To help individuals, communities and society flourish through education by raising aspirations and reducing inequality to create a sustainable future.
VISION
To be the best and most authoritative post-16 educator in the South East Midlands.
OUR VALUES
VALUING TEAMWORK
We are one team who, by working together, can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others. IMPROVING CONTINUOUSLY
STUDENT CENTRED
At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decisionmaking to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
INCLUSIVE
We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
OPEN AND CARING
We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen to, engage with and support each other.
NURTURING EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.
FROM OUR CEO
YIANNIS KOURSIS OBE
As we reflect on 2024, The Bedford College Group stands proud of a year marked by growth, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to the communities we serve. As a pillar institution across Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and the South East Midlands, we have continued to open doors for young people and adults, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in an ever-evolving job market.
A particular highlight of the year was achieving a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted in our most recent inspection, an endorsement of the hard work and dedication of our staff, students and partners in delivering high-quality education and training. This recognition reinforces our mission to provide outstanding learning opportunities and continually enhance our provision.
Partnerships have remained at the heart of our success. Through our Employer Partnership Scheme, we have welcomed a growing number of local and national businesses on board, ensuring that our curriculum is shaped by industry needs and that our students gain invaluable real-world experiences. By working hand-in-hand with employers, we are not only enriching student learning but also directly supporting the economic growth and skills development of our region.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to building on these achievements, strengthening our partnerships and continuing to provide opportunities that transform lives.
FROM OUR CHAIR
ALASDAIR SIMMONS
As Chair of the Corporation, I am proud to present The Bedford College Group’s Annual Review for 2024, a year of achievement, progress and renewed commitment to our students and communities.
One of the key milestones this year was our successful Ofsted inspection, where we were once again rated as a ‘Good’ provider. This is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the ambition of our students and the strength of our partnerships. While we celebrate this achievement, we remain focused on continuous improvement, striving for excellence in everything we do.
Beyond the classroom, we have deepened our engagement with the communities we serve, expanding opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Through new initiatives, employer partnerships and skills-based programmes, we have strengthened our role as an anchor institution, helping to drive social mobility and economic growth across the region. Investment in modern facilities, sustainability projects and digital innovation has further enhanced the learning experience, ensuring our students are well-prepared for the future.
Looking ahead, our purpose remains clear: To provide high-quality education and training that transforms lives. With a strong foundation in place, we will continue to build on our successes, striving for even greater impact in the years to come.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
THE BEDFORD COLLEGE GROUP TODAY
CAMPUSES ACROSS THE REGION
Bedford College,Cauldwell Street Campus
Cauldwell Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK42 9AH
Bedford College, Advanced Automotive Technology Centre
Church Street, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 4PD
WELLINGBOROUGH LEARNING CENTRE Church Street, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 4PD
Biggleswade
Wixams
Towcester
Wellingborough
Ke ttering
Corby
Rushden
Pe terborough NC4M
Silverstone
Woburn
RATED ‘GOOD’ BY OFSTED
The Bedford College Group has been rated ‘Good’ in its latest Ofsted inspection, recognising the high standards of teaching, learning and student support across its campuses.
This positive outcome reflects the dedication of staff and students and reinforces the Group’s reputation for delivering high-quality education and training.
YIANNIS KOURSIS OBE, CEO
THE BEDFORD COLLEGE GROUP SAID:
“We are delighted with the grading of ‘Good’, which is a testament to everyone’s strong commitment and dedication to providing high-quality education and support to our students. As the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, the rating is not only good news for the Group, it is also great news for our students, our communities and the businesses who will benefit from a skilled, talented workforce.”
WHAT OFSTED SAID...
“Teaching staff at the Group were found to be well qualified and have suitable industry experience that they use well to enhance curriculum content, providing learners with valuable and contemporary real-world examples.”
“Civic stakeholders view the College as a trusted organisation, which is keen to respond to the needs of its communities.”
“Senior staff engage effectively with local, regional and national employers and stakeholders to identify priority skills needs and leaders collaborate with stakeholders to understand the need to develop routes into employment for learners who are the furthest away from education and training.”
