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Inspire Education Group (IEG) has been awarded Large Business of the Year at the 2025 Rutland & Stamford Mercury Business Awards.

The judges recognised IEG’s growth, diversification and impact since its formation in 2020, highlighting the Group’s role as both an education leader and a major regional business. With a £65m turnover, over 1,300 staff and 12,000 learners, IEG combines its civic mission with a commercial mindset — ensuring continued investment in students, staff, and campuses while supporting employers with skills and workforce challenges.

Major milestones in the past year include progressing the £13.5m Centre for Green Technology in Peterborough, developing industry-led programmes in construction, health and digital, and winning international recognition for sustainability and social impact.

Rachel Nicholls, CEO of IEG (left), with Angie Morris, Chair of Finance & Resources Committee at IEG (right).

Rachel Nicholls, CEO of Inspire Education Group, said:

“Many people don’t think of colleges as businesses, and whilst we are civic organisations, it is increasingly important to operate with a commercial mindset so that we can continue to invest in our students, staff and campuses and provide an exceptional place to learn and work.

“The growth and diversification we have seen across IEG over the last few years is a testament to the vision, hard work and commitment of governors and staff across the organisation.

“There is more for us to do as we continue to support employers with their skills and workforce challenges, as well as do our absolute best for the communities we serve. For now, thank you to all of our brilliant students, staff, governors, employers and partners.”

Inspire Education Group (IEG) is proud to have been named Training Provider of the Year at the Peterborough Telegraph Apprenticeship Awards 2025.

The award recognises IEG’s impact in developing apprenticeship provision that directly responds to employer demand and supports the region’s economic growth. With over 1,000 apprentices in training across more than 40 standards, IEG works with a diverse portfolio of businesses – from SMEs to national employers including Baker Perkins, Allison Homes, Anglian Water and Codem Composites – to co-design programmes that address skills gaps and create sustainable career pathways.

Apprenticeship achievement rates at IEG have risen by 10% in the past year, with 91% of apprentices retained on programme and nearly 50% achieving Distinction grades – well above national averages.

The past year has also seen IEG expand into new areas with the launch of degree-level apprenticeships, including Chartered Manager, Digital User Experience Professional, and Serious and Complex Crime Investigator.

Rachel Nicholls, CEO of Inspire Education Group, said:

“This award is a wonderful recognition of the strength of our apprenticeship provision and the collaborative partnerships that underpin it. Apprenticeships are a vital part of our skills ecosystem, and we are committed to working with employers to ensure local people can access high-quality opportunities that lead to great careers and help our region prosper.”

James Whybrow, Group Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement, added:

“This is an amazing honour and a testament to the hard work of our entire team across the Group. We are resolutely focused on the needs of our employers, which is why our college offers over 40 different types of apprenticeship standards. Our apprenticeship assessment centres operate as a crucial recruitment service, enabling us to meet and support a large number of apprentice seekers in finding the right apprenticeship role.”

Employer Testimonials

“Apprentices have been an integral part of Codem’s growth and recruitment strategy for many years. The expansion and development of advanced materials have provided a perfect platform to train a new breed of engineers. This can only be achieved through a true partnership-style collaboration with a forward-thinking provider, something we’ve found consistently in IEG, as they understand and support our short, medium, and long-term goals.” – Kevin Doherty, Managing Director at Codem Composites.

“A highly skilled workforce is essential to Baker Perkins’ ability to compete in international markets for high-value machinery. Apprenticeships have proven over many years to be the most effective way of ensuring we have the skills we need. Our partnership with IEG ensures that our apprentice training program continues to go from strength to strength.” – Suzanne Dellar, Director of HR at Baker Perkins.

IEG’s Employer Engagement team works with over 1,000 organisations with the aim of developing their workforce locally, regionally and nationally.

 

A short film created by recent alumni of Buckinghamshire College Group has been officially selected for the Bournemouth International Film Festival, where it will compete in the Best UK Short Film category. 

