As we have moved into one of the most important periods of the academic year, I want to take a moment to reflect on something that sits at the heart of a thriving organisation: how we communicate with one another, and how connected we feel to the work we do every day.
Your feedback in our recent staff survey was both encouraging and thought-provoking. It’s clear that while there is much to be proud of, there are also areas where we can strengthen how we listen, share information, and involve one another in shaping our direction. Strong communication is not just about clarity of purpose, it’s about trust, transparency, and ensuring people feel heard and valued.
Over the coming months, we will be placing a renewed focus on improving communication across all levels of the organisation. This includes creating more consistent channels for updates, increasing opportunities for dialogue, and ensuring that feedback leads to visible action.
This newsletter is part of that commitment. It will serve not only to keep you informed, but also as a platform to celebrate successes, share ideas, and highlight the incredible work happening across our teams.
Thank you for your honesty, your dedication, and your continued commitment to making our organisation a place where people feel informed, involved, and inspired.
Jamie Purser, Principal and CEO Newham College London
College Awards
We are delighted to announce that Florence Makinde has been shortlisted for the Award for FE Lecturer of the Year in the Pearson National Teaching Awards. Florence is an outstanding example of dual professionalism and a valued member of Newham College. Her dual registration in nursing and midwifery, alongside over 20 years’ NHS experience, brings genuine hands-on expertise into the classroom. She enables students across BTEC, T Level and Higher National programmes to master real-world skills such as blood pressure monitoring, infection control and care planning. We wish Florence the best of luck in the forthcoming interview!
Also in the Pearson National Teaching Awards, the college’s Supportive and Inclusive Learning Team have been awarded a Certificate of Achievement by the judges in the Award for SEND and Inclusive Practice. We are hugely proud of you all for the impactful work you do with learners across the college.
Finally, the hard work of the SEND team was once again recognised last week at the DFN Project SEARCH annual conference and awards in Birmingham when they were recognised for their long-standing collaborative work with the charity. Selina George and Kanvil Ali received the 10 years milestone award on behalf of the team and the college.
This award is for those incredible sites that have reached their 10th anniversary of running. Project search internship this year and have in that decade have supported 100s of young people on their employment journey. They stand as a beacon of best practice for delivering sustainable outcomes.
Congratulations to all involved.
Operational Updates
College Calendar, Timetable and Student Experience Update
College Calendar
Term-time only and teaching colleagues return to work on 17 August 2026. A CPD day is planned for the 18 August, and enrolment starts on Thursday 20 August. We have planned two days of induction following the bank holiday, with teaching starting on Thursday 3 September to encourage students to quickly settle into their new routine. There are six CPD, celebration, and industry-updating days, and two off-site wellbeing days are scheduled to give all colleagues a complete two-week winter break. A copy of the College Calendar for 2026/2027 can be found on the intranet here.
Teaching colleagues with Newham College terms and conditions can book leave from the week commencing 12 July 2027, and teaching colleagues with sixth form terms and conditions finish on Friday 2 July 2026. All colleagues will benefit from the birthday leave entitlement, with the exact day to be discussed and agreed with your line manager.
College Timetable for 16-18 programmes
We have standardised the college timetable for all students on 16-19 study programmes from September 2026. This will make the timetabling, enrolment, and the communication process for new and progressing students more straightforward and improve the start of the academic year.
From September, all lessons will be in 1.5-hour slots for students on study programmes. There will be no lessons during Period 4 on Wednesdays. We intend to timetable practical sessions in blocks of 3 hours and 15 minutes, enabling flexible break times. Where possible, timetables will be staggered in 15-minute/30-minute increments to reduce strain on break and lunch times. Separate communication will follow for colleagues regarding Sixth Form Terms and Conditions to clarify directed time and how the timetabling for A-Level study programmes fits into this model. Lessons will be at the following times:
Block Time Duration
Session 1 09:00 - 10:30 1h 30m
Break 10:30 - 10:45 15m
Session 2 10:45 - 12:15 1h 30m
Lunch 12:15 - 13:15 1h
Session 3 13:15 - 14:45 1h 30m
Break 14:45 - 15:00 15m
Session 4 15:00 - 16:30 1h 30m
Student Experience Update - There have been several changes to the organisation and structure of the student experience function to integrate the Student Experience Teams across the college, better allocate staff based on need, and improve the quality of tutorials and student attendance. A summary of these changes is below:
The Work Experience Team is part of the student experience area, with Tarlochan Assi (Tolly, Work Experience Manager) now reporting to Zaakir Akhtar (Zak, Head of Student Experience).
