The prestigious accolade recognises The City of Liverpool College’s strong track record of delivering the skills needed in modern Britain, making it one of just a few colleges in the UK to receive the honour.

This recognition comes on the heels of the college’s recent Ofsted report, which praised its ‘Outstanding’ performance in areas such as personal development and adult learning opportunities, with inspectors singling out the student experience as “transformative and life-enhancing”.

The Chartered Institution for Further Education accepts colleges with exemplary long-term records of achievement, making this a significant milestone for the college.

The City of Liverpool College was recognised for its high achievement rate among students and its advocacy for the further education sector on a national level, as well as its phenomenal delivery for employers in generating talent for the future.

Damien Kilkenny, Deputy Principal at The City of Liverpool College, said: “Being awarded this status, especially just after our recent Ofsted report, is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality education and skills development.

“Gaining admission into the CIFE is not only important for the college but also for the Liverpool City Region as a whole. It demonstrates the potential for skills development in the area and highlights the college’s role in shaping the economic future of the region. This accolade is a recognition of our dedication to excellence and our strong belief in the importance of further education in shaping the future of our society.”

The college was recently invited to an Admissions Ceremony at Apothecaries Hall in the City of London where Membership of the Chartered Institution for Further Education was conferred.

The Chairman of the CIFE, The Lord Lingfield Kt DLitt EdD DL, commented: “On behalf of the Chartered Institution for Further Education, I was delighted to confer Membership on The City of Liverpool College. This prestigious status recognises the commitment that organisations make to upholding the highest standards in Further Education for the benefit of learners, employers and their wider communities. It is awarded only to providers that demonstrate a clear ethos of collaboration, excellence in leadership and governance and exemplary teaching and learning.”

Admission into the CIFE is a testament not only to The City of Liverpool College’s achievements but also a validation of its commitment to providing the skills needed for the future.

For students at the college, the conferral of Chartered status means that they can be assured of receiving high-quality education that meets the needs of the economy. The seal of approval from the Chartered Institution is a validation of the college’s curriculum and its commitment to preparing students for success in their chosen fields.

Local businesses and organisations that partner with The City of Liverpool College will also benefit from this prestigious accreditation. It serves as evidence that the college is developing the skills needed to re-skill and upskill employees, providing a valuable resource for local businesses to access top-tier education and training.

Coleg y Cymoedd has been awarded the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) dual career accreditation which is given to institutions that demonstrate a commitment to supporting young sportspeople to follow a dual career route – allowing them to reach their potential in education while achieving success in their sport. The college joins Swansea and Cardiff Metropolitan universities as one of only three Welsh higher education institutions with this status.

To mark its achievement, the college hosted a launch event at its Nantgarw campus which welcomed student athletes and their parents as well as guests from partner sports and education organisations to hear about the scheme and what it will mean for future learners. The evening included a talk from special guest Helen Phillips MBE (pictured centre), Non-Executive Chair of Commonwealth Games Wales.

Alun Davies, Dual Career Lifestyle adviser at Coleg y Cymoedd said: “The TASS accreditation is a prestigious recognition for the college and we are so proud to see that the strategies we have implemented to support our student athletes are being celebrated.

“We pride ourselves on being a place where learners’ academic and sporting goals are both fully supported, enabling them to gain qualifications alongside their sports pursuits without compromising either.

“Becoming a TASS dual career accredited site will help place Coleg y Cymoedd on the competitive path with other sporting institutes in Wales and across the border. The accreditation will also enable us to continue building connections with local sporting institutions and attract a greater number of talented athletes to the college in the future.”

Following a rigorous assessment process, Coleg y Cymoedd was awarded the accreditation in acknowledgement of the various initiatives and extra support it provides to athletes studying at its campuses. Its flexible academic policies include arranging catch up sessions with teaching staff when learners’ sports clash with lessons, access to online notes and additional resources, and even rescheduling deadlines or exam dates in exceptional circumstances.

31 talented student athletes will be selected to take part in the TASS programme at Coleg y Cymoedd, covering a diverse range of sports including but not limited to rugby, fencing, karate, gymnastics, football, netball, athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and taekwondo.

Among these learners are Welsh junior world champions who have represented Wales at the Commonwealth Games and GB Performance Squads. Each of them will receive one-one academic and lifestyle support from a qualified practitioner, with tailored plans based on their individual needs, which will depend on the nature of their sport.

They will also have access to top training facilities and advice around areas like nutrition and strength and conditioning, as well as personal development workshops focused on developing their skills and resilience.

