – Manchester, Bristol, London, York, and Birmingham – this year’s Roadshow delivered dynamic, relevant content to 161 marketing professionals from 86 colleges across the UK, providing a unique platform for sharing knowledge, networking, and enhancing the professional skills of FE marketing teams nationwide.

The Roadshow series was designed to give marketing professionals in the FE sector an opportunity to exchange ideas, gain invaluable insights, and connect with industry experts. With support from 16 businesses, including leading speakers and exhibitors, the Roadshow has become a key event in the calendar for anyone in FE marketing.

Each of the five events offered a packed agenda with a diverse range of speakers, covering the latest trends and pivotal topics shaping FE marketing today. The event format was designed to be engaging and interactive, allowing attendees to participate in focused, 30-minute presentations that kept things concise yet full of value.

A Leader in CPD for Marketing Professionals in FE

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for marketing professionals in Further Education are limited, with many struggling to find relevant training tailored to their needs. CMN is proud to be leading the way by providing a platform where marketing professionals can access expert-led sessions, connect with peers, and gain practical knowledge that is directly applicable to their roles.

The Roadshow series was developed to fill this gap, helping marketing professionals in FE stay up-to-date with the latest tools, trends, and strategies that are shaping the future of their sector.

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“The 2025 CMN Roadshow has been a remarkable success, providing a platform for FE marketing professionals to exchange ideas, gain invaluable insights, and forge meaningful connections. We are delighted to see such strong participation from colleges across the UK. We’re already planning the 2026 events!”
Emma Wilde, Executive Director of CMN

The Power of Partnerships

The success of the Roadshow wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of 16 businesses that supported the events as speakers and exhibitors. These companies brought forward new ideas, tools, and solutions specifically designed to help FE colleges thrive in today’s ever-changing landscape. Their contributions played a significant role in creating an event experience that was both educational and practical.

Some of the businesses that supported the Roadshow included:

What Attendees Had to Say

The feedback from those who attended the Roadshow has been overwhelmingly positive. Many delegates expressed appreciation for the high-quality sessions, the opportunity to meet like-minded professionals, and the valuable ideas they took away.

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Harriet Haworth, Digital Marketing Manager at United College Group (UCG), shared her experience:
“I just wanted to say a big thank you for organising the CMN Roadshow. It was such a well-run and valuable event – a great opportunity to connect with colleagues across the sector and take away some fresh ideas and inspiration.”

Stef from the National College for Digital Skills also praised the event:
“This was the first CMN event I attended, and I found the range of speakers so very useful. Some great new contacts for us! I also really liked the format—short, engaging presentations. Emma did a brilliant job with preparations, hosting, and creating a really comfortable, fun, and accessible atmosphere at the event. I’m looking forward to the next one!”

Two speak bubbles, outlined in grey, one sitting slightly behind the other.

Looking Ahead: The CMN Conference 2026

CMN is excited to announce the next event in its calendar, the annual CMN Conference, which will be held on Monday 2 February 2026 in Birmingham. This event promises to be packed with insightful presentations, networking opportunities, and practical takeaways for FE marketing professionals. Delegates will gain valuable knowledge on the latest trends, strategies, and tools needed to succeed in the evolving marketing landscape.

As the Further Education sector continues to grow and adapt, CMN remains committed to supporting marketing teams with the resources, knowledge, and connections they need to succeed. The success of the 2025 Roadshow is a testament to the vital role CMN plays in fostering collaboration and innovation within the FE sector.

Gower College Swansea Annual Student Awards 2025

Students and staff from Gower College Swansea have gathered together to celebrate another fantastic year of academic and vocational excellence.

Kev Johns MBE made a welcome return to the stage at Swansea.com Stadium to host the evening, where learners from a range of full and part time courses, apprenticeships, higher education pathways, access courses and employability support programmes picked up awards.

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

Entertainment was provided by A Level Music, English Literature, Classical Civilisation and Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales student Isobel Mcneill, and L3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production student Kara Wood.