Personal Development Tutors are led by Fizha Ahmed, Head of Personal Development. As previously communicated, a new cross-college, tutorial model will be implemented from September. Students will have a weekly tutorial session on their timetable. This would alternate between a tutorial with their teacher and a workshop from their Personal Development Tutor. From September, teachers will deliver sessions on topics closely linked to the curriculum, such as labour market intelligence and study skills. Personal Development Tutors will deliver topics related to personal development in larger workshops, supported by external organisations who are experts in their field.
Student Engagement and Participation - The previous Youth Safety, Campus Liaison, Attendance and Pastoral Officer teams have been integrated into two teams, led by Karen Donovan. These teams have a focus on positive behaviour around each centre, attendance calling (including parental engagement), and student lounges.
The Safeguarding and Welfare Team has been fully integrated across the college, and Rabena Faried appointed as the permanent Safeguarding and Welfare Manager.
Sport and Enrichment teams, including the Newham Knights Academy structure, have been fully integrated. Both teams are managed by Katie Harris, Student Enrichment and Sport Manager.
A new dashboard has been developed on PowerBI to give teachers, support staff and managers better information on students with additional characteristics they should be aware of. This is available at Disadvantaged Learners - Student Experience - Power BI
James
Gould
Deputy Principal – Student Experience, Safeguarding and NewVIc Curriculum
Exams and Curriculum Admin Update
Exams
The separate Exams teams at different sites have been re-aligned under a single manager, Masum Uddin. Masum will be responsible for the end-to-end exams process across all sites going forward. This change will ensure that we have consistent and robust exams processes going forward and that resources (staff and invigilators especially) can be pooled and deployed appropriately during busy exam periods.
There will likely be some changes to processes (registrations, exam bookings, claims, etc) in the short to medium term and these changes will be communicated. Please direct any Exams related queries to exams@newham.ac.uk.
Curriculum Admin
Similarly, Curriculum Admin will now operate as a central team under a new manager, Nazeema Soopee. Nazeema will oversee the admin function across NewVIc, East Ham and Stratford Campuses. There will be two Curriculum Administrators on each site, with an additional Senior Curriculum Administrator, Melita Nyantakyi, based at NewVIc. As there will be a central attendance team going forward, Curriculum Admin will no longer have responsibility in this regard, enabling them to provide more focused admin support to curriculum around meetings, disciplinaries, events, contact with parents and students, etc. Any requests for support from Curriculum Admin should be directed to curriculumadmin@newham.ac.uk.
I’m confident that these changes will enable both teams to continue to support you in securing the best possible experience and outcomes for our students. If you or they have any questions or concerns, please let me know.
Josh Burrage Executive Director of MIS
Summer Works Update
Over the summer period, the Estates team will deliver several large-scale projects across Stratford and NewVIc campuses. At Stratford campus A Block, the construction phase is now due to complete by mid-June, following a few earlier delays. Good progress has been made – please see recent photos which illustrate this. Once construction is complete, the focus will shift to installing new furniture and preparing the building for the start of the new academic term.
Works to Stratford campus C Block at will be completed over the summer, including replacement of toilets and carpets, ensuring the building meets a high standard throughout.
At Stratford Campus E Block, internal demolition has been completed, making way for the new Construction Skills Centre – see artist’s impressions and the proposed internal layout. As part of these works, the car park will be resurfaced and electric vehicle charging points installed (staff will be able to use these facilities - a usage charge will apply).
