Student Support at Barnfield awarded Beacon Commended College status

Barnfield College is thrilled to announce it has been recognised as a Beacon Award Commended College, for the work of its Skills for Life department in supporting students with additional needs.

Barnfield is one of only 16 colleges recognised in this category in the Association of Colleges 2018/19 Beacon Awards which recognise the best and most innovative activities in colleges across the UK.

Recognised in the ‘Support for Students Award’, the college has been commended in a category which recognises provisions which are brave and beyond the ‘norm’ for a significant group of students.

The Skills for Life team are commended for recognition of good practice in this category, having demonstrated a high level of innovation, impact and sustainability in preparing the college’s learners for life and work via a multi-faceted and innovative curriculum.

This academic year students on Skills for Life study programmes select a pathway which matches their own personal needs and development in Catering, Business or Adulthood.

The AoC Beacon Award highlighted the department’s good relationship with schools in transitioning students into college and commended the positive impact of these pathways in learners’ educational and personal development.

Department Subject Lead Sandra Stack said:

“This commendation reflects the hard work, passion and commitment of our whole team in supporting our learners to succeed at Barnfield College. We are thrilled to be recognised for the impact of our work in nurturing and supporting not only students but their families and key schools in creating a positive college experience.”

Principal Designate Cath Gunn commented:

“The AoC Beacon Awards are a signal of best practice and innovation in the further education sector and we are proud to have been recognised in a category with such a real, tangible positive impact on our learners. Congratulations to Sandra and the team.”