LAUNCH OF CENTRE FOR GREEN TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASES INSPIRE EDUCATION GROUP’S MISSION TO CREATE CAMPUSES OF THE FUTURE
Inspire Education Group (IEG) has officially unveiled its £13.5 million Centre for Green Technology (CGT) at Peterborough College — a landmark facility designed not only to address the UK’s green skills shortage, but to serve as a bold example of how education can directly power economic growth, workforce readiness, and environmental responsibility.
“I was impressed by the breadth of opportunities and courses that are offered by the Centre, and it was fascinating to see how new technologies will drive the construction and development of the homes this country needs. The development of new skills to help build green, safer buildings is at the heart of this government’s commitment to build 1.5 million homes, and students from this college will help contribute to this.”
- Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government
The £13.5 million project is partly funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), with £2.471 million from the Transforming Cities Fund, £400,000 from the Local Growth Fund, £1.9 million from Peterborough City Council via the Towns Fund, and the Department for Education’s Local Skills Improvement Fund (£1.42 million). IEG’s contribution to the project was £8.3M, with £5.5M from the DFE capital loan scheme and £2.8M from IEG’s capital reserves.
Read the full article, here.
INSPIRE EDUCATION GROUP RANKED IN TOP 10% OF UK GFE COLLEGES
Inspire Education Group (IEG), which includes Peterborough College and Stamford College, is celebrating another year of strong national performance in the National Achievement Rate Tables (NARTS), securing its position once again among the top-performing Further Education colleges in the country. IEG has ranked:
• 16th nationally for 16–18-year-old learners on study programmes at General Further Education (GFE) Colleges, meaning IEG’s largest student cohort is among the top 10% of colleges across England.
25th out of 156 GFE Colleges nationally for all age groups on education and training programmes, placing the group in the top 20% for the second consecutive year.
• 3rd out of 156 colleges for 16–18-year-olds studying Level 2 programmes.
INSPIRE EDUCATION GROUP LEADERS FEATURED IN NATIONAL TELEGRAPH REPORT ON EMPLOYEE WELLBEING
We are proud to share that Rachel Nicholls, CEO of Inspire Education Group, and Sarah Young, Vice Principal for Student and Staff Experience, have been featured in a national article by The Telegraph on the future of HR technology and the growing importance of employee wellbeing.
The article, titled “How UK employers are putting wellbeing at the heart of the workplace”, highlights how organisations across the UK are rethinking their approach to staff experience in the wake of new workplace challenges. Representing the Further Education sector, Rachel and Sarah shared how IEG is embedding wellbeing, recognition and inclusion into its culture –using data insights, listening exercises, and a strong focus on people-first leadership.
• Top 20% nationally for high-grade (4–9) achievement rates in GCSE English, demonstrating strong academic outcomes for learners aiming to progress.
• 10% increase in apprenticeship achievement rates, reflecting IEG’s commitment to improving outcomes and supporting learners in work-based training route.
Read more here
“Staff are our greatest asset,” said Rachel. “We know that to deliver exceptional outcomes for our students, we need to ensure our teams are valued, supported and heard.”
Read the full article on The Telegraph here
CREATIVE FUTURES CELEBRATED AT PETERBOROUGH COLLEGE’S 2025 VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITION
The event welcomed over 420 visitors, including friends and families of students, local artists and senior leadership from Inspire Education Group. Attendees were treated to a broad and diverse display of student work from courses in Art and Design, Graphic Design, Photography and Games Design, which was exhibited at University Centre Peterborough.
Read the full article here.
T LEVEL BUSINESS STUDENTS AT PETERBOROUGH COLLEGE COMPLETE 5-DAY ‘PITCH IT PROJECT’ WITH PROTOCOL GROUP
Peterborough College T Level Business students took part in The Protocol Group’s 5-day Pitch It Project, filled with mentoring, business insights, and entrepreneurial challenges that truly inspired them for the future.
After days of mentoring and entrepreneurial coaching, today the students pitched their final business ideas to a panel of four directors.