Finally, new boilers will be installed in NewVIc Sixth Form F Block, (the existing units are at end of their life), ensuring the site is prepared for the winter ahead.
Marcus Lloyd-Davy, Executive Director of Estates
Hello, I’m New! Staff Spotlight
Meet Sammi Chan
What’s your role and what drew you to the organisation?
I am a Job Coach here at Newham College. What drew me to the college was its reputation for being deep rooted in inclusivity and its community.
What achievement are you most proud of so far?
My proudest moments are always when a student I’ve been working with manages to grow their confidence and independence.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
It’s a busy mix! My day starts by first hand training students one on one to gain work experience working in a cafe. After the day is over, I have feedback sessions with the students to discuss what went well and what improvements they need to do next time they are back.
What’s been the most helpful thing someone has done to welcome you to Newham College?
Bradley my line manager welcomed me into the College by giving me a tour and introducing me to all the hard working and lovely staff that keeps the College running.
What’s your go-to coffee or tea order?
Depends on my mood but if a cafe serves an iced matcha latte, I will always choose that.
If you had a super-power, what would it be?
Teleportation! It will make my commute a breeze plus, I can go on infinite holidays anytime I want.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Focus on the progress, not the perfection”. I see a lot of students get discouraged if things don’t go to plan but, learning to celebrate the small wins are the best way to stay motivated.
January 2026 to April 2026
Welcoming New Colleagues
First Name Surname Position Team/Department
Carla Anderson Lecturer - Hair and Beauty Service Economy
Jolanta Wlodek Head of Teaching and Learning Quality
Eric OpokuOkyere LecturerBusiness Business
Eleanor Swingler Lecturer - Art and Design Art, Media, and Fashion
Christopher Roper Head of Faculty - Construction, Engineering and Green Technology IoT, Construction, Green and Renewable Technologies
Sureshan Ramalingam Financial Controller Finance
Zahra Zaman Learning Support Assistant Foundation Learning (East Ham and Stratford Campuses)
Hayley Carlyon Head of FacultyEnglish and Maths English and Maths (16-18)
Nur Ahmed Safeguarding and Welfare Officer Student Experience
Priscillia Nwaubani Learning Support Assistant Foundation Learning (East Ham and Stratford Campuses)
Layla Sattar Mental Health Advisor Student Experience
Auzma Hussain Catering Assistant Foundation Learning (East Ham and Stratford Campuses)
Sammi Chan Job Coach Foundation Learning (East Ham and Stratford Campuses)
Forid Uddin Learning Support Assistant Foundation Learning (East Ham and Stratford Campuses)
Paul Archenoul Lecturer - Multi Skills Plumbing and Multi-Skills
Olubunmi Tokan LecturerBusiness Business
Vinitha Pillai Lecturer Foundation Learning (East Ham and Stratford Campuses)
Elizabeth Bates Learning Support Assistant ALS and SEND
Fabien Ilunga Lecturer Engineering, Green Skills and Motor Vehicles
Joanne Taylor Lecturer Health and Childcare (NewVIc Sixth Form Centre)
Tanbir Ahmed LecturerEngineering Engineering, Green Skills and Motor Vehicles
Cornelia Sion Learning Support Assistant Foundation Learning (East Ham and Stratford Campuses)
Digital and Libraries Update
Staffing
Sharon Townsend has been appointed as the new Head of LRC and Libraries and will oversee all LRCs. She is the best point of contact for any operational issuesSharon.townsend@newham.ac.uk.
Shagufta Amer is our Senior LRC Assistant in charge of Libraries. If you need any support from the LRC, please email lrcteam@newham.ac.uk.
Digital support and training
We are introducing a range of digital support and training initiatives for both students and staff.
A digital help desk located in each LRC - supported by Digital Learning Technician Apprentices - to help students with any digital queries, including navigating college systems/platforms and develop their digital skills.
