Gateshead College is celebrating further national recognition after winning an award at the ‘Oscars’ for the Further Education sector in the country.
Already the top performing college across the North East, Gateshead College won the Careers and Enterprise Company Award at the Association of Colleges (AoC) annual Beacon Awards held in London on 16 Nov.
The AoC Beacon Awards, launched in 1994, celebrate the best and most innovative UK further education colleges. This year’s winners were announced by Baroness Sharp at the AoC annual conference and exhibition.
Judith Doyle, Principal and Chief Executive of Gateshead College, said: “I’m extremely proud that we’ve been recognised nationally for all of the hard work that goes into helping young people to have the best start to a rewarding career.
“As well as making sure students are work-ready and equipped with the skills employers need, Gateshead College is dedicated to giving young people access to careers advice that inspires them to make decisions that are right for them; that will help them realise their careers ambitions and be the best they can be.
“Seeing our students succeed at what they want to do, whether that be moving into employment, taking up an apprenticeship or securing a place at university, is the most rewarding part of the job. To also be acknowledged with such a prestigious award is the icing on the cake.”
Gateshead College, graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2015, is currently the number one college in the North East and was named sixth in the UK based on the success of its students.
During 2016, statistics showed that 95% of students had a positive destination, progressing to either further or higher education, starting an apprenticeship or securing a job.