Guy Taylor, TASS National Director, said: “TASS Dual Career Accreditation Scheme is an important measure to ensure that talented athletes are allowed the flexibility to pursue an education and enjoy a more well-rounded life. Through the programme, learners acquire skills and formal qualifications that are needed to help them find alternative careers, either alongside their sporting activities or once their sporting days are over.

“It’s important to us to recognise those institutions who place precedence on their athletes’ education. We’re delighted to be awarding TASS Dual Career Accreditation to Coleg y Cymoedd in recognition of the great policies they have in place to offer an effective and lasting dual career structure within the college.”

The innovative Role Models programme and set of resources sees students studying at universities across Sussex, tackling the life issues they with they’d known more about when they were younger to provide practical help to younger students. The programme is one of a wide range of innovative programmes funded by the Office for Students through the Sussex Learning Network, which supports over 10,000 young people a year to make informed education and life choices.

The digital Role Model series already features booklets and videos on issues such as ‘Worry’, ‘Gender & Sexuality’ and ‘The Climate Emergency’ and will this week be joined by two new resources tackling ‘Body Positivity’ and ‘Fake News’.

The new online resources are free to use and available to all and can be found at

https://www.sussexlearningnetwork.org.uk/lisetoolkits/Role-Models-Resource-Books

Each themed booklet contains hints, tips and advice, personal accounts from the Role Models as well as interactive exercises and links to relevant news articles, recommended social media accounts and helplines. Dedicated Teacher Resource packs are also available that provide themed, timed out lesson plans for each topic.

Imogen, Role Model and Acting for Film Student, University of Chichester, commented: “I really enjoy the creativity of thinking through the best way to approach a challenging issue to make it accessible. I almost speak to my younger self and think ‘right Imogen, what should I tell you?’.  Feeling that the advice I’m giving might help even one young person makes everything I do 100% worthwhile and makes me really proud.”

The new Role Models Body Positivity booklet and video – created by young people including Imogen with the supervision of educators – tackles everything from the drive for perfection in the age of social media to gender identity and body dysphoria; while the Fake News resources explore the growing prevalence of false information, the impact of sharing it, why it’s damaging and how to spot it.

Debra Vice-Holt, Programme Manager at SLN said: ‘Role Models is the ultimate win-win education programme. It helps younger students explore important life issues that they might find difficult to discuss with older adults, and equips Role Models with communication, presentation and writing skills that increase their confidence and employability.’

To find out more about Role Models or any of Sussex Learning Network’s wide range of education programmes go to www.sussexlearningnetwork.org.uk.

1. The Right Course
Some people have dreamed of studying a particular subject for years, but most students have a hard time selecting a course. With so many options available, it can be hard to decide what’s right for you, particularly with limited experience of what the course content entails. If you want to study history, for example, you might be torn between Ancient History, Archaeology or Art History.

Attending open days and sample lectures prior to applying can be a great way to help you decide which course you want to study. However, there’s no need to panic if you decide that your current course isn’t right for you. Most universities are fairly flexible within the first few weeks of a new programme. If you want to switch a module or course, talk to your lecturers and, chances are, you’ll be able to do so.

2. Great Housing
For most students, going to uni means moving out for the first time and living independently. Although you can have the time of your life when you’re living with friends, it can be a steep learning curve too. Of course, your housing can also have a major impact on your academic success, so it’s important to choose wisely. The facilities, location and security are all top priorities, so be sure to take your time when you’re looking for a place to stay.

While most first-year students will have the option to stay in halls of residence, you’ll need to find your own accommodation during the second or third year of your course. To simplify your search and ensure you’ve got a great place to stay, why not take a look at houses from Student Cribs? As well as great facilities, you’ll benefit from regular health and safety checks, as well as a maintenance team to ensure any issues are resolved swiftly.

3. Sufficient Funding
Although most students in the UK are eligible to take out a student loan, the maximum available through this type of funding doesn’t always cover all the costs you’ll encounter. Your student loan may cover your tuition fees, for example, but may not fund extra equipment or accommodation.

One of the life skills you’ll learn at university is the importance of managing your budget. However, there are ways you can increase your funding too. Apply for scholarships and grants, for example, as these can be a good way to get the support you need. Alternatively, scour your university’s jobs portal or start a side hustle to generate an extra source of revenue.

4. A Workable Schedule
When you’re living with friends and responsible for your own schedule, it’s easy to spend a little too much time socialising. If you want to succeed, however, you’ll need to dedicate a decent amount of time to your books. As soon as you receive your course timetable, sit down and create a workable schedule that you can stick to. You don’t need to be overly optimistic about the amount of time you’re going to spend studying, but do ensure you’ll have enough time to read the designated material before lectures and complete assignments without leaving them until the last minute.