Congratulations to the winning team ‘Young at Heart’ who secured £250 towards their business venture. Two other teams were also awarded £125 for their standout ideas.
STAMFORD COLLEGE STUDENT PLACE IN ASSOCIATION OF HAIRDRESSERS AND THERAPISTS (AHT) FINAL
Stamford College Hair and Beauty students once again showcased their creativity and talent at the annual Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) Awards, a prestigious national competition that brings together top student stylists from across the UK.
This year, out of an incredible 480 finalists, two Stamford College students achieved outstanding success. Jodie Stanton, a Level 2 Hairdressing student, took 1st place in the Blow Dry category with her sleek and polished style. Meanwhile, Tasha Cosgrove, a Level 3 Hairdressing student, earned a fantastic 2nd place in the Bridal Hair category, wowing the panel with her elegant and intricate updo demonstrated excellent styling and creativity in her work.
Read more here
MOTOR VEHICLE APPRENTICE SELECTED FOR EXCLUSIVE COURSE AT PIRELLI TYRE FACTORY IN CARLISLE
Sydney, one of our talented Motor Vehicle Apprentices who recently had the honour of meeting Sir Keir Starmer, was selected as one of just ten Halfords staff members to take part in a special two-day course at the Pirelli Tyre Factory in Carlisle!
This is a fantastic opportunity to build specialist skills and gain behind-the-scenes insight at a leading global brand.
STAMFORD COLLEGE FOOTBALL ACADEMY RETURNS TO WESTON HOMES STADIUM FOR SECOND ANNUAL FOOTBALL FIXTURE
Stamford College Football Academy students, part of Inspire Education Group, were once again given the exciting opportunity to step onto the pitch at Peterborough United’s renowned Weston Homes Stadium for the second year running.
The in-house friendly match, at POSH, offered learners a professional setting to showcase their skills, with players enjoying full access to the changing rooms, a tunnel walkout experience, and the chance to play on the same surface as professional athletes. The Blues came away victorious in a high-energy 5–3 encounter, with both teams displaying impressive teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.
Read the full article here.
PETERBOROUGH COLLEGE HOST CULTURAL AWARENESS SHOWCASE
Recently, Peterborough College erupted in a vibrant celebration of culture, as students and staff came together to honour the rich diversity that makes up our community.
The Cultural Awareness Showcase featured an afternoon of traditional dress, global music, food and dance, spotlighting customs and heritage from across the world. From sarees to sarongs, and Afrobeats to street food, the campus was filled with colour, rhythm and unity.
It was a powerful reminder that diversity is one of our greatest strengths – and a chance to connect, learn and celebrate what makes each of us unique.
STAMFORD COLLEGE GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDENTS WIN BIG WITH OAKHAM ALES COLLABORATION
Graphic Design students from Stamford College have once again impressed in a creative collaboration with Oakham Ales, where students were challenged to design pump clips for the brewery’s seasonal beers.
Level 3 Graphic Design student Octavia Doughty was named the winner of the November 2025 brief, with a beautifully detailed design inspired by chrysanthemums – the flower traditionally associated with November. Her concept not only captured the essence of the season but also impressed Oakham Ales judges with its originality and execution. “It was so nice to win and see my design come to life,” Octavia said. “Live briefs have been so beneficial in giving me an insight on working with companies after College.”
Read more here
PETERBOROUGH COLLEGE UNIFORMED
PUBLIC SERVICES STUDENTS LEAD 80TH
ANNIVERSARY VE DAY PARADE
Uniformed Public Services students proudly led a special VE Day Parade to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
Joined by veterans from Park House Nursing Home and Park Vista Care Home, the students marched with pride through the College’s main driveway in a moving tribute to those who served.
The parade concluded with students warmly escorting the veterans into the main hall for well-deserved refreshments and heartfelt conversations.
Peterborough College
www.peterborough.ac.uk
0345 872 8722
Stamford College
www.stamford.ac.uk
01780 484300
University Centre Peterborough
www.ucp.ac.uk
01733 214466
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