To help individuals, communities and society flourish through education by raising aspirations and reducing inequality to create a sustainable future.
Our vision
To be the best and most authoritative post-16 educator in the South Midlands.
Our values
Valuing teamwork
We are one team who, by working together, can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others. Improving continuously
Student centred
At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision-making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
Inclusive
We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
Open and caring
We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen to, engage with and support each other.
We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions. Nurturing educational excellence
From our CEO Yiannis Koursis OBE
As we reflect on 2024–25, The Bedford College Group stands as a proud and purposeful anchor institution for the region we serve. Across ten towns and a population of 1.1 million people, our mission has remained constant: To be the best and most authoritative post-16 educator in the South Midlands.
Our purpose - to help individuals, communities and society flourish through educationcontinues to guide every decision we make. It is evident in the determination of our students, in the professionalism and dedication of our staff, and in the deep collaboration we maintain with employers, civic leaders, and partners across Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and the South Midlands.
We are especially proud of the improved student successes achieved this year. Each achievement represents not only personal progress, but also the fulfilment of our civic responsibility: to ensure that every learner, regardless of background, has access to high-quality education that opens doors to skilled employment, higher education, and lifelong learning.
Our ‘Good’ Ofsted rating stands as a strong endorsement of the commitment and talent of our staff, students, and partners. It confirms the strength of our provision and the culture of continuous improvement that defines who we are and what we stand for.
Partnerships have remained central to our work. Through our Employer Partnership Scheme and our continued engagement with industry, we have ensured that our curriculum remains future-focused and responsive to the needs of local and national employers. Together, we are shaping pathways into high-demand sectors, supporting workforce development, and contributing directly to the economic resilience and growth of our region.
Looking ahead, we remain unwavering in our purpose. We will continue to champion opportunity, nurture aspiration, and serve as a catalyst for local prosperity. Our role as a civic institution has never been more important, and we are determined to build on this year’s achievements with renewed ambition.
Finally, my sincere thanks go to our staff, students, employers, community partners, and stakeholders. Your dedication, trust, and shared belief in our mission make our progress possible and our future bright. Together, we will continue to empower our communities and shape a thriving future for the region we proudly serve.
From our Chair Alasdair Simmons
As Chair of the Corporation, I am delighted to introduce our Annual Review for 2025, a year defined by progress, innovation, and our enduring commitment to the communities we serve. Across every campus, our students, staff, and partners have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, ambition, and pride, qualities that continue to strengthen our role as a leading anchor institution in the South Midlands.
This year, we have seen outstanding achievements across the Group. Our students recorded strong outcomes once again. Our staff have been recognised nationally for excellence; from the Pearson National Teaching Awards to multiple sustainability award wins, marking us as a sector leader in our journey towards a net-zero future.
2025 has also been a year of deepening collaboration with employers and industry partners. Our Employer Partnership Scheme continues to grow, while the introduction of new Industry Advisory Boards will help to meet the region’s economic needs by ensuring our students are prepared for the careers of today and tomorrow.
Strategic innovation has been at the forefront of our work. The launch of National College for Logistics in September, and pioneering research through our BRIEF programme all reflect our focus on future -facing education.
We also continue to deepen our civic impact. Our involvement in community- led initiatives such as the Bedford Giving Youth Panel and our contribution to regional strategies like North Northamptonshire’s BIG50 Vision show our commitment to raising aspirations, reducing inequality, and ensuring opportunity reaches every student, regardless of their background.
Looking ahead, our purpose remains unwavering: to provide high - quality education and training that transforms lives. With continued investment in modern facilities, sustainability, digital innovation, and employer-aligned curriculum development, we are building strong foundations for the future.
My sincere thanks go to our students, staff, employers, community partners, and stakeholders. Your dedication, collaboration, and belief in our purpose make our achievements possible and our future bright. Together, we will continue to shape an ambitious, inclusive, and prosperous future for the communities we proudly serve.
National College for Motorsport Units 8 & 2285, Silverstone Park, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8GX
National College for Motorsport @nc4_motorsport nc4motorsport
Tresham College @treshamcollege treshamcollege
Tresham College, Wellingborough Campus Church Street, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 4PD Tresham College @treshamcollege treshamcollege
Wellingborough Learning Centre Church Street, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 4PD
The Bedford College Group in numbers
Our students
18,948 students across all campuses
Bedford College
Central Bedfordshire College
National College for Motorsport
Shuttleworth College
The Bedford Sixth Form
The Corby Sixth Form
Tresham College (overall) Corby campus
Not provided
overall students who would recommend the Group to others (from all student groups as an average from all surveys completed last year)
Our employers
9 out of 10
employers agree the Group provides opportunities for people to have better jobs and lives
In 2024/2025, the first 15 employers to join our Employer Partnership Scheme contributed to:
141 1,338 students directly benefitting from these engagement activities engagement activities such as employer talks, site tours, event attendance, sponsorship, employer projects and work placements
Engagement with businesses
employers offer T Levels 434
employers who offered work experience placements in the last academic year have continued this work with the Group this year 482
employers offer work experience placements* 1,783
6,393
work experience placements offered*
9 out of 10
employers agree that the Group makes the local area a better place
* Work experience placements consist of external, internal, SEND, virtual and T Level placements
Collaborating with local employers
Employer Partnership Scheme goes from strength to strength
In September 2024, we launched our Employer Partnership scheme to enhance and improve our relationships with local employers. We are thrilled to have welcomed 24 employers onto the Scheme, which is now in its second year. All employers have signed up to the Scheme for the full two year duration, with many more still to come.