OUR STAFF
1,490 EMPLOYEES ACROSS ALL CAMPUSES
£556,309 WAS INVESTED IN STAFF
OUR STUDENTS
18,226 STUDENTS ACROSS ALL CAMPUSES
Bedford College
Central Bedfordshire College
National College for Motorsport
Shuttleworth College
The Bedford Sixth Form
The Corby Sixth Form
Tresham College (Overall)
Corby Campus
93% OF FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME STUDENTS WOULD RECOMMEND THE COLLEGE (INDUCTION SURVEY, AUTUMN 2024), HIGHLIGHTING STRONG STUDENT SATISFACTION.
AWARD WINNING
AS A GROUP, WE HAVE WON MULTIPLE LOCAL, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL AWARDS THIS YEAR BUT HERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS…
GREEN GOWN AWARDS
Winners at the EAUC (Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges) Green Gown Awards in the 2030 Climate Action Award Category for the Group Decarbonisation Journey.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
EDUCATION AWARDS
The ESOL and Adult English & Maths (AEM) Team was quoted as ‘one of the country’s most outstanding FE teaching teams’, having achieved significant improved adult progression rates in recent years. The team embrace a trauma-informed education approach, which includes daily support for adults who are living with trauma and mental health issues.
MK STEM AWARDSEDUCATION AWARD
The Group won the Education Award at this prestigious event which shines a spotlight on the innovators and rising stars driving growth within the locality.
MK STEM AWARDSSTUDENT SUPERSTAR FURTHER / HIGHER EDUCATION
HE student Yaryna Synelnykova won the ‘Student Superstar’ award, coming first out of hundreds of nominees.
COLLEGE MARKETING NETWORK: FE FIRST AWARDS
Our Marketing team won Gold in the event management category at the College Marketing Network Awards. The award recognises the success of 85 onboarding events we ran in summer 2023 across our 7 campuses.
Cameron Smart also won ‘Rising Star’, recognising his tireless efforts within the team and fast upward progression.
SUSTAINABILITY
LOCAL SKILLS IMPROVEMENT FUND
£167k revenue funding and £2.3m of capital funding for Green Skills has been awarded for five colleges across the region, with The Bedford College Group benefitting from this funding.
Equipment purchased for the Group to achieve our sustainability goals includes heat pump training rigs, PV panel training rigs, rainwater harvesting training rigs, vertical container farm, EV vehicle training rigs, wind turbine training rigs and more.
Alongside this, 13 new courses with a focus on Sustainability are being developed by the Group alongside charity NOCN and the Institute of the Motor Industry to be launched in early 2025. These courses will offer Level 3, 4 and 5 qualifications with a focus on things such as energy efficiency, site supervision and testing and repair of electric/hybrid vehicles and components.
To find our more visit www.bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/green-skills/
LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION AWARD FINALISTS FOR THREE AWARDS
Our Group made the finals in the sustainability categories for The Corby Sixth Form redevelopment at the North Northamptonshire Business Awards and the North Northamptonshire Education Awards. We were also finalists in the environmental and sustainability category at the Milton Keynes Education Awards.
COMMITTED TO CONTINUED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
We became a partner to the Supply Chain Sustainability School, which has enabled our staff and students to access thousands of hours of online CPD content to enrich their knowledge with topics related to sustainability.
Our Director of Projects and Sustainability, Dave Roffey, was invited to speak at the Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC) Annual Conference in Winchester. Dave told the story about the decarbonisation journey of our Group and our future plans to increase our sustainability efforts even further.
‘NET ZERO’ EMISSIONS AT TWO CAMPUSES
‘Net Zero’ is a target of completely negating the amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activity, by reducing emissions and implementing methods of absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This is a difficult target, however in 2024, the Group achieved it at two of our sites:
Shuttleworth College’s Kingshill Farm opened with a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) of -1. This document details a building’s energy use and demonstrates a net zero impact on the planet.
The Corby Sixth Form opened its doors in September 2023 repurposing the old library building in Corby and providing it with a new purpose alongside North Northants Council. The building also achieves a net zero impact due to the Display Energy Certificate (DEC) of -1.
DECARBONISATION ACHIEVED AT TWO CAMPUSES
Decarbonisation is the removal or reduction of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, in this case achieved by transitioning to low-carbon energy sources.