By creating a realistic schedule, you can develop a great balance that allows you to succeed academically, as well as enjoying time with your friends. Remember – you’ll have plenty to fit into your new itinerary, so don’t forget to include social events, club meetings and team sports or practice.

5. An Alarm Clock
If there’s one thing every student needs, it’s an alarm clock! No matter how committed you are to sticking to your carefully planned schedule, the temptation to stay in bed will skewer your plans, if you let it. Don’t assume that you can use your phone to wake up in the mornings because you’ll inevitably run out of charge or misplace it at some point. Instead, invest in a cheap, but loud, alarm clock that will be guaranteed to get you out of bed in time for your lectures.

Making the Most of University
No matter what you choose to study, going to uni can be a fantastic time in your life. With the right facilities and support, you can obtain a fantastic degree, make lifelong friends and gain a whole lot of life experience as you embark on the next chapter in your life.

The objective of the project is to create a professional magazine style show based on lifestyle, culture and events in the sporting world. The project has given NewVIc students a once in a life-time opportunity to take full creative control of the content produced, with training and guidance provided by BT Sport staff along the way, providing students theoretical and practical experience. The annual project forms a part of BT Sport’s commitment to involve local communities that surround the channels production site at Here East in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Licia Conn, Producer for BT Sport, said: ‘The course this year definitely felt like a bigger challenge to achieve within the current pandemic. But the students that enrolled this year were so committed to the course, and gave everything they have to give, that we ended up creating a programme that was just as strong as last year, if not more so! It was a pure pleasure being part of the course, and getting to know all the students individually. I felt very lucky to be part of the Takeover team.’

Wiktoria, Level 3 Media Production student added: “What an incredible experience, eight weeks of pure fun and learning so much. Being in this environment and working on the floor of an actual studio on a professional video and shadowing staff, you don’t do that every day. Without NewVIc and BT Sport this wouldn’t have been possible and I am so grateful for this opportunity. I can take this experience with me to help me in my future career. It has also widened my thoughts about media production as I have always had a passion for it and where it could lead, I can’t talk highly enough for what this experience has meant to me.”

Maria Kelesidi, Media Teacher, Newham Sixth Form College, said: “This was an exciting opportunity for students from NewVIc to produce a 22-minute magazine-style studio show that is based on lifestyle, culture and events in the sporting world from their own perspective that represents London. A superb learning opportunity on all aspects of production. We are extremely proud of these students and what they have achieved with the project and very lucky to be working with BT Sport, giving students this experience in a real working environment for two years running.”

The student-produced show will premiere in a private event with family and friends then going live on Saturday 26 December at 6.45pm BTS2, following Live Gallagher Premiership Rugby – Northampton Saints v Worcester Warriors.

It will also run on ESPN in December at the following times: 27/12 8.30am, 28/12 5.30pm and 28/12 at 11pm.

NewVIc’s final show which was broadcast last year can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztCkjdYCnY0

Oliver has been using 3D printers at home to make key PPE for local key workers during the pandemic and has used the skills he has learnt in class to make more than 150 masks.

He said: “I got the inspiration from reading about people in Italy using their printers to make similar equipment in the midst of their outbreak – I thought it was a great idea and decided to do the same.”

Oliver used PVC to create the front shield and elastic to secure the masks, using the help of his mum when needed.

He added: “It’s difficult to get the printers running, but once you’re in the rhythm it’s not hard anymore, but it is time-consuming to deal with all the fiddly bits.”

He started making the masks on his own, but now supports the demand with two other Twyford residents – Oliver Beardsall and David Dawkins – and in July, he estimated that they had created more than 200 between them.

Oliver has managed to supply all the local GPs, pharmacists, hospices, care homes and chemists with masks, and is now shipping them as far as Birmingham.

The charity is extending its Accreditation Network to include, for the first time, education establishments and other institutions that meet the RBST’s criteria for work supporting the conservation of native breeds of livestock and equines. They join the existing network of 21 RBST accredited farm parks and city farms across the UK.

RBST is the national charity that works to secure the future of rare breeds of native livestock and equines. The new RBST accreditations have been received in October 2020 by:

• Merrist Wood College, Surrey: a multi-award winning 400 acre ‘outdoor classroom’, recipient of the first ever RBST Education accreditation.
• Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, Shropshire: well-known as the setting of the BBC’s Victorian Farm series, and recipient of RBST Farm Park accreditation.
• Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Livingston: a social enterprise that combines a museum, farm and discovery centre, and recipient of RBST Farm Park accreditation.