Available at all sites across the Group, the Scheme is a mutually beneficial initiative designed to ‘join the dots’ between industry and education. Employers within the Scheme make a commitment to engage with the Group regularly throughout the academic year, creating a foundation for sustainable collaboration.
In turn, employers benefit from this new scheme in multiple ways, the most prominent being direct access to our students to aid recruitment. On top of this, employers can directly influence the curriculum available for students to gain all the appropriate skills needed in the workplace, filling the skills gap.
Changes to apprenticeships and support
The UK Apprenticeship Levy is being reformed into a Growth and Skills Levy. Changes will be implemented between 2025-2026, including shorter minimum apprenticeship durations (down to 8 months), new foundation apprenticeships, more flexible English & maths requirements and introducing targeted skills training. These reforms aim to give employers more flexibility and focus training on actual business needs, with the goal of making it easier for smaller firms to access funds. We will be working closely to support our employer partners with these changes.
Industry Advisory Boards launch
In February 2026, we are launching Industry Advisory Boards across different industries that the Group works with. Including internal staff, students and employers, these Boards will prepare students for employment, guide career pathways, create a skilled workforce, and ensure education meets the needs of the economy. In turn, this ensures that businesses are able to influence and cultivate their future talent pipeline. The new Boards are being created for the following industries:
Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies
Construction, Planning and the Built Environment
Creative and Digital Technologies
Visitor Economy
Business and Professional Services
Health and Social Care
Logistics
Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Care
Life Sciences
Sustainability
We have reduced our carbon emissions by 45% in the past 6 years, despite adding buildings to our estate*
Over 100 Group learners are now registered users of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, meaning they can access over 150 unique resources about supply chains, how they work and how to improve sustainability with best practices.
* Based on our emissions on the square metres of our estate
** Based on 2,658 tonnes this year compared to 3,215 the previous year
We have reduced our carbon emissions by 557 tonnes in the past year** - that’s 47 double decker buses!
A Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trainer and Hydrogen Generator have now been installed at Bedford College, which are training rigs for students to learn how renewable energy works. The Hydrogen Generator demonstrates how to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, which can be used as renewable energy. Similarly, the Fuel Cell Trainer is a demonstrative training rig where the hydrogen is converted into energy that can be used as fuel for vehicles, such as cars, buses or planes.
Calendar of events
September 2024
Presented at Salix Decarbonisation event at The University of Bristol
November 2024
Panellist at Association of Colleges Conference break out session
The Group won the 2030 Climate Action award at the Green Gown Awards UK & Ireland for our ongoing commitment to decarbonisation and sustainability. These commitments included major infrastructure upgrades at Bedford College and restoring The Bedford Sixth Form’s Grade 2 listed building into a modern and sustainable property.
Northamptonshire Business Awards Finalist
January 2025
13 new industry specific sustainability courses written and finalised for delivery by the Group including: Level 3 Domestic Energy Assessor, Certificate in Construction Site Management, Level 3 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement, and more £35k grant awarded to the Group for 14 electrical vehicle charging points. 2 at Shuttleworth, 4 at Bedford, 1 at Wellingborough, 2 at Kettering, 2 at Corby, 1 at Dunstable
Achieved Bronze Award level on Sustainability Leadership Scorecard
March 2025
Presented at Cranfield University Sustainability event
Presented at AoC Sustainability and Green Skills Conference
Finished 10th on SDG Teach In Leader board for number of staff pledges
Awarded £211k grant to install Air Source Heat Pump at Cauldwell Street campus
April 2025
Electric vehicle charging points installed
June 2025
Announced as Finalists in the 2025 International Green Gown Awards
The Bedford College Group chosen to pilot the “Just Transition Framework”
July 2025
Finalist in 2 categories at the Energy Awards: Shortlisted for Energy Project Of The Year – Public Sector, for “The Bedford College Group harness the power of the Ouse River to decarbonise heating”
Shortlisted for Energy Team of the YearDecarbonisation and Development
Announced as Finalist in 2025 UK & Ireland Green Gown Awards
The Bedford College Group chosen as a case study for the AoC Sustainability and Climate Change Hub
In the news
BTEC student at Bedford College, Aleksandra Stepien, landed her first job with construction company Ashe after she completed a work placement on a multi-million project they were delivering on behalf of The Bedford College Group.
Catering and hospitality student Oscar Plomer from Tresham College Corby was announced as a double award winner at the prestigious Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2024/25. Oscar was announced as the Gold award winner in the Canapé Competition and a Silver award winner in the ‘College Student of the Year’ category.
MAR
The Corby Sixth Form welcomed Rt Hon Lee Barron, MP for Corby and East Northants, to discuss his role as an MP and the current political climate with law and politics students.
