Bedford College celebrated another year as shining beacon of success in these difficult economic times.
A packed Bedford Corn Exchange heard how its student successes are in the top 5 % in the country and for the first time in its history, it has 18,000 signed up to courses. That is one in ten of the local population.
Soon after achieving its Outstanding Ofsted status, Bedford took over Shuttleworth College in Central Beds. That merger has become a model for how to integrate two very different colleges and improve the standards and services of both.
The College has secured £2 Million to redevelop the workshop block on the Cauldwell Street campus, its new BROOKS hair and and beauty opened on the High Street and The Mansion House at Shuttleworth was relaunched as a quality conference and weddings venue.
Bedford College has won the right to use the Olympic logo - which was particularly apt as the Outstanding Student of the Year was 2012 hopeful sprinter Deji Tobias, who is the fastest under 20 year old in the UK. Deji is taking a BTEC National Diploma in Sports Development, Coaching and Fitness.
School links
Together with the Bedford Charity, Bedford College is one of the sponsors of the Bedford Academy which is one of the few secondary schools in the UK to be awarded millions of pounds for a new building project. More than 900 pupils from upper schools attend vocational courses at the College.
Business boost
Working closely with local employers to help ensure students have the right skills for employment is key to the contribution the College makes to the local economy. “We are an engine for growth for the local economy,” said Principal and Chief Executive Ian Pryce, “We want Bedford College to be a badge of honour on the CVs of students when they apply for employment.”
The support by local businesses, hundreds of whom work with the College, was demonstrated by the commercial sponsorship of the prizes at the Achievements Ceremony.
Inspirational Speaker
Guest speaker at the Achievements Ceremony on Thursday 25th November was Bedford Borough Council award winner, John Barnes.
John has become a regular in the Transplant Games having been given a new heart ten years ago - an anniversary which coincided with the latest College celebrations. “John has some lessons for us in overcoming adversity and pushing yourself to achieve greater things,” said Ian.
Special presentation
Among the students who won an award was the late Gary Townsend who sadly died after achieving his CPCAB Introduction to Counselling. His sister Verity collected his award on his behalf.
Higher Education
A wide range of Higher Education, or degree level learning courses are run at Bedford College, many of them in conjunction with the University of Bedfordshire. Students complete the first two years of Foundation Degrees at the College campus before moving on to university but before they leave, they take part in the Achievements Ceremony in their university gowns adding a “Higher” level of excitement to the occasion.
“I would like to thank the University of Bedfordshire for allowing our students to wear their degree wear at our ceremony,” added Ian.
ends
Note to Editors - Bedford College has a range of awards and special status ratings including Outstanding Ofsted, Beacon College Status, management and student care awards. It is in the TOP 5% of FE Colleges were it counts most of all - student results
Photos to follow - or available upon request
we have photo of Outstanding Student Deji Tobias "on the run" in the College gym if you like to see
