Fourteen FE colleges were winners at the Beacon Awards,
They were announced at the Association of Colleges (AoC) conference in Birmingham.
Among the winners were Leeds City College, whose employer engagement initiative has to almost 11,000 apprenticeships, and South Devon College, whose health programme saw an 80 per cent increase in learner and staff exercise.
The award for continued engagement in education and/or training for 16 to 19-year-old learners went to East Kent College, while the award for outstanding leadership of improvement was won by National Star College.The staff development award went to Kirklees College, while Bridgend College won the award for practical teaching and practical learning.
The prizes for transformational leadership by governing bodies and for improvement in teaching and learning through peer coaching were scooped by Abingdon and Witney College, while Heart of Worcestershire College was recognized for its effective use of technology in FE and skills.
Bridgwater College took the prize for inclusive learning for high needs students while Canterbury College won the award for student services.
Forth Valley College got the award for innovation, while Weymouth College won two prizes, one for its careers education and guidance and the second for sport in the curriculum.
11,000 apprentices? Was that just in 13/14 or is it all apprentices across all years?