Staff can also access digital support through weekly Friday drop-in sessions. Curriculum Managers can book training for their teams using this link.
Help us improve your digital provision
We are gathering staff feedback to help us improve digital provision and identify your needs. Please take a few minutes to complete this e-learning support survey.
If you have any questions or would like training, please contact Sindhu, Sindhu. Baskaran2@newham.ac.uk, our new Digital Innovation & Training Lead or Mohi, Mohi.Uddin@newham.ac.uk, our new Digital Innovation & Training Officer.
For any general queries, please continue to raise an e-learning support ticket via the Zoho help desk on the staff intranet.
John Hendy Director of Digital Transformation and Innovation
Marketing and Communications Update
The Marketing and Communications team has now been aligned to operate as a centralised support service for the whole organisation. I am pleased to congratulate Heidi Agbenyo on her appointment as Head of Communications and Engagement, where she will take the operational lead for the team moving forward.
Gareth Luxton now oversees our campaigns and design function, as Campaigns and Designs Manager and we also look forward to welcoming Parul Begum back from maternity leave shortly, where she will lead all aspects of Schools and Outreach as Schools and Outreach Manager.
Francesca Nelson and Harry North have both successfully completed their apprenticeship qualifications and are now permanent full-time members of staff. We also have several specialist vacancies coming up and look forward to welcoming new colleagues to the team in the near future.
There is much to do, and we look forward to launching our Summer Campaign alongside ongoing support for progression, enrolment and induction, to name but a few priorities.
Customer Services
Surinder Matharoo, our Customer Services Manager, oversees the Customer Services team across all campuses. We would also like to extend a warm welcome to Suzanne Canning, Trudy Hunter and Sampierre Mendy from NewVIc.
We are continuing to improve and enhance the Customer Services function, with planned optimisations to telephony and entry systems, alongside several additional vacancies to further strengthen the Customer Services team across Newham College London.
Qasim Kazmi Executive Director, Marketing and Communications
Welcome to the Fashion and Textile Museum
Hello! I am Melissa French and my role is Head of Commercial and Operations at the Fashion and Textile Museum. Yes absolutely - Newham College London does have a fabulous Museum housed in a bright orange building on Bermondsey Street, just south of the Thames in between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. Founded by colourful fashion and textile designer Dame Zandra Rhodes in 2003, Newham College took over a few years later reopening the Museum in 2007. Since then, we have produced over 45 exhibitions showcasing the creative and transformative power of fashion and textiles from designers such as Orla Kiely, Missoni and even Andy Warhol to displaying work by Art & Design and Fashion & Tailoring students studying at the College.
The Museum will celebrate 25 years in 2028 with a special exhibition and a range of celebratory events which we will share with you closer to the time. Watch this space!
Not only do we produce and show exhibitions in the Museum building, but we also tour a selection of them around the world at venues from Scotland to America to Japan and we hope to tour our first exhibition in Australia in the coming year.
I have worked at the Museum since 2012, and I am very lucky to work with a talented and passionate team. Dennis Nothdruft is Head of Exhibitions and worked for Zandra in San Deigo, USA, before coming to England and was part of her team when she founded the Museum. Marta Martin Soriano project manages our exhibitions and touring programme, and Rosie Luck takes care of conservation and mounting of the garments and textiles that go on display onsite and on tour. Rosie also cares for the Museum collection of over 4,000 pieces of fashion, accessories, textiles and ephemera across the 20th century and into the 21st century, available for study and to support exhibitions in the Museum. The small but mighty operations team of Charlotte Neep, Ruby Penman, Anna Goldman and Hannah Dawson, Jane Parker and Christina Da’Prato-Shepard manage and coordinate our commercial and operational activities such as workshops and events, visitor and customer services, retail ( we have a wonderful shop) press and marketing and all that entails the smooth day to day running of the Museum.
We are supported by a wonderful team of around 50 passionate volunteers. The Museum also works with a large range of freelancers such as graphic designers, set designers, curators, collectors, PR, tutors, authors and specialists in the creative and cultural industries. Judith Abbott has executive oversight over the Museum.