We’ve completed a £5million refurbishment and decarbonisation of the Shuttleworth Halls of Residence and communal buildings, with these buildings ready for use for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Similarly, our Bedford College Tower Block has undergone a major £13million refurbishment, resulting in full decarbonisation. A key part of Bedford’s skyline, this essential campus building will now be positive for the local environment for years to come.
8% LOWER CARBON EMISSIONS YEARON - YEAR
Despite additional spaces being added, such as the opening of The Corby Sixth Form and Shuttleworth College’s redeveloped Kingshill Farm, like for like, our emissions are 8% lower than the previous academic year 2022-2023. This result is also 33% lower than our 2018-2019 baseline target.
IN THE NEWS
SEPT
The Corby Sixth Form opened its doors to its first cohort of students in September and was officially opened by Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council and Tom Pursglove, former MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire.
MAR
The Bedford College Group took two top prizes at the MK STEM Awards held at Unity Place, Grafton Gate, Milton Keynes. The region’s leading provider of skills won the Best Education prize and the Further Education/ Higher Education Student Superstar award for Yaryna Synelnykova.
OCT
A new fund was launched to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds into careers in the motorsport industry. The Grand Prix Trust (GPT) introduced a £100,000 annual bursary to help college students from underprivileged backgrounds enter the thriving British motorsport industry.
APR
The Bedford College Group celebrated 25 years of partnership with The King’s Trust, helping over 5,000 young people gain valuable support and training.
NOV
The Zoological Education Centre (ZEC) at Shuttleworth College has been recognised for delivering the highest standards of training in the British Isles. It trains students aged 16 and above aspiring to careers in animal welfare, veterinary, zoo management and conservation.
MAY
The future of farming in the UK has advanced at Shuttleworth College, near Biggleswade. The campus, renowned internationally for outdoor learning, now features one of the first specialist facilities for new T Level qualifications in agriculture and animal care.
DEC
Daniel Cobzariu has earned a silver medal in the website development competition at the WorldSkills UK National Finals. Daniel represented Bedford College, where he studied from the age of 16, progressing to a Level 5 HND qualification before completing a top-up degree.
JUN
Tresham College is now a Northamptonshire Chamber Platinum Partner. This partnership strengthens connections with local businesses and encourages both new talent development and economic growth.
JAN
Luton Food Bank visited Central Bedfordshire College and shared valuable insights about their work with our student ambassadors. Representative Yasmin (left) explained ways in which the foodbank supports the community and how our Group can get involved.
JUL
Our Dragon Boat Race Team competed in Bedford, winning one heat and raising £704 for Sue Ryder, surpassing their £600 goal. Despite missing the finals, their efforts in a challenging 200m course against 19 teams was commendable and brought them closer as a team.
FEB
A former government minister praised Tresham College students as ‘an inspiration’ after visiting their Kettering campus. Robert Halfon, Former Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, visited the Windmill Avenue site on 29 February. He was shown the range of work and training undertaken at the college.
AUG
The Bedford Sixth Form welcomed students eager to collect their A Level results, leading to lots of smiles and cheers. That year, students secured places at some of the top universities in the country, including Oxford, Leeds, Bath, Bristol and Durham, among others.
EMPLOYER PARTNERSHIP SCHEME
Across the Group, we train more than 18,000 students at any one time, the majority of whom are looking to start their careers when they leave. By working with us, you will get the chance to directly see and develop the pipeline of local talent.
We have launched an ‘Employer Partnership Scheme’ across the Group. The scheme is a mutually beneficial initiative designed to ‘join the dots’ between industry and education. Employers within the Scheme make a commitment to engage with the Group regularly throughout the academic year, creating a foundation for sustained collaboration.
In turn, employers benefit from this new scheme in multiple ways, the most prominent being direct access to our students to aid recruitment. On top of this, employers can directly influence the curriculum available for students to gain all the appropriate skills needed in the workplace, filling the skills gap.