The film, Tomorrow Never Knows, was developed as a passion project shortly after the team completed their studies on our Level 3 Film and Television course. It explores themes of identity, pressure, and the uncertainty of the future. The narrative follows a young man named Alan, who is propelled into a series of imagined futures after being asked a simple question about what lies ahead. As he navigates these visions, he is forced to confront the expectations placed upon him and the fear of the unknown. 

The film was written, directed, and edited by Alex Hogarth, with Korben Wilkinson serving as cinematographer, Finlay Jordan as sound recordist, and Felix Pridmore as script supervisor. The production was supported by runners Lara Dervish, Molly Humphrey, Michael Adams, and Bailey Burdock. 

This selection marks a significant achievement for the team and reflects the high standard of creative and technical training provided by the College’s Film & TV programme. 

The production group credits much of their development to the guidance and expertise of their tutors, Nick Evans and Attila Kiraly, both of whom are active professionals in the film and television industry, and who played a significant role in shaping their technical skills and creative confidence. 

The graduates have remained in contact with their former mentors, proudly sharing the news of their festival selection and ongoing creative work. Chris Burgess, Media Technician at Buckinghamshire College Group, commented:

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our former students achieving recognition at this level so soon after graduating. Their success with Tomorrow Never Knows reflects not only their talent and determination, but also the collaborative spirit and professionalism they developed during their time with us. It also reflects the strength of our curriculum and industry insight we strive to provide. We’re all very proud of them.” 

Alex Hogarth, writer and director, offered his own perspective on the project and his journey since leaving college:

“Tomorrow Never Knows was a valuable learning experience for all of us and a true reflection of the phase of life we’re in. It’ll be something special to look back on, and it wouldn’t have been possible without an incredible team. Alongside my collaborators, I’m also deeply grateful to the College. Nick, Chris, and Attila are outstanding tutors who champion individuality and creative risk-taking. Staying in touch with them since graduating and receiving their advice has been amazing. We already have several new projects in early pre-production that we can’t wait to share. We’re growing more ambitious, hoping to help inspire and support the next generation of filmmakers.” 

Reflecting on the team’s journey, Nick Evans, Film & TV tutor, added:

“This is very exciting! It’s also no surprise. Alex, Korben, Fin, and Felix have always been driven by that rare combination of a passion for filmmaking, sheer hard work, curiosity, and a refusal to settle for second best. Great storytelling for the screen isn’t magic; it comes from understanding that it is a meticulous craft—one that must be learned, practised, and mastered—combined with an unwavering ambition to make sense of the world. This is exactly what we aim to support our Film & TV students with here at Buckinghamshire College Group. If we can continue working with passionate, committed young people like this, we’ll be very happy.” 

Attila Kiraly, also a tutor on the course, commented on the artistic influences behind the film:

“I’m incredibly proud of our graduates. Their hard work and creativity truly shine through in this film, drawing inspiration from the French New Wave and the experimental techniques they explored while studying at Buckinghamshire College Group. From unconventional editing choices to bold visual storytelling, they’ve consistently pushed themselves artistically. It’s fantastic to see their talent and dedication recognised on such a prominent platform.” 

The Bournemouth International Film Festival is known for showcasing emerging voices in cinema and attracting entries from across the UK and beyond. The inclusion of Tomorrow Never Knows in this year’s programme highlights the growing impact of independent work produced by early-career filmmakers on the wider film industry. 

We are incredibly proud of our graduates and excited to see what comes next. Their journey is only just beginning, and with talent like this, the Oscars may well be in sight!

For More Information:  

Tomorrow Never Knows is available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce_0JjMP_5U&t=2s 

To learn more about our courses, visit Buckinghamshire College Group’s website at www.buckscollegegroup.ac.uk 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 institution with campuses located in Aylesbury, Wycombe, and Amersham. The College provides vocational, technical, and professional skills-based education to more than 4,500 students each year. Bucks College Group offers full-time programmes for students aged 16 to 18 and delivers a comprehensive range of training opportunities 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 in the centre of High Wycombe which will bring together the provision offered at the existing Amersham and Wycombe sites in 2027. 