Last year we established an Advisory Board to support the Museum leadership team with specialist knowledge and industry support to advance the Museum’s mission and long-term sustainability. The Board comprises of experienced leaders from the fashion and cultural sectors, including a former Managing Director of Tate Modern, a renowned fashion photographer and former Creative Director of British Vogue, Head of Schools from London College of Fashion and Central St Martins, a professor of fashion curation, the Head of Marketing at the British Fashion Council, and the Director of Study Programmes at Newham College.
We are just about to complete a body of work to revitalise the Museum’s Mission, Vision, and Values which I will be excited to share with you soon. Our workshops and events are also open to staff and students at a heavily discounted rate. Please check out our website fashiontextilemuseum.org, join our mailing list and follow us on Instagram @fashiontextilemuseum, Facebook @fashionandtextilemuseum and LinkedIn.
I hope to see you at the Museum soon!
Melissa French Head of Commercial and Operations, Fashion and Textile Museum
Don’t forget that all staff and students have free entry to the Museum and a 20% discount in the Museum shop!
Some key dates for your diaries
Monday 17 August 2026
All staff are due back from the summer break for CPD and planning that week, including the main CPD day on Tuesday 18th August.
Monday 2 November 2026
Cross College Staff Development Day
Staff Survey: The Results Are In.
Many colleagues took the time to complete this year’s staff survey and I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed. With 512 responses received, representing a strong 63% response rate, the survey has provided valuable insight into both the strengths of the College and the areas where we must continue to improve.
Thanks to your participation, the College will also be donating £300 each to both the Newham Community Project and The Newham Renewal Programme, reflecting our continued commitment to supporting the wider Newham community.
This year’s overall engagement score increased to 81%, up from 76% in 2025 and the highest result across the last three years. Particularly encouraging were the results relating to line management, organisational pride and staff voice. Many colleagues highlighted feeling well supported by managers, understanding how their work contributes to College goals and feeling proud to work at the College.
The survey also identified clear priorities for improvement, including communication, staff involvement in decision making, training and development, learner behaviour and aspects of the working environment. These themes are already helping to shape future improvement plans and targeted workstreams across the organisation.
Most importantly, the feedback demonstrates a College community that remains deeply student-focused, inclusive, welcoming and committed to positive change. Encouragingly, 87% of colleagues said they would recommend the College as a place to work, up from 82% last year, reflecting growing confidence in the direction of travel and the collective culture we continue to build together.
Principal’s Staff Survey Road Shows
Staff Roadshows have already taken place at Stratford Campus.
Here are the remaining dates:
East Ham Campus
Immersive Room
Tuesday 12 May
12pm 1pm 2pm
NewVIc Campus
Theatre
Tuesday 19 May
12pm 1pm 2pm
Please click here to book your slot.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Our College brings together people from a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. Having an EDI policy and committee helps create an environment where these differences are not barriers but strengths. When staff and students feel safe, seen and included, they are more likely to engage in learning and development, express their ideas, and achieve their full potential.
The importance of EDI in colleges goes beyond individual wellbeing. Diverse perspectives enrich classroom discussions, challenge assumptions, and prepare students for life in a global and multicultural society. For staff, an inclusive workplace encourages collaboration, innovation, and better decision-making.
The Newham College EDI policy has been refreshed with the aim of:
• Building a positive, inclusive culture that enables staff and learners to achieve their potential.
• Ensuring staff and learners feel able to challenge discrimination and unacceptable behaviour.
• Working towards fair representation and fair outcomes for our staff and learners.
• Building and maintaining a diverse competent workforce supported by an inclusive leadership team.
• Having a better understanding of our current EDI data to make evidencebased decision making.
• Facilitating an environment where ideas can be shared and listened to and that our staff and learners work and learn with mutual respect.
• Fulfilling our statutory requirements under the Public Sector Equality Duty.