Also on hand were the College’s Theatrical Special Effects, Hair and Media Make-Up team, who treated guests to a special Animals showcase.

“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 Principal Kelly Fountain. “All of this has been achieved as a result of the outstanding commitment and dedication of both our students – all 13,000 of them each year – and our staff, and tonight is an occasion when we get to celebrate their success and pay tribute to the best of the best.”

Guest speaker for the evening was former Gower College Swansea student Alex Callender who plays as a flanker for the Wales Women’s Rugby Union team and Harlequins Women, having gained her first cap for Wales at the 2019 Six Nations Championship.

At the end of the evening, there was a special presentation to Chief Executive Officer Mark Jones MBE who is retiring this summer after a long and distinguished career in education. As a memento, Mark was given an original piece of art by former L3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design student Wanesa Kazmierowska which depicted all the College campuses. He was also given two rugby shirts – one from the year he rejoined the College as Principal in 2013, and one from 2025.

The 2025 award winners in full:

Adult Basic Education/ESOL Student of the Year – Nataliia Mikulska
Bernie Wilkes Award – Hair, Beauty and Holistic Student of the Year – Chloe Clarke
Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Student of the Year – Lucy Green
Independent Living Skills Student of the Year – Karleigh West
Sport and Public Services Student of the Year – Ophelia Furbank
Visual Arts Student of the Year – Tia Walters
Business Student of the Year – Brendon Thomas
Creative Arts Student of the Year – Carys Morgan
Humanities and Languages Student of the Year – Anwen Rodaway
Maths, Science and Social Science Student of the Year – Leah Spackman
Technology Student of the Year – Maksym Klivenko
Engineering Student of the Year – Jack Shipley
Health, Social Care and Childcare Student of the Year – Sarah James
Built Environment Student of the Year – Seymour Thomas
Apprentice of the Year – Ashleigh Johnson
Outstanding Sports Achievement of the Year – Caleb Demery
Employer Partner of the Year – Pobl Group
Elaine McCallion Award – GCS Training Student of the Year – Dawne Meynell-Western
International Student of the Year – Winnie Lui
Access Student of the Year – Ria Hammond-Smith
Holly Donohoe Award – HE Student of the Year – Will Evans
Welsh Language Student of the Year – Lily Kearney
Employability Client of the Year – Levi Watts
Progression and Commitment Student of the Year – Mia Southard
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales Student of the Year – Katie Richards

Inspirational Student of the Year – Sarah James

A big thank you to all our 2025 sponsors:

Amroc Group Limited
AtkinsRéalis
Bardic Construction
Blake Morgan
Bowen Hopkins Limited
Kelly Fountain
Get Yourself Noticed
GJ Willett and Sons
Greenwood Projects
Hengoed Care
Knox and Wells
Mark Jones MBE
reThink PR and Marketing
RW Learning
South Wales Transport
Swansea Council
Swansea University
The Cusp
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
WalesOnline
Waters Creative

Plugged in to the Future: Tech Support Squad Joins Forces with Buckinghamshire College Group to Power up the Next Gen of Cyber Talent

Buckinghamshire College Group is proud to announce a new partnership with Tech Support Squad, who have officially joined as a Cornerstone Employer for the Digital Support & Security T Level course. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing the real-world relevance and industry integration of the College’s digital curriculum.  

As a Cornerstone Employer, Tech Support Squad will play a crucial role in shaping the future of digital education by offering high-quality industry placements, mentoring opportunities, and insight into the evolving needs of the digital support and cybersecurity sector. Their commitment ensures that T Level students will gain the hands-on experience and technical skills needed to thrive in a competitive and rapidly changing job market. 

Sean Bastow, Curriculum Manager for Digital and Professional Enterprises at Buckinghamshire College Group, said:

“The Tech Support Squad have been strong champions of ours for a long time now, so I am thrilled to take our great relationship to another level and make them our first Cornerstone Employer in our Digital provision. Our learners benefit a great deal from the skills they develop with the Tech Support Squad through industry placements and their commitment to supporting the design of our Digital Support Services curriculum.” 

