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29 April 2026

Political parties offered seven opportunities to improve the lot of sixth form colleges

The Sixth Form Colleges’ Association (SFCA) has produced its 2015 manifesto in the hope of influencing the political parties ahead of — and after — next year’s general election, explains James Kewin. With a general election just sixth months away, the Sixth Form Colleges’ Association will today [Monday, November 17] officially launch its manifesto at […]

Future of fracking training in the hands of Blackpool and The Fylde College

The training of engineers for the fracking industry will be led by Blackpool and The Fylde College after the government awarded the contract for another national college. The college has been unveiled as a hub for the National College for Onshore Oil and Gas, which is being established by UKOOG, the representative body for the […]

Full-time job for college’s first teaching assistant apprentice

South Cheshire College’s first ever teaching assistant apprentice impressed St Oswald’s Worleston Church of England Primary School so much that she landed a permanent job. Charlotte Barber completed the supporting teaching and learning level three apprenticeship in September, after spending an academic year working four days a-week at the school and studying at the college […]

Driven to impress with Mini poster campaign

Poster designs created by Hartlepool College of FE learner Andrew Gibson will be used for a national campaign to promote the new Mini Cooper five-door. A number of of foundation degree design for creative industry students were challenged by Mini UK to come up with poster ideas and Mini-themed gifts to promote the new model. […]

High-achieving learners recognised

More than 250 learners received certificates at the South Essex-based Central Training Group awards night. The independent learning provider, which teaches hairdressing, graphic design and business courses, held the ceremony at the Arlington Function Suite and Ballroom, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. Certificates were handed to high achieving learners — including 95 on level two and three National […]

Chart-topping band opens new campus

Multi-million record-selling band Scouting For Girls opened South Essex College’s new £45m Thurrock campus. The college, which already had campuses in Southend and Basildon, put on a concert on Tuesday (November 4) to celebrate the launch. The concert also featured student bands Different People, Twenty One and Such Strange Arts. Tickets to the free event […]

Learners redecorate run-down school after chance conversation with bus driver

A run-down village primary school in the Peak District was redecorated by hard-working painting and decorating students from Buxton & Leek College, writes Paul Offord. Tiny St Bartholomew’s Church of England Primary School was looking well past its best, but budgets wouldn’t stretch to hiring a professional decorator. But its fortunes took a turn for […]