We are already in a strong position. In our recent staff survey a large majority of our community expressed that the diversity of Newham College is our biggest strength. We are aiming to build on this by introducing an EDI committee. Details of how you can express an interest in getting involved will be shared in September. Together, we can create a college where everyone belongs. Key EDI
Dates, May - August 2026:
Kishan Narayan, Director of HR Operations
Student Highlights Round Up
Celebrating Cultural Diversity
Colourful Culture Day celebrations took place across our campuses this month, from Stratford and East Ham to NewVIc. Students and staff shared languages, music and wore traditional dress, celebrating cultural diversity as a strength of our community.
Our first Earth Day Pop up!
As part of Colleges Green Week, we hosted our first Earth Day Pop Up with Bywaters. Staff and students enjoyed activities including a book swap, a kinetic energy smoothie bike and a plant giveaway. Environmental Sustainability Manager Ajala Agaba highlighted the importance of encouraging everyone to take individual and collective action to protect the planet.
Foundation Learning Spring Showcase
The Foundation Learning Performance Arts Group staged their end of term Spring Showcase in the theatre at NewVIc to a full house. Students performed original pieces from their music classes, spanning genres from poetry and rap to piano. Their tutor, Adrian Bond said, “I was present at all the rehearsals, but when it came to the final event, they ran the show and worked brilliantly as a team. In fact, they were so confident, they didn’t need me!”
Students get together to celebrate LRC Reading Challenge
Students across our campuses, including Foundation learners, took on this year’s LRC Reading Challenge and celebrated their success in style at an awards event. Special prizes were presented to students for outstanding effort – from completing multiple diaries to making strong progress in reading.
Youseff tackles Ocean Health - and scoops 2nd place in national competition
The UCL Ocean Health Challenge invited students across the UK to design solutions to stop plastic waste reaching the sea. Among 3,000 participants, NewVIc A Level student Youssef achieved runner-up in the Key Stage 5 category for his 3D printed microplastic water filter. Competition organisers praised him for designing a microplastic water filter ‘with a great prototype’ which utilised 3D printing.
Celebrating Apprenticeship Excellence!
We’re delighted to congratulate Linda on achieving a Distinction in her Business Administrator Apprenticeship End Point Assessment. Quattro’s HR Manager, Melanie Webb, praised Linda’s dedication and impact on the business, while Linda said she was “absolutely over the moon.”
Newham College London wins an English and Maths competition!
We were proud to be among 15 colleges taking part in the Greater London Skills Competition in March. The event showcased London’s vocational talent across a range of areas. We were delighted to win first place in the English and Maths competition too.
GCSE English and maths resit students prove hard work pays off
In January there were smiles across our campuses as GCSE Maths and English resit students collected their GCSE results.
Ayobami, a BTEC Business Level 3 student achieved a Grade 6 – his second attempt at trying. He said, ‘I am so pleased with my results! I received brilliant support from my teachers and the half-term workshops really helped me.’
Students put on a display at the Fashion and Textiles Museum
Forty Year 1 UAL Foundation Diploma students in Fashion and Textiles and 17 Level 3 UAL Art, Design and Communication students collaborated with the London College of Fashion on an exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum. Inspired by the World War One pin cushion messages, students created contemporary pieces exploring themes such as wellbeing, belonging and identity. The exhibition runs until September 2026 - don’t miss it.
Alumni fact file
Did you know that Alexander McQueen completed a tailoring course at Newham College, before heading to Central St Martins!
Wavy Waterfalls
Written and performed by Josiah, Foundation Learning Student
Waterfalls that give me hope makes me hear a song of the waves that are wavy but choppy and cold. Cold and choppy Falling down like waterfalls
Makes me calm Makes me want to sing a song. about hope. Cold and choppy calm and wavy
It makes me want to sing a song about hope and waterfalls. Over to you.
Do you have a staff or learner success story you’d like to see featured in the next issue?
Email engage@newham.ac.uk by 12 October 2026, 5 pm.