James Scudder, Founder of Tech Support Squad, commented:

“Breaking into the IT industry at a young age was a challenge for me until someone named Russ gave me a chance when others said I was too young. That experience shaped the values of Tech Support Squad from day one. When we launched the company, we made a firm commitment never to judge potential based on age. One of our first initiatives was partnering with Buckinghamshire College Group through their T-Level programme. That collaboration led to us being honoured with the ‘Business Impact 2024’ award after a highly successful second year of student placements. When we learned about the Cornerstone Employer programme, we saw it as a fantastic opportunity to deepen our relationship with the College and support their ambition to become the leading digital training provider in the region. We’re excited about the future and look forward to continuing this impactful partnership.” 

This partnership aligns with the Government’s vision for T levels to become the gold standard in technical education and demonstrates the power of collaboration between education and industry in developing a future-ready workforce.  

Ian Harper, Executive Director for Business Development at Buckinghamshire College Group, added:

“We’re delighted to be working closely with employers from the digital and broader business sectors to ensure the College is well-positioned to support organisations with their recruitment and workforce development needs, while also making a positive economic contribution to those businesses and the wider region.” 

With Tech Support Squad on board, Buckinghamshire College Group is laying the foundation for a stronger, smarter digital future – one confident, career-ready student at a time. 

To learn more about our T Level courses, visit Buckinghamshire College Group’s website or contact our admissions team at admissions@buckscollegegroup.ac.uk (01296 588599).  

About Buckinghamshire College Group: 

Buckinghamshire College Group (Bucks College Group) is a further education college with campuses in Aylesbury, Wycombe, and Amersham. The College provides vocational, technical, and professional skills education to over 4,500 students annually. The College provides full-time education for students aged 16 to 18, alongside a robust provision for adult learners and apprenticeships. Buckinghamshire College Group was formed from the merger of Aylesbury College and Amersham & Wycombe College in October 2017. The College is currently developing a new modern campus to be in the centre of High Wycombe which would bring together the provision offered at the existing Amersham and Wycombe sites. 

Construction and Engineering Learners Join Regeneration Brainery Bootcamp

Learners from Construction and Engineering courses at Stoke on Trent College, have become the latest cohort to join the Stoke-on-Trent Regeneration Brainery programme.

The five-day interactive workshop is a unique opportunity for learners to gain new industry contacts and tools to kickstart their careers.

This is the third year in a row that learners from Stoke on Trent College have been involved in the workshops, having previously had site visits to Capital&Centric’s recently opened Goods Yard, a vibrant new urban quarter next to Stoke-on-Trent train station, with homes, work and leisure space, locally-listed vaulted warehouse, and lush new public square.

The Brainery programme is another example of the College’s ongoing collaboration with industry, as we continue to respond to the skills gaps identified in the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) with our four Skills Hubs:

  • Construction and Green Technologies
  • STEM
  • Digital and Creative
  • Health and Social Care

The Regeneration Brainery team worked with the learners on problem-solving, presenting and communication skills to help them stand out from the crowd when they enter the world of work.

The week began at the Goods Yard in Stoke, which included a tour of the site and a presentation from new Goods Yard tenants; commercial real estate firm Avison Young.

Accompanied by social impact property developers Capital&Centric, the cohort were given a tour of the 1960s brutalist Midway multi-storey car park in Newcastle-under-Lyme. The ground-breaking project is the first car park to be repurposed to homes in the UK. The 1960s concrete structure is being restored into 111 new homes with resident gym, mini cini, social hub, alongside parking, bike storage and a striking three-storey open atrium at the heart of the building.

Other presentations and workshops were provided by Regeneration Brainery Ambassador Faizan Ahmed, Genr8 Developments, RJD Associates, architect firms Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and Planit plus Pierre Anguilare and Lloyds, with the aim of covering all aspects of the property sector, including project management, finance, planning, architecture and design.

Each learner took part in a speed networking session with a number of the firms mentioned above, where they could quiz them about their businesses and their roles within it.

To round the workshop off, each attendee organised and presented their own presentation for other attendees, on a subject based around an area of property management.