To become RBST accredited they have each fulfilled a set of criteria including participation in conservation breeding programmes and promoting the benefits of native breeds.

RBST Chief Executive Christopher Price says: “The expansion of the RBST Accreditation Network has great potential for rare breed conservation work. As well as opening up new breeding opportunities and encouraging a wider network for stock exchange, it will extend the reach of our crucial rare breed survival message and increase the opportunity to share experiences and techniques.

“The RBST accredited organisations do important work through rare breed conservation programmes, scientific research and public engagement. I am delighted to welcome Merrist Wood College, Acton Scott and Almond Valley to the network of RBST Accredited organisations and I look forward to working with them for the survival of our rare native breeds.”

Merrist Wood College

The college’s 400-acre estate features woodlands, wetlands, livestock, gardens and grasslands, as well as a specialist animal management centre. The College’s rare breeds conservation programme supports Portland sheep, Wensleydale sheep, Oxford Sandy & Black pigs, Golden Guernsey goats and rare breeds of poultry.

Luke Gates, Head of Animal Collections at Merrist Wood said: “The RBST is an organisation that we have been passionate about supporting for many years with our first rare breeds arriving at Merrist Wood in 2000. Over the last 7 years we have been serious about developing our rare breeds for teaching and learning and supporting the RBST. We now have ten different breeds who are in need of protection due to low numbers. Many people know about giant pandas and various rhino species needing conservation support, but many of our own native livestock breeds are actually more rare.”

Charlie Dodd, Farm Manager at Merrist Wood added: “This year the RBST is running a campaign called Love a Longwool which is what really spurred us on to become RBST accredited this year. To become the first ever Education Facility rare breeds farm under their new framework is fantastic news for the Activate Learning group. We have just scanned our rare breeds sheep and are excited to announce all are pregnant and with the help of the RBST we look forward to do our part in conserving these breeds.”

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, which was the first historic working farm of its kind, specialises in practical demonstrations of historic farming using traditional skills and period horse-drawn machines. The rare breeds conservation programme at Acton Scott includes Original Population Dairy Shorthorn cattle, Gloucester Old Spot pigs, Shropshire sheep and rare breeds of poultry.

Sarah Green, Facilities Manager at Acton Scott said: “We are very proud at Acton Scott to have been awarded with RBST Accreditation as our animals are not only beautiful, they are also a vital part of our social history. It is wonderful to be able to share their importance with a wider audience.”

Almond Valley Heritage Centre

Almond Valley is set either side of the River Almond and home to the historic Livingston Mill. It’s conservation programme supports rare breeds including Clydesdale horses, Tamworth pigs, North Ronaldsay sheep, Bagot goats, Golden Guernsey goats and rare breeds of poultry.

Craig Holmes, Farm Manager at Almond Valley Discovery Centre, said: “Almond Valley Heritage Centre are delighted to have become an RBST accredited Farm Park, a lot of hard work has gone into the farm over the last 18 months so it is great to be rewarded with this highly sought after accreditation. We are committed to the conservation of rare breeds, and inspiring our visitors to have an interest in Britain’s native rare breeds. It is fantastic to be central Scotland’s only ‘RBST Accredited Farm Park’ an approved conservation centre, acting as a hub for members of the public to visit and see native breeds conservation in action, with only one other in Scotland. We look forward to working with the RBST and its members, to help save some of Britain’s rarest native farm stock.”

The College is currently using a blended learning approach due to the Coronavirus, with some students carrying out their studies online.

For subjects such as Maths and Biology this has led to classes being split in two, with students rotating who will be in class and who will be studying from home each week.

However this had the potential to limit the amount of face-to-face teaching students received, so the College has introduced a live-stream of lessons, meaning that those studying at home can participate in the class and ask questions of the lecturer throughout.

The classes also include an interactive whiteboard so that students can see what is being written up by the lecturer and interact with it, and it also allows for captions to be included and for an interpreter to appear on screen for those who are hearing impaired.

If students are unable to watch the lesson as it happens, they also have the opportunity to watch a recording of it that is uploaded on to Microsoft Teams afterwards.

Stewart McDonald, Academic Head for Engineering, Science and Mathematics at Fife College, said: “Given the measures we’ve put in place to ensure the health and safety of staff at Fife College, it’s not been possible to have all students return to class.

“This left some facing a reduction in the amount of face-to-face teaching time that they receive, which could potentially have an impact on their studies.