To find out more about our Employer Partnership Scheme or how your business can get involved, please email partnerships@bedford.ac.uk
THERE ARE MULTIPLE WAYS YOUR BUSINESS CAN WORK WITH US, WITH AS MUCH OR AS LITTLE INVOLVEMENT AS YOU WANT. INCLUDING:
• Attending skills advisory boards
• Endorsing courses
• Co-creating courses
• Donating equipment
• Guest speaking
• Hosting employer forums
• Attending careers fairs
• Taking on an apprentice
• Help recruiting apprentices
• Offering T Level or work placements
• Mentoring
• Setting ‘real world’ projects
• Providing professional CPD to our teaching staff
• Sponsoring classrooms
• Offering supported internships
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF INVALUABLE SUPPORT TO THE KING’S TRUST
The Bedford College Group are celebrating 25 years of working with The King’s Trust and helping over 5,000 young people gain valuable support and training.
Formerly The Prince’s Trust, the charity has been renamed following the coronation of founder His Majesty King Charles III.
In the 25 years these free courses have been running, with the support of The Bedford College Group, over 5,000 young people have attended - many of whom have since gained employment or entered further education.
We featured in the ‘Friends for Life’ annual review - a befriending service to elderly people in Bedford care homes. One of our students also spoke at their first annual awards.
Senior Leadership Team met The Minister for Employment Alison McGovern MP for launch of the new Social Recruitment Covenant, helping those who faces barriers to employment.
SCULPTURE AT LUTON TRAIL EVENT SPONSORED BY CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COLLEGE
In September, Central Bedfordshire College sponsored a sculpture at The Short Tail Trail in Luton.
The trail is run by Keech Hospice Care, an organisation that provides free specialist end-of-life care in the local area for people of all ages. With nearly 100 animal sculptures painted by professional artists and community groups, the trail used an app for families and children to discover hidden clues in the sculptures.
Central Bedfordshire College sponsored the ‘Hip Hop’ sculpture (pictured). Following the event, all sculptures went to auction with the proceeds going to Keech Hospice Care.
LEARNING CENTRES CELEBRATE HIGH PASS RATES
The Centres in Corby, Kettering, Bedford and Wellingborough are professional learning environments which offer free accredited courses to local adults. These courses focus on increasing IT skills and digital competency.
The pass rate across all adult provisions was 98.9% this year, an increase of 4.7% compared to the same 2023 results. These pass rates are also significantly higher than the national average of 92.1%.
In January 2025, the Learning Centres will launch a new ‘Basic Computer Skills’ course for individuals who have never used a computer before. This new course will help combat digital isolation within Northamptonshire.
Rebecca Potts from Central Bedfordshire College wins ‘Outstanding Volunteer’ from Tokko Youth Space, a charity supporting young people in the Luton area.
Our ‘Better together’ community initiative –students held their first event at Southway care home.
LEIGHTON BUZZARD ENGINEERING RELAUNCH
The Bedford College Group has welcomed £90,000 from the Connolly Foundation towards engineering skills being taught at a dedicated campus in Leighton Buzzard.
Ideally located, this campus is within close proximity to a number of businesses within the engineering and logistics sectors.
Although there was existing equipment, additional investment has been added to the workshop.
Employers within the area have highlighted a skills shortage within the engineering sectors. Employers are struggling to recruit for qualified engineers, therefore relying on entry routes such as apprenticeships to fulfil their staffing needs.
WHAT IS THE SKILLS GAP?
The skills gap is the difference between an employee’s current abilities and the skillset best suited for their job. Companies have a desired set of skills to perform a given role successfully.
In terms of The Bedford College Group, this applies on a wider scale to the current workforce for our locality and nearby businesses. No workforce can be truly effective with underlying skill gaps.
At present, there is a significant skills gap within the UK workforce, and this is projected to become even more prevalent as time goes on.
The Bedford College Group is committed to doing everything possible to close the skills gap in our communities by hosting employer forums, working with the local chamber of commerce, working with local councils and hosting key events throughout the year to engage with employers and employer bodies to review the curriculum offered.
SKILLS BOOTCAMPS
EMPOWERING CAREERS ACROSS BEDFORDSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
The Bedford College Group is proud to introduce Skills Bootcamps, an innovative training initiative designed to equip individuals with in-demand skills and fast-track career progression. These flexible courses, lasting up to 16 weeks, provide valuable opportunities to upskill, retrain, or enter new industries.
Skills Bootcamps are available in a variety of sectors, including Electrical and Rail Engineering, Lean Warehousing, First Line Management, Teaching Assistant, Domestic Energy Advising, Retrofit and Energy Efficiency, Solar Photovoltaic, Health and Social Care, and Cybersecurity. Tailored to industry needs, they ensure learners gain practical expertise that employers are actively seeking.
