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Buckinghamshire College Group has been awarded the Silver Award in Trauma-Informed and Attachment-Aware Practice, recognising its commitment to creating safe, inclusive learning environments where every student can succeed. 

Presented by Buckinghamshire Virtual School, the award builds on the College’s Bronze Award achieved last year and recognises the progress made in embedding trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches across all campuses. 

Over the past two years, the College has invested in staff training and introduced a range of initiatives to better support students, including trauma-informed pastoral support plans, restorative practice, peer mentoring, emotional literacy interventions, safe regulation spaces and enhanced transition support for vulnerable learners. 

The award follows an external assessment that recognised the College’s strong leadership, commitment to continuous improvement and the positive impact its approach is having on student wellbeing, engagement and achievement. 

Nicky Ellis MBE, Assistant Principal for Student Engagement and Support, said: 

“We are absolutely delighted to receive the Silver Award in Trauma-Informed and Attachment-Aware Practice. This achievement reflects the dedication, compassion and professionalism of colleagues across Buckinghamshire College Group. 

We know that every student’s story is different. By understanding the impact of trauma, attachment and adversity, we can create an environment where students feel safe, valued and able to achieve their potential. This award recognises how far we have come, but we remain committed to continually improving the support we provide for every learner. 

I would also like to thank our colleagues at Buckinghamshire Virtual School for their support and guidance throughout this journey as we continue working towards the Gold Award.” 

The Silver Award is part of Buckinghamshire College Group’s ongoing commitment to student wellbeing and success. The College will now build on this achievement by continuing to strengthen its trauma-informed practice and work towards Gold Award status.

Nottingham College has been named a finalist in the prestigious International Green Gown Awards, recognising its outstanding commitment to sustainability and its ambitious journey towards becoming a net zero institution by 2030. 

The college has been shortlisted in the Sustainability Institution of the Year category, following its success last year at the UK and Ireland Green Gown Awards, where it was named Sustainability Institution of the Year (Small Organisation) in 2025. 

The International Green Gown Awards celebrate exceptional sustainability initiatives from colleges, universities and other post-16 education providers across the world. The awards recognise institutions making significant contributions to environmental and social sustainability while highlighting the important role education plays in supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Nottingham College’s international recognition follows praise from judges for its ambitious programme to remove fossil fuels from its buildings, commitment to achieving net zero by 2030, and the way sustainability is embedded throughout its curriculum, operations and community engagement activities.  

Judges were also impressed by the college’s focus on creating positive change in the communities it serves. Sustainability initiatives designed to improve lives and opportunities in disadvantaged areas were highlighted as examples of how environmental action can deliver meaningful social benefits. 

The international shortlisting is a significant achievement for the College and reflects the collective efforts of staff, students and partners who have embraced sustainability as a core part of Nottingham College’s mission. Being named one of only nine organisations worldwide to be shortlisted further underlines the scale of the college’s sustainability achievements and its growing international reputation. 

Andy Comyn, Deputy CEO at Nottingham College said: “To be recognised on the international stage is a fantastic achievement and one that reflects the passion and commitment of colleagues, students and partners across Nottingham College. Sustainability is not something we see as an add-on; it is embedded in how we operate, how we teach and how we support our communities. 

“We are proud of the progress we have made towards our net zero ambitions, from decarbonising our estate to equipping our students and colleagues with the skills and knowledge needed to create a more sustainable future. Being named a finalist in the International Green Gown Awards demonstrates that the impact of our work is being recognised globally, and it inspires us to continue driving positive environmental and social change across the region.” 

Winners of the International Green Gown Awards will be announced between 7 and 11 September. 

Gower College Swansea is celebrating an exceptional set of results, with its A Level pass rate reaching 100% for the second year in succession (the Wales national average is 97.5%).

Achievement at the highest grades has risen once again. 14% of learners achieved A* grades, up from 12% in 2025 and higher than the Wales national average of 11%.

High-grade performance was equally impressive, with 39% of learners achieving A*–A grades (the Wales national average is 30%) and 152 learners gaining A* or A grades in every one of their subjects.

Success was evident across every grade boundary, with 67% of learners achieving A*–B grades (12% higher than the Wales national average) and 87% achieving A*–C grades (compared to the Wales national average of 78%). Together with the 100% pass rate, these results demonstrate both the exceptional quality and the remarkable consistency of A Level achievement across the College.

The College has also recorded another very strong set of AS Level results. The overall pass rate remained at 94%, with 70% of grades awarded at A–C and almost half (49%) awarded at A–B.

Outstanding achievement was also reflected across the College’s vocational provision, where almost every learner successfully completed their two-year Level 3 programme, resulting in an exceptional 99% pass rate. High-grade achievement was equally strong, with 38% achieving at least one Distinction and 22% achieving the top grade available.

The results underline the breadth of excellence across Gower College Swansea – from the record-breaking individual performances of its highest-achieving learners to the consistently strong outcomes secured across A Level, AS Level and vocational programmes.

They are a powerful reflection of the talent, ambition and determination of the College’s learners, supported by the expertise and unwavering commitment of its teaching and support staff.

“These outstanding results are first and foremost a reflection of the remarkable hard work, determination and ambition of our learners, and they should feel immensely proud of everything they have achieved,” said Principal Paul Kift.

“Their success has also been supported by the dedication of colleagues across the College and the invaluable encouragement of parents, families, carers, and friends. We are absolutely delighted to celebrate this very special moment with them today. To once again have an overall 100% pass rate at A Level is a fantastic achievement for the College, and we are particularly pleased to see another increase in those top grades of A* and A*-A, which demonstrates once again our drive for academic excellence.

“We are proud that so many of our A Level and vocational learners are progressing onwards to the top institutions and conservatoires across the UK, as well as securing highly competitive higher apprenticeship places.”

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

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

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

The Lord Mayor of Swansea, Penny Matthews, says: “I’d like to congratulate all our A Level students across Swansea as they deserve huge praise for their achievements this year.

“Their success reflects their hard work, determination and commitment throughout their studies.

“I wish all our young people every success for the future with whatever they are doing next.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Artwork

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

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

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

Exhibition and Voting Details

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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