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

“The Regeneration Brainery programme is a unique opportunity for learners from our Construction and Engineering courses to gain meaningful experience with some of the biggest names in the property industry.

“I would like to thank Regeneration Brainery, for continuing to give our learners the opportunity to be part of something that will boost their own confidence but also help to make them skills ready, future ready.”

Michele Steel, CEO at Regeneration Brainery said:

“With major developments now underway in Hanley, Stoke and Newcastle-under-Lyme, it’s never been more important to show young local residents how they can access the economic opportunity that regeneration and investment in the area can bring. We’ve built a strong pipeline of talent with local colleges including Stoke on Trent and will continue to work with them to create life-changing opportunities for their students”.

To find out more about Regeneration Brainery, please visit – https://www.regenerationbrainery.co.uk.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Picture caption – (Left to right) Georgina Sawamura and Laura Stott (Regeneration Brainery) with learners from Stoke on Trent College at the Regeneration Brainery Stoke-on-Trent Bootcamp

  • 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  

Annual Celebrating Success Event Recognises Outstanding Learners

Stoke on Trent College has recognised the achievements of a host of learners at their Celebrating Success 2025 awards.

The prestigious event held on Thursday 19 June brought together award-winning learners, their families plus College staff and Governors, civic dignitaries including the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Karen Dobson OBE Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, sponsors and stakeholders for a truly memorable evening.

Our sponsors included Keele University, University of Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Learning Curve, ICON Projects, Carson Powell, Duchess China, KMF Group, Sneyd Construction, Krol Corlett, JPR Group and RE Events.

The event commenced with a drink’s reception and entertainment from Much Ado About Jazz.

Level 2 and 3 Catering and Hospitality students prepared and served a Gala Dinner to 120 guests, and were commended for the excellent quality of food and service provided.

The event was co-hosted by Level 3 Health & Social Care learner, Wendi Rose Brennan, and Assistant Principal Student Experience, Dave Hopley, who said:

“Celebrating Success remains the standout event in the College calendar. I am endlessly proud to witness such an array of inspiring stories from our young people, apprentices, and adult learners. It’s been a joy to see them fulfil their potential.”

The awards were opened by Stoke-on-Trent’s current poet laureate, Nick Degg, reciting his poem ‘I Came From a Town’.

It was a double celebration for Level 3 Gaming learner, Dasha Sokolynkova, who won the Student of the Year award for the Digital and Creative Skills Hub, plus being crowned the College’s overall Student of the Year.

Dasha has also recently been shortlisted for the Learning and Development category for this year’s Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Awards 2025, which take place next month.

Dasha Sokolynkova said:

“I’m the happiest person ever!

“I felt quite shocked (at winning the awards) and didn’t think I’d ever get anything like this. My teachers have given me the desire to be better, and believed in me. I’m really happy my mum was also able to see me win too.”

Other winners included T-Level Construction learner, Aaron Mollart, who won the Student of the Year accolade for Construction and Green Technologies skills hub. Aaron is currently exceling in his first year at the College whilst undertaking a placement with Seddon.

Level 3 Media Production learner, Lara Costa, bagged the prestigious Principal’s Award.

Ahead of International Women in Engineering Day (23 June), the College was proud to see two female learners’ pickup prestigious awards within STEM. One of those learners being Louise Whitehouse who took home the Student of the Year accolade for Engineering & STEM. Louise is aiming to secure an apprenticeship with a global leading manufacturer, after completing her Level 2 in Engineering.

The Contribution to College award was a joint celebration, with Level 3 Health & Social Care learners, Umaiza Noveed and Aniqah Razwan, sharing the award. Umaiza and Aniqah were both instrumental in setting up and managing the recent Multicultural Day, as well as being peer mentors, offering valuable support to other learners throughout the academic year. This award showcased how the College recognises not only growth and development through knowledge and skills, but also the behaviours needed to succeed, demonstrating its’ commitment to preparing young people who are skills ready.

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

“It has been a privilege to experience my very first Celebrating Success here at Stoke on Trent College.

