This year’s awards comprised 11 categories and recognised the positive impact of colleges on their students and the communities that they serve.

The Sheffield College was a finalist in the following two categories:

The National Centre for Diversity Award for Inclusive Learning Leadership
The RCU Award for Support for Students

Angela Foulkes, Chief Executive and Principal, The Sheffield College, said: “I am extremely proud of our staff and the work that they are doing transforming lives.”

She added: “Being a finalist in these two prestigious national awards is testament to our commitment to inclusivity, ensuring all students in our diverse college community have the chance to succeed regardless of their background.”

The National Centre for Diversity Award for Inclusive Learning Leadership is based on the College’s extensive work embedding the values of fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement (FREDIE) in all aspects of its activities.

The steps that the College has taken include ensuring FREDIE values are at the centre of all decision making, working and teaching practices, and, ultimately, at the heart of college life. 

The RCU Award for Support for Students is for the College’s work with asylum seekers and refugees supporting them back into learning and providing the opportunity to progress to the next level course and employment.

The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) team support the integration of students from overseas. During the pandemic, the team provided an enhanced package of support for ESOL learners to ensure that disruption was minimised and students could access the education they needed.

The AoC Beacon Awards ceremony took place in London on May 3rd, 2022. Follow @SheffCol #AoCBeacons #LoveOurColleges.

Find out more about courses starting in September.