Open to individuals aged 19 and over, many courses require no prior experience — just a willingness to learn. Upon completion, participants benefit from a guaranteed job interview, helping them secure employment, advance in their current roles, or explore new business opportunities.
Training is delivered through colleges, training providers, and online platforms, making learning accessible and flexible. The Bedford College Group is committed to empowering learners and strengthening the local workforce through Skills Bootcamps.
For more information, visit https:// bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/skills-bootcampsthe-bedford-college-group/ to find the right Skills Bootcamp for you.
This strategic plan looks to establish The Bedford College Group unarguably as the best and most authoritative provider of post-16 education in the region.
We will focus more sharply on the quality of education we provide and furtherdevelop the curriculum to help people in our communities flourish.
Our new strategic plan highlights our aim to being an educational leader and a civic leader too, alongside making a vital contribution to a net zero economy.
STRATEGIC PLAN
VISION
To be the best and most authoritative post-16 educator in the South East Midlands OUR
To help individuals, communities and society flourish through education by raising aspirations and reducing inequality to create a sustainable future OUR PURPOSE
Make strong progress towards becoming a net zero organisation anda leader in sustainability practices
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AND REPUTATION SUSTAINABILITY OUR
Invest in digital transformation to support the plan
Maintain financial strength and continuous capital investment
Attract, retain and develop high performing staff
Extend our market leadership, size and scale in the areas we serve
Be recognised as a leader in further education and a major source of civic leadership within our communities
DEPARTMENTAL PLANS
Provide a better, more comprehensive service to employers
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Expand Technical and Professional Education and Higher Skills programmes
Achieve consistent standards of educational excellence by making quality of education our top priority
LOOKING FORWARD
FUTURE PLANS
ESPORTS COURSE LAUNCHES
We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new Esports course for the academic year 2025-2026. Based at Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College Kettering, this innovative new course will feature an Intermediate Level 2 qualification and an Advanced Level 3 qualification.
Featuring the latest technology, whether students are dreaming of becoming a professional player, organising tournaments, or stepping into the eSports business, our new course is designed to be a gateway to success for one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.
LAUNCH OF THE BIG 50
A working group was launched to unite educators, council members, and business leaders in empowering future generations and strengthening the local economy. North Northants Council is driving this initiative, with Tresham College playing a key role as education and skills are central to its mission.
Originally called ‘The Big 50’, the project aims to achieve its goals by 2050, preparing young people for careers in essential industries like housing, healthcare and town planning. By directly addressing the ongoing ‘skills gap’ and collaborating with anchor institutions, it seeks to create a thriving community where people want to live, work, and visit.
THE CITIZEN HUB IN ST NEOTS
Bedford College and Cambridge Regional College are working together to deliver essential adult skills at the Citizen Hub in St Neots. Their collaboration ensures that local residents can access key training opportunities while also being signposted to a wider range of courses at both Bedford and Cambridge colleges.
Led by the St Neots Initiative, the Citizen Hub aims to address an FE Skills Coldspot and improve social mobility in the area. Centrally located in St Neots, the hub operates as a social prescription service, offering information, advice and guidance on employment support, financial matters and other essential services.
FINANCES
£1,933,000
INCOME
BEDFORD COLLEGE SERVICES
The commercial wing of The Bedford College Group that operates across the leisure, hospitality, catering, theatre, and facilities hire sectors.
Surplus, of which the majority goes back into the Group to enhance the student experience
417751
£212,000 CHILDREN TAUGHT TO SWIM 1652 TRANSACTIONS
EXTERNAL HIRES 230
Central Bedfordshire College @centralbedscollege centralbedscollege
01582 477776
Shuttleworth College @shuttleworthcollege
Shuttleworthcollege
01767 626222
01536 419580
Bedford College
@bedfordcollege
Bedfordcollege
01234 291000
The Bedford Sixth Form @bedfordsixthform bedfordsixthform
National College for Motorsport @nc4_motorsport nc4motorsport 01234 291291
Tresham College @treshamcollege
Treshamcollege
01536 413123
The Corby Sixth Form @corbysixthform thecorbysixthform
