ISSUE 07 SEPTEMBER 2026
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COLLEGE GROUP
NEWSLETTER BUCKSCOLLEGEGROUP.AC.UK
@BUCKSCOLLEGEGROUP
Welcome to the New Academic Year! On behalf of everyone at Buckinghamshire College Group, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all our students, parents and carers as we begin a new academic year. Whether your young person is joining us for the first time or returning to continue their studies, we are delighted to have them as part of our college community. We look forward to supporting them to achieve their ambitions, develop new skills, build confidence and prepare for successful futures. We are very firmly a careers and skills based college committed to ensuring that our students leave us, not only with an industry recognised qualification, but also the work readiness skills and independence needed to help them thrive in their chosen career or next steps. We work closely with employers to ensure that our programmes reflect industry requirements and there will be lots of opportunities for your young person to engage with our employer partners throughout their study programme. We know that the support of parents and carers is a key factor in student success, and we value the partnership we share with you. Throughout the year, this newsletter will keep you informed about college developments, student achievements, key dates and the many opportunities available to our learners. This newsletter also contains details about the different ways we will keep in touch with you about your young person’s progress and ways for you to communicate with us. I wish all our students every success for the year ahead and look forward to celebrating their achievements with you. Jenny Craig Principal and Chief Executive Officer Buckinghamshire College Group
16-18 Start up Sessions
KEY DATES
Wednesday 2nd September Friday 4th September 2026
Term Starts th
Monday 7 September 2026
Term Ends Friday 23rd October 2026
College Closed Monday 26th October Friday 30th October 2026
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Key Information for a Successful Start Be College Ready Bring and wear your College ID badge every day. Arrive on time and prepared for lessons. Check your timetable before attending College. Bring any equipment or course specific materials required for lessons.
Respectful Mobile Phone Use Mobile phones should support your learning, not distract you from it. Students are expected to use devices responsibly and follow tutor instructions regarding phone use in lessons. Respectful behaviour helps create a positive learning environment for everyone.
Campus Facilities & Student Support Students have access to learning resources, study areas, social spaces, clubs and on-site facilities. WISPA tutorials and support services are available throughout the year to help students monitor their progress, enhance their wellbeing and achieve their goals. BUCKSCOLLEGEGROUP.AC.UK
Attendance Matters We expect all students to aim for over 90% attendance. Regular attendance supports achievement, progression and wellbeing If you are unable to attend, report your absence by calling the Attendance Line on 01296 588649 between 8:00am and 9:30am.
Getting to College Plan your journey in advance and allow plenty of time to arrive for lessons. Be aware of campus parking arrangements and drop-off areas. Information on bus routes, parking and travel support can be found on the College Transport webpage.
Stay Connected Students should check their college email, Microsoft Teams and Student Space regularly for updates, timetables, assignments and important messages. Parents and carers can stay informed through the Parent & Carer Progress Portal and the termly newsletter, both of which can be accessed via the College website. @BUCKSCOLLEGEGROUP
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GCSE & Level 3 Results day celeberations This summer, Buckinghamshire College Group celebrated another year of exceptional student achievement, with Level 3 results exceeding national benchmarks across most subject areas. These outstanding outcomes reflect the hard work and dedication of our students, alongside the expertise and support of our teaching staff. Students achieved excellent results across a range of technical, vocational and creative programmes, with particularly strong performances in Electrical Installation, Art & Design, Education & Early Years, Health T Levels, Counselling and Access to Higher Education. Several courses achieved 100% pass rates, demonstrating the quality of learning and support available across the College. We are especially proud that 98% of students who applied to university secured a place at their first-choice institution, while many others have progressed into higher apprenticeships, specialist training opportunities and skilled employment. The celebrations continued on GCSE Results Day, as students across our campuses received the grades needed to take the next step in their educational journey. It was wonderful to see students, families and staff coming together to celebrate these achievements and discuss future progression opportunities. Whether progressing to further study, apprenticeships or employment, our students have shown tremendous resilience, commitment and ambition throughout the year. These results reinforce the College’s reputation for delivering high-quality education and preparing students for successful futures. We would like to congratulate all our students on their achievements and thank parents, carers and staff for their continued support throughout the year. Through strong partnerships with employers, universities and industry, the College continues to equip learners with the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to thrive in an ever-changing world of work. As our students progress to university, apprenticeships, further training and employment, they leave with the confidence and ambition to achieve their goals and make a positive contribution to their communities. We wish all our students every success as they embark on the next exciting chapter of their journeys and look forward to celebrating their future accomplishments.
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Are you a former student? Scan the QR code to share your story and let us know what you've been doing since leaving Buckinghamshire College Group. We can't wait to hear from you!
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@BUCKSCOLLEGEGROUP
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ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) At Buckinghamshire College Group, we are committed to helping students make informed decisions about their future, whether that is progressing to university, securing an apprenticeship, entering employment, or exploring alternative pathways. Our Careers Team provides impartial careers information, advice and guidance throughout your child's time at college, helping them build confidence, develop employability skills and prepare for their next steps after education. We offer a wide range of careers and employability support, including: Personalised 1:1 career guidance appointment CV writing and cover letter support Job applications and interview preparation Apprenticeship information and applications UCAS applications, personal statement, and clearing guidance University and Higher Education advice Career planning and progression support Employment guidance, job profiles, and labour market information
Volunteering, work experience, and internship opportunities Gap year advice Careers workshops and employability sessions Careers fairs, employer events, university and industry talks Digital skills and employability development Drop-in careers clinics throughout the year
Students also have access to a range of careers resources, labour market information, and progression tools to help them research opportunities and make informed decisions about their future. For more information, visit: https://www.buckscollegegroup.ac.uk/student-life/careersemployability/careers-advice. Or contact the careers team directly via email - careers@buckscollegegroup.ac.uk
Meet Your Careers Adviser Hi, I'm Debs, your Careers Adviser! I have many years of experience linking industry and education through graduate mentoring programmes, placement schemes and partnerships with universities, colleges, and employers. I am here to support students in exploring their options and planning their next steps through personalised 1:1 guidance appointments. My goal is to guide, encourage and empower students to make confident decisions about their future and take clear, achievable steps towards their career aspirations. We look forward to supporting your child throughout their journey at Buckinghamshire College Group!
BUCKSCOLLEGEGROUP.AC.UK
@BUCKSCOLLEGEGROUP
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Upcoming Events...
Mental Health and Wellbeing Signposting Students have access to the Student Assistance Programme (SAP), a free and confidential service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The programme offers professional counselling, guidance and support for a range of academic and personal challenges, including study pressures, financial concerns and relationship matters. Support can be accessed via a freephone helpline or live chat. Students can also benefit from online wellbeing tools, such as a mood tracker and wellness dashboard. In addition, the Champion Health App helps users take a proactive approach to their physical and mental wellbeing through engaging resources, insights and self-management tools designed to promote positive mental health and resilience. If someone’s life is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E immediately—for example, if they have seriously harmed themselves, taken an overdose, or you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe. A mental health emergency is just as serious as a physical one, and you will never be wasting anyone’s time by calling 999.
BUCKSCOLLEGEGROUP.AC.UK
@BUCKSCOLLEGEGROUP