Stoke on Trent College’s commitment to high-quality apprenticeship delivery has been officially recognised by leading awarding body City & Guilds, with the College receiving the prestigious ‘EPA Approved Excellence Provider’ award.

The award celebrates the outstanding standard of the College’s apprenticeship provision, acknowledging the success of its learners, the dedication of staff, and the College’s close collaboration with end-point assessment organisations to achieve exceptional outcomes.

Senior leaders at Stoke on Trent College were presented with a personalised plaque from City & Guilds, recognising the College as one of just 42 providers nationwide to receive this exclusive accolade.

An End-point Assessment (EPA) is the final assessment apprentices must complete to successfully pass their programme. It is delivered by an independent organisation and is designed to ensure apprentices can demonstrate the full range of knowledge, skills, and behaviours required in their industry.

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

“We are proud to have been recognised by City & Guilds as an EPA Approved Excellence Provider. This award is a reflection of the hard work and professionalism of our apprenticeship and curriculum teams, as well as the outstanding commitment shown by our apprentices.

“Our close partnership with end-point assessment organisations ensures that apprentices receive a high-quality learning experience and develop the Skills Ready, Future Ready capabilities they need to succeed in the workplace.”

The recognition reinforces Stoke on Trent College’s position as a provider of choice for employers, and highlights its continued focus on delivering employer-led, future-ready skills that support both local and regional workforce needs.

Gower College Swansea has marked Adult Learners’ Week 2025 with a series of special events, free courses and taster sessions.

Adult Learners’ Week (ALW) is the biggest celebration of lifelong learning in Wales, with over 10,000 adults taking part each year. The campaign is coordinated by the Learning and Work Institute in collaboration with Welsh Government and other partners.

The campaign aims to inspire more people to discover a passion for learning and develop skills for work and throughout life.

To mark the launch of the week, the College was delighted to welcome Welsh rugby icon and ALW ambassador Alun Wyn Jones to the Jubilee Court campus where he dropped in on a carpentry class, joining adult learners to highlight the transformative power of education at any stage of life.

While there, Alun Wyn was joined by Inspire! Learning Award winner and former College student Isaac Fabb, who has now secured employment with Swansea Council as an apprentice carpenter.

At a Skills for the Workplace launch event at Sketty Hall Business School, attendees heard from Interim Principal Paul Kift, Jane Lewis from the Regional Learning & Skills Partnership (RLSP), and the College’s Head of GCS Training, Bruce Fellowes.

There was also a panel discussion on the benefits of workforce development hosted by the College’s Business Development Consultant Stuart Davies and featuring Jonathan Morris from Tai Tarian, Lucy Hole from the Secret Hospitality Group, and Jane Lewis.

The Skills for the Workplace project, which offers training in advanced and smart manufacturing, digital and ICT, energy and renewables, construction, and health and care is part funded by the Skills and Talent Programme through the Regional Learning & Skills Partnership and Swansea Bay City Deal.

Almost 200 people registered for the College’s adult learners’ open evening at the Tycoch Campus, which covered a range of courses from part time provision to Access and higher education options. Subjects on offer included maths, English and science GCSEs, hair and beauty, engineering, and catering. Visitors were able to speak to lecturers and gain advice from the College’s partner organisations such as Swansea Council and Careers Wales.

Free tasters took place across the Swansea area, with learners able to sign up for creative skills sessions including patchwork, sashiko embroidery, and knitting. Help was also on hand for those needing assistance with filling out forms, online safety and budgeting

These courses, which took place out and about in the community, were a great way for adult learners to boost their confidence and wellbeing, discover a new passion, or simply connect with like-minded individuals.

Online webinars were also available in advice and guidance, community development and project management qualifications.

Gower College Swansea offers courses for adults throughout the year. Through its Skills for Swansea programme, courses are available for individuals aged 19 and above who are looking to retrain and upskill in a variety of industry sectors such as digital, health and safety, customer service and facilities management.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENDS

Notes to Editors

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

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