“We take great pride in witnessing the remarkable growth of our learners throughout the year. Their dedication to mastering their chosen subjects, along with their enthusiasm for engaging in the wider College community, truly sets them apart. We firmly believe that participation in enrichment and extra-curricular activities not only enriches their experience but also gives them a distinctive edge with employers and universities alike.

 “This awards evening is truly unforgettable. We’re deeply grateful to our special guests, parents and carers, sponsors, Governors, and stakeholders. Their ongoing support has made this year’s Celebrating Success another night to remember.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Picture caption – All the winners with Principal & CEO Hassan Rizvi from Stoke on Trent College’s Celebrating Success awards.

Further images are available here – https://we.tl/t-gjxZ6BOVYS

  • 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  

Inspirational Educators Win National Teaching Award for Transformative Work

A teaching team from Gower College Swansea has been recognised with a Silver Award for Further Education Team of the Year in this year’s Pearson National Teaching Awards.

Chosen from thousands of nominees, the College’s Esports team will now be in with the chance of winning the highly desired Gold Award, which will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in London and on BBC One’s The One Show later this year.

Since the inception of Esports delivery at the College in 2020, the team has tirelessly advocated for the qualification’s potential and showcased the diverse career pathways available to students. Their efforts have not only changed perceptions of Esports education but their GCS Owls brand has also elevated the College’s profile on a global scale, further championing development of new qualifications to extend the learning pathway to foundation degree level.

The team is responsible for delivering the Level 2 and Level 3 BTEC qualifications in Esports. However, their impact extends far beyond the classroom – their passion and commitment has led to significant developments, including a close collaboration with the awarding body to enhance and expand provision, becoming one of the first Colleges to launch the Pearson Extended Diploma in Esports.

They have also forged strong industry connections, collaborating with organisations such as Williams, Formula 1 and Dallas Fuel to provide students with valuable real-world experiences and employment opportunities.

Meanwhile, GCS Owls has achieved international recognition, winning the British Esports Championship, US Cardinal Open tournament and the BETT Esports Championship—highly respected accolades that highlight excellence in competitive gaming, coaching, and Esports education.

The Esports team is one of 93 deserving teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff and institutions recognised as a Silver winner in this year’s awards for the lasting impact they have on shaping the lives of young people.

And the celebrations don’t end there for Gower College Swansea, as Creative Media lecturer Jon Parker has also been honoured with a Bronze award in the Transformational Use of Digital Technology category.

Jon has redefined what it means to innovate, using technology as a gateway to inclusion, creativity, and meaningful learning. What sets Jon apart is his ability to energise and empower staff and students and his unwavering belief that digital tools should improve lives. In one year alone, he delivered 74 training sessions as a Digital Peer Mentor and his Curiosity Project has given students real-world impact through the use of drones, 3D printing, and VR. His international dementia care VR initiative, praised as ‘revolutionary’, proves that technology can be both powerful and compassionate.

The announcements follow tributes from celebrities, students and schools across the UK as they say thank you to all those who work in education to mark National Thank a Teacher Day.

Celebrating the whole education community, National Thank a Teacher Day and the Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established over 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education, shining a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people, every single day.

“Our Esports team have transformed perceptions around the subject, delivering an outstanding curriculum hand in hand with securing global recognition with their GCS Owls brand,” says Principal Kelly Fountain. “Their innovative teaching methods, strong industry partnerships and their commitment to student success has provided learners with unparalleled career opportunities in the industry.

“Jon’s success is about more than technical brilliance – it’s about generosity, vision and the belief that everyone deserves access to digital learning tools. He doesn’t just spark innovation, he sustains it.

“Gower College Swansea is delighted to mark Thank A Teacher Day. We are incredibly proud of our 2025 Pearson award winners, and indeed all of our wonderful teaching and support staff, who help to transform lives every day.”

Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle said: “Once again our talented workforce has been recognised for their hard work and dedication, with the Silver winners representing the teaching workforce across a wide breadth of education from early years to further education. Congratulations all and I wish you good luck for the Gold awards later this year.”

Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, says: “The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable. Their influence extends well beyond the classroom – offering encouragement, inspiration, and unwavering support that can shape lives for years to come. That’s why National Thank a Teacher Day is an important opportunity to pause and celebrate all that they do. I’m also delighted to be able to congratulate this year’s Silver Award winners. Your passion and commitment to shaping the next generation is extraordinary. Thank you for the difference you make every single day.”

Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, says: “Every day, educators across the UK go above and beyond to inspire, support, and shape the future generation. Today, we proudly recognise those making an extraordinary impact. Our Silver Award winners represent the very best of the profession, and we’re thrilled to celebrate their dedication and achievements. Congratulations to all of this year’s Silver winners!”

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, says: “On Thank a Teacher Day, I want to celebrate the remarkable professionals who are the backbone of our education system. Brilliant teachers make the single biggest difference to a child’s education. I’ve experienced first-hand how a great teacher can make all the difference. Teachers don’t just deliver lessons – they transform lives, inspire curiosity, and build the confidence our children need to succeed. For this incredible commitment to our nation’s future, we owe our teachers our deepest gratitude.”

Trio of Hairdressing Learners Compete in WorldSkills Regional Finals

Three adult learners from Stoke on Trent College have competed in the regional finals of Hairdressing for WorldSkills UK.

Gemma Gidman, Liga Liepina and Ashleigh Heath are all studying Level 2 Hairdressing at the college, and have competed against 16 other participants from other colleges at the regional competition, which was hosted at Stoke on Trent College’s recently refurbished industry-ready Hair & Beauty studios at the Cauldon campus, on Tuesday 17 June.

Ashleigh heard about WorldSkills from one of her friends who had previously taken part.

“I had a friend who competed in WorldSkills last year, and after our tutor told us about it; I said I wanted to take part. It’s a little nerve-wracking but quite exciting too,” she said.

Liga is looking forward to showing off her creative hairdressing skills, saying,

“I’m really looking forward to taking part in this very famous competition. I heard about it from my tutor who motivated me to take part.

“I really want to show off my hairdressing skills and creative side. Taking part will support my studies as I will gain experience in a competition setting. I’m hoping the experience will help me to get a job in a salon in the near future.”

For Gemma, the motivation of potentially representing her country in hairdressing, was a big motivation to apply for World Skills.

“Once I heard about WorldSkills I wanted to take part. It’s exciting to know if I got through, I could potentially be representing the country for hairdressing.”

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

“This is the second year we are hosting the regional hairdressing finals of WorldSkills. We were delighted to be asked to once again host the competition in our industry-standard Hair & Beauty studios.

“We’re extremely proud to have three competitors in the regional finals and wish them all the very best of luck for the day.”

The hairdressing competition assessed all the skills and abilities of competitors entering the field of hairdressing.

Finalists will be announced in July, with the national finals taking place from 19-22 November 2025 at the Greater Manchester Colleges Group. The medal ceremony for finalists will take place on 22 November at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.

The WorldSkills UK Competition Finals will take place from 25-28 November at venues across South Wales.

Find out more about hairdressing courses at Stoke on Trent College here – https://stokecoll.ac.uk/course-areas/hair-beauty-holistic-therapies/

Notes to Editors

Picture caption – (From left to right) Ashleigh Heath, Gemma Gidman and Liga Liepina

  • 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  

College Thanks Community Partners with FE Big Lunch

Stoke on Trent College’s Hammersley restaurant has welcomed community partners from across the city, to our first FE Big Lunch (Friday 13 June 2025).

The FE Big Lunch is part of the broader ‘The Big Lunch’ which is the UK’s national get-together and aims to celebrate the contributions of community and voluntary organisations.

Stoke on Trent College is one of a number of colleges across the West Midlands who have organised lunches for their dedicated community partners.

The FE Big Lunch hosted by the College was a special gathering to show appreciation for the incredible support of local partners and an opportunity to enjoy delicious food and hear about the latest developments at the College.

