Introduction

Why do we do what we do? It’s a question that all organisations should ask of themselves. At Bridgend College, it’s something we’ve contemplated for some time.
And for us, the answer is quite simple; we do what we do so our learners, our staff and the communities we serve are able to be all that they can be. This sense of purpose has inspired our mission over the last five years, and it’s something that will continue to drive us for the next five years.
We are living in extraordinary times, which means we need extraordinary people and organisations to empower our communities as we navigate our way through periods of uncertainty.
The challenges are numerous, from climate change and social deprivation to the concerns of Brexit in this politically divided country. But there is also opportunity – one which we at Bridgend College embrace – as we continue to build a strong values-based FE sector that helps communities to not only survive, but to thrive. When we reflect upon our 2014-2019 Strategic Plan, there’s a long list of outstanding achievements to celebrate – of which you can read more about to the right of this page.
It has been a difficult journey at times but it was made possible by the passion, resilience and commitment of our dedicated staff, governors and learners.
While we have a lot to be proud of, there’s more work to be done. In these ever-changing times, we must keep moving forward to be even more innovative so that our staff and learners continue to achieve great things. As such, it gives me great pleasure to introduce the Bridgend College Strategic Plan for 2020-2025. By working together, we will ensure that every person at Bridgend College has the opportunity to be the best that they can be.

Key Outstanding Achievements (2014-2019)
- Times Educational Supplement UK
College of the Year (2019) - Estyn “double excellent” Inspection Report
- Association of Colleges (AOC) Beacon Awards:
– Leadership and Governance
– Development of Transferable Skills
– Practical Teaching & Practical Learning - The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies
to Work for (2020 & 2017) - 90% successful completion rates for Work
Based Learning (2019) – alongside an 800% growth in the contract value over a 6 year period - 90% successful completion rates (All Qualifications)
- Penybont 6th Form College AS & A
Level provision is placed in the top 25% in the UK according to Alps data - Penybont 6th Form College sees a 26% improvement in A*- C ‘A’ level pass rates
- 98% of staff are happy to work at Bridgend College
- Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index 2019, Silver Award
- Days cash liquidity increased from 8 days to 30+ days
- Chwarae Teg Fair Play Employer (Silver Award)





Be all
that you
can be
Our
Values
Our values are reinforced throughout the college community. Every member of staff, learner and partner lives and breathes our core values that make up every aspect of college life.

Be People Centred Inspirational Passionate Innovative A Team Player Inclusive
Be People Centred
Be InspirationalWe aim to always be forward-thinking and planning for the future, as well as dealing with what’s going on in the here and now.
Be Passionate
Be InnovativeWe are pioneers, and as such, we aim to lead the sector in enforcing positive change. Yet it’s important to remain connected so that, as a community, we can achieve even more.
Be a Team Player
Be InclusiveWe always put on a united front and champion the decisions we make. We truly support each person that walks through our doors, and we ask for that same support in return.
To be
Extraordinary
Bridgend College will be an extraordinary, high performing organisation, dedicated to the advantage of learning. We will Engaging attract individuals through nurturing a people centred, inclusive and enabling culture, that allows every individual to be part of something special, something unique. We will be an ethical organisation that
consistently achieves excellence and excels through doing the simple things really well and celebrates the successes of every individual. With passion and innovation, we will lead the way in influencing and shaping education and training. We will look beyond our own organisation and seek to collaborate with ethically minded
partners, who also share our ambition to lead a transformation that will improve the life opportunities of our learners, our people and our communities. We will develop creative, happy and global citizens of the future who care for our world, our culture and each other.
We will be:
Excellent
Efficient
Engaging
We will:
• Achieve a minimum of 90% successful completion for all learning pathways
• Appear in the top performing quartile for Welsh Government performance measures in all subject sectors
• Finance and achieve 21st century facilities for all provision
Be
Excellent
Be an inclusive organisation where staff and learners are happy and where they love to work and learn. We will nurture an environment that attracts and retains outstanding, values driven team players, enabling both learners and staff to maximise their potential with a focus on the well-being of all. We will have the courage to lead
and commit to a progressive and happy culture that celebrates diversity and mutual respect and fosters enthusiasm. We will also look outwards and seek to collaborate with partners whose values are aligned with ours to maximise the positive impact on our communities.
We will:
• Reduce carbon emissions by 25%
• Achieve a minimum of 2% turnover as operational surplus
• Maintain a minimum of 30 days “cash”
• Sustain staffing costs of no greater than 65% of income
Be
Efficient
Be a sustainable and resilient organisation. We will adapt to the demands of an ever changing world and have the resources to enable everyone to Be All That They Can Be.
We will:
• Achieve Top 10 in the Sunday Times 100 Not for Profit Sector Companies list
• Achieve Gold Standard in the UK Well-being Index report
• Achieve pan UK Learner Survey results in the top quartile for all areas
Be
Engaging
Be recognised locally, nationally and internationally as an extraordinary organisation. Consistently, we will achieve excellent results through doing the simple things extraordinarily well. Through our high aspirations and high quality provision, we will enable all to reach their full potential with a pathway to
a great job and a great life. Our learners will be prepared to be outstanding ambassadors for our communities and Wales and be active global citizens. They will develop employability skills to help them thrive in an ever changing world.

We are extremely proud to announce that Bridgend College has now officially become a Google Reference College, the first college in Wales to be given this esteemed title.
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