“The College’s priority during these times is to ensure the best possible learning experience for all students, which is why we developed this system of live streaming lessons to those who aren’t in class.

“Not only does it allow them to follow lessons as they happen, but they can ask questions and take part in class activities as they happen.

“We’ve already had great feedback from students, and we’ll continue to investigate ways that we can enhance their learning experience.”

The online system has proved popular with students, with Alexandra Marjoram, a student studying National 4 Maths at Fife College saying it helped her feel as if she was still in the lesson with her classmates. She said: “It was good because despite being at home I still felt I was part of the class, I could see what was going on and raise my hand and ask questions if I had any queries.

“I could hear what other students who were studying from home were saying so it felt like we were one big class despite having been separated into different bubbles.

“If you’re needing any help or you’re struggling you can ask questions, go back to previous lectures, or you can communicate with your classmates on the chat function.”

Natalie Fisher, who is also on the National 4 Maths course is hearing impaired, and said the technology helped her understanding of lessons.

“The advantage is I can see live captions at the same time as the interpreter as some English is different from the British Sign Language, and now I have both.

“I and others who are hard of hearing have hearing aids on so we can listen in to the lesson through those which is another advantage.”

“This guidance offers some clarity to college leaders and staff planning for the safe reopening of their building and campuses in September, but they should continue to make their decisions based on health and safety advice and their local context.

“There is no doubt that much of the teaching in colleges will need to be a blend of online and on-campus delivery, and colleges have learned a lot about how that mix can work best for different groups of students. Colleges will all be facing different challenges in September and will know what works best for them in regards to the amount of teaching and learning to keep online and the students or provision that have an urgent need for face-to-face delivery.

“It is right that the government has focused on getting young people back into education and training as quickly as possible, but there remains a gap that needs to be plugged. Students leaving school face an uphill challenge to get back on track with their learning, colleges are preparing to help them as much as they can but they need the same catch up support that have been given to their peers in schools. Anything less is indefensible.

“Government must also look urgently into how they safely bring adults back into education and training. It cannot be right that an adult can now go to the pub with their mates, but they cannot undertake an assessment to complete their construction course, even when things have been put in place to make it safe to do so.

“Colleges are working extremely hard to ensure they are ready to offer the best experience to their new and returning students. There are still questions that will need clarification ahead of September, including around transport, minimising contact and mixing and for students with a work experience or placement element to their studies. They also need to clarify funding rules that will allow colleges to deliver all that is being asked.

“AoC will continue to work with officials to ensure students and staff can transition back into colleges safely when the new term arrives.”

To narrow down your choices and find your dream college, ask yourself these five essential questions.

1.    What kind of location do I prefer?

The location of your college matters a lot. Many students believe that the best institutions are located in bustling metropolises and have large campuses filled with tens of thousands of students. That’s not necessarily true. Dartmouth College is an elite Ivy League institution located in a charming rural setting, for example. If you prefer quieter surroundings and a smaller campus, this does not mean you have to compromise on the quality of your education.

2.      How far from home am I willing to go?

Some students see college as an opportunity to embark on a personal adventure of great proportions and would prefer studying in a place that excites them rather than staying close to home. Other students struggle to leave behind their parents, siblings and high-school friends so don’t want to move too far away. When deciding on which side are you, remember that staying nearby for your friends is not a good idea, as some of them will inevitably move away. Going too far from home will make it hard to visit your parents or for them to visit you in case of need.

3.      Does this college offer interesting academic and professional opportunities?

College is a time of accumulating knowledge and experimenting within the parameters of your future profession. Thus, it can immensely helpful if your chosen college offers opportunities where you could practice your skills and gain additional knowledge in your field. This could mean editing positions at the campus journal, internships or study abroad opportunities. A good college experience means more than just grades and exams.

4.      Does this college have a good ranking for my major?

No matter how highly-ranked and popular is a college, each of its departments might have different strengths and weaknesses. If you want to study business, look at high ranking business programs first and only secondly at the overall ranking of the college. Likewise, if you want to do advanced scientific research, look for departments that include your STEM major and have laboratories equipped with the latest technology.

5.      Will it be easy to have a social life there?

The size of your college can affect your life as a student. In a large campus, you’re more likely to meet new people constantly but struggle to maintain regular contact if you study in different buildings or your campus is sprawled over a large area. In a small campus, students get the chance to form more closely-knit relationships since they tend to meet more often. Another aspect to consider is whether a college has student associations, organizations and clubs where you could meet people with similar interests.