Last night Bridgend College was crowned FE College of the Year at the 2019 Tes FE Awards.
The remarkable turnaround that saw Bridgend College transformed from one of the worst-performing colleges in the country to one of the best made it a clear winner. Bridgend College tops league tables in Wales for qualification completion rates. In the most recent statistics, these stood above 90 per cent across all qualifications.
The college is rooted in its community, supporting other education providers and businesses across the region.
This includes work with a nearby school, which led to a 13 per cent increase in the number of learners gaining A to C grades at A level. Estyn, the Welsh education and training inspectorate, awarded the college a rare “double excellent” grade at its most recent inspection.
The college was praised for the “very good progress” learners make, often from low starting points. Inspectors also praised the culture in the college of supporting staff to “innovate and take risks” as well as helping to build their confidence in order to meet future challenges. The college’s own latest staff survey showed that 98 per cent of staff are happy to work there.
The judges were impressed by the way in which the college had responded to local needs and the difference that it has made to the wellbeing of its students. They also praised the work dedicated to improving its fortunes under the able leadership of the governing body, principal and staff.
This awards ceremony is where the most outstanding individuals and institutions that the FE sector has to offer, all come together, to celebrate the hard work and dedication.
Simon Pirotte, CEO and Principal of Bridgend College praised the College ‘This amazing accolade is the icing on the cake not for only Bridgend College but the Bridgend County Borough.’
‘I have the honour of working with some of the most inspirational people and each and everyone of our staff, learners and Governors have helped us secure this title. This award is a huge boost for the FE sector in Wales and for the Bridgend county borough’.
Bridgend College was up against some larger institutions throughout the UK, such as Exeter College, Truro College and Weston College and was shortlisted for Apprenticeship Provider of the Year. Principal Simon Pirotte was also one of eight of the finalists for FE Leader of the Year.
We are thrilled to announce that Bridgend College has been shortlisted for FE College of the Year at the WhatUni ‘Student Choice’ Awards… once again!
Last year we were crowned winners of the 2018 FE College of the Year Award after beating off some stiff competition. We are so proud to be flying the flag for Wales in this category as once again we remain the only college in Wales to be nominated and win this prestigious award.
The College is up against some fantastic FE Colleges from around the UK and hope to retain its title of best FE College.
WhatUni is the most comprehensive course comparison site in the UK and guides potential students from their initial research to deciding their final choices. Over the last year, the team has collected over 36,000 student reviews by conducting campus visits and collating information from social media posts and mail shots.
One student reviewer commended the College by saying,
“It has been brilliant, nearly finished my first year and I’ve loved Every minute of it!! The whole experience so far has taken me out of my comfort zone but in a good way. If anyone was to ask me ‘Would I do it again?’ In a heartbeat I would.”
The award is an annual celebration of student satisfaction in higher education and is completely student led.
Bridgend College is extremely proud to represent Wales in this category and delighted that our students feel that the College is worthy of such a prestigious award.
