The first Achievements Ceremony of The Bedford College Group combining students and sponsors from two counties, was held online on November 26th.

BedfordBID were the gold sponsors in recognition of the value of Bedford College and The Bedford Sixth Form to the town centre.

More than 16,000 students and 1,200 staff make up the Group community, supported by employers from across Bedfordshire and Northants. The Group recently won the TES FE College of the Year.

The evening can be seen on https://bedfordcollegegroup.co.uk/achievements/

Bedford College, Shuttleworth College, The Bedford Sixth Form and Tresham College campuses, and the National College for Motorsport were represented in the categories covering Further Education, Higher Education, Apprentice Awards and more.

Chair of BedfordBID Sam Laycock took part in the online awards giving a speech which thanked the college for its continued support and asking them to Love Bedford.

Among the staff awards was one for staff member Gemma Crane, who is known BedfordBID for her help with organising the Hair and Beauty show. She has since progressed to HR and won the Professional Service award.

Ian Pryce CBE, Principal and CEO of the Group said:

“You will have heard the expression: ‘It takes a village to bring up a child’. Equally, it takes a community to develop a great college.  Being UK College of the Year is an achievement of our community, our employers, our governors, our staff, our students, and all those parents, friends and family who have supported them.  I would like to thank our community leaders and organisations for their support with projects and the wisdom of their advice.  I should like to thank our superb local employers for the commitment they show to the area

“Thank you for making 2020 another great year for The Bedford College Group.”

The closing address was given by Chair of the College Corporation Allan Schofield who pledged:  “We have an increasingly crucial role in providing the skills to support the new infrastructure the country needs.”