Opened by Principal & CEO Hassan Rizvi, the lunch also saw guests hear from learners Kirstie Gray and Leah Forkin all about the recent Youth Social Action Project, which helped to raise awareness of homelessness across Stoke-on-Trent plus supporting local charity Brighter Futures.

The event was supported by the West Midlands Lieutenancy, with Deputy Josie Morris MBE DL among the invited guests, which included representatives from Middleport Matters, Brighter Futures, YYMCA North Staffordshire and VAST.

The two-course lunch was prepared and served by hospitality and catering learners to guests, with a menu that consisted of a main of pan roasted chicken, potato croquette, green beans, carrot with mushroom velouté and a dessert of lemon meringue tartlet.

This was a unique opportunity to allow guests to visit, the award-winning, student-led training restaurant, based at the Cauldon campus and sample a selection of a menu curated by learners.

Deputy Lieutenant Josie Morris MBE DL said,

“It’s really important to recognise and celebrate the community and those collaborating to creating better futures in Stoke-on-Trent and wider in Staffordshire.

“I was inspired to hear what Leah, Kirstie-Ann and their team have achieved through the Youth Social Action Project, one of the many examples of the successful partnerships.

“There is loads of energy in this city right now, and this lunch was a testament to the connections and collaborations that are going on between organisations to drive this positive change. Events like this really demonstrates the strength we have in this area.

“And the food was excellent with probably the best dessert I’ve ever had”

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

“I’d like to thank our hospitality and catering learners who have once again gone above and beyond with preparing and hosting the FE Big Lunch.

“FE Colleges are central pillars of local communities, and through our longstanding partnerships with public, private and third sector organisations, we continue to strive to address diverse needs in our community.

“The FE Big Lunch is our opportunity to thank our partners, who through our collaborative efforts continue to drive positive change. We’re truly honoured to stand alongside these dedicated individuals and groups in their mission to make a difference in Stoke-on-Trent.”

Steve Heaton, Hospitality and Catering Lead at Stoke on Trent College said,

“The FE Big Lunch is another rich opportunity to give our learners practical experience with some new guests to the Hammersley.”

The FE Big Lunch was launched to coincide with the Coronation of King Charles III, and has since become a firm staple in College calendars across the country.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Picture caption – (Left to right) Joshua Smith, Amelia Bilson (Middleport Matters), Deputy Lieutenant Josie Morris MBE DL, Jeremy Cartwright – Board Chair at Stoke on Trent College, Hassan Rizvi, Principal & CEO at Stoke on Trent College, Yvonne Dyer (YMCA North Staffordshire), Lisa Healings (VAST), Noah Leese-Marshall

  • 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  

Celebrating a Bumper Year for CMN’s Wednesday Workshops

As we reflect on the 2024/25 academic year, one thing is clear: our Wednesday Workshops have gone from strength to strength. We’ve delivered more sessions than ever before – almost one every week during term time – making this our busiest year yet!

This incredible growth is a reflection of two things: firstly, the continued demand from our members for practical, relevant support; and secondly, the increasing number of businesses who are eager to share their expertise with college marketing teams across the UK. These contributors aren’t here to sell – and that’s important to us. Each session is rooted in sharing knowledge, skills, and best practice. No sales pitches, just valuable insights.

The workshop topics we cover aren’t plucked from thin air. They’re shaped by our members. Whether it’s through our group email discussions, the half-termly CMN Managers meetings, or one-to-one conversations, we’re always listening for the common challenges and hot topics emerging across the sector. That’s what makes these sessions so relevant and so well attended.

From campaign measurement and media planning to student voice, AI, and content strategy – the breadth of this year’s sessions has been both exciting and inspiring. It’s been fantastic to see members take ideas from these sessions and put them into practice in their own colleges.

A huge thank you to all our contributors and attendees for making our Wednesday Workshops such a valuable part of CMN membership. We’re already planning for next year, and we can’t wait to keep the momentum going.

Got an idea for a session or a topic you’d love to see covered? Drop us a message – we’re always open to suggestions! emma@m-network.org