Staff and students were involved in the landmark national announcement that Universal Destinations & Experiences will be establishing a world-class theme park and resort close to its Bedfordshire campuses by 2031.
The Group won the 2030 Climate Action award at the Green Gown Awards UK & Ireland for our ongoing commitment to decarbonisation and sustainability. These commitments included major infrastructure upgrades at Bedford College and restoring The Bedford Sixth Form’s Grade 2 listed building into a modern and sustainable property.
MAY
Central Bedfordshire College organised Dunstable’s first ever Pride event. This event was to celebrate the town’s LGBTQ+ communities in a fun and engaging way, with a procession through the town, a drag show, dancers and DJ sets.
DEC JAN FEB
The Bedford College Group were visited by Ofsted and received a ‘Good’ grade across the board. The report from Ofsted praised the Group for supporting learners to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours that they need to be successful in their future careers.
Tresham College Corby celebrated the reopening of the newly refurbished Manor Restaurant alongside employer partners and local dignitaries. The event showcased a refreshed and modern space where Hospitality and Catering students can hone their skills in a realworld setting.
BIG50 Vision for North Northamptonshire launched at Tresham College. The BIG50 Vision aims to make North Northamptonshire a proud, prosperous and proactive place by 2050 with Tresham College aiming to close the ‘skills gap’ by working with employers to increase student skills ready for the workplace.
The National Social Recruitment Advocacy Group summit was hosted at The Bedford Sixth Form. The summit brought together national employers, education leaders, and social value experts to share best practices in inclusive recruitment and employment.
Our annual Apprenticeship Awards were hosted at The Bedford Swan Hotel. The event highlighted the achievements of apprentices from the Group's colleges, spanning a wide range of industries, from Horticulture at Shuttleworth College to Construction at Central Bedfordshire College.
Students from Shuttleworth College put their agricultural skills to work for the local community by growing and donating fresh produce to the Bedford Food Bank. Regular two week deliveries were made by staff to the food bank over the Summer harvest.
In our community
Bedford College students given £90k funding decision for local initiatives
In August, a group of Bedford College students were given the power to make decisions on £90k of Bedford Giving funding to provide activities and support for local teenagers. Thanks to the pioneering initiative by Bedford Giving, students could choose to provide different activities and support young people’s mental health across the borough.
Bedford Giving is a collaborative movement that brings together funders, organisations, businesses, and residents to improve the lives of children and young people in Bedford. As a newly joined coalition partner, Bedford College helped establish a Youth Panel. The students looked at what is needed for teenagers in the borough and made funding decisions based on their lived experience and insight.
The Youth Panel is a core part of Bedford Giving’s mission to devolve decision-making powers to those directly affected by local challenges - ensuring solutions are shaped by the community itself. The panel has awarded grants to six projects which include:
Embrace (Bedford and District)
A Care Facilitator to help young people with complex disabilities and health needs to engage in social activities.
Fun 4 Young People (F4YP)
An early intervention programme offering six weeks of one-to-one, or small group sessions, for young people with mild to moderate mental health challenges.
Boxing Saves Lives
A mix of indoor and outdoor boxing sessions to provide teenagers with a safe space to express themselves, build confidence and develop new skills.
Link to Change
‘Wellbeing Walk-Ins’ to offer free, fortnightly evening sessions, led by a qualified counsellor.
Bedfordshire Open Door (BOD)
Young people will plan and deliver their own event focused on mental health awareness, support and learning new skills.
Faith in Queens Park
A vibrant programme of sports and empowerment activities, including tennis, cricket, and basketball.
Launch of BIG50
A working group was launched in January to unite educators, council members, and business leaders in empowering future generations and strengthening the local economy. North Northants Council is driving this initiative, with Tresham College playing a key role as education and skills are central to its mission. Originally called ‘The Big 50’, the project aims to achieve its goals by 2050, preparing young people for careers in essential industries like housing, healthcare and town planning. By directly addressing the ongoing ‘skills gap’ and collaborating with anchor institutions, it seeks to create a thriving community where people want to live, work, and visit.
Shuttleworth College Hosts NFU President on the Future of Farming
In March, Shuttleworth College was proud to welcome Tom Bradshaw, President of the National Farmers Union, for an inspiring lecture on the future of food and farming. The event brought together students, farmers, and union members for an evening of discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
Tom Bradshaw highlighted the UK’s potential to lead in sustainable food production despite global challenges. He emphasised the need for skilled professionals in the sector, stating: "The UK has a huge opportunity to produce food despite global challenges, but we need the brightest talent to drive the future of farming. Colleges like Shuttleworth play a vital role in developing that talent to secure our food supply and tackle climate change."
The lecture revealed interesting insights into agricultural policies, the government’s new budget, and the phase-out of the Sustainable Farming Incentive. Students discussed with Tom how these factors are likely to shape their future careers.
A 24-month skills policy proposition for the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor
Within the past year, our Executive Director of Curriculum, Robin Webber-Jones, has been outlining future strategies for skills policy within the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor. Geographically, The Bedford College Group is directly located within this Corridor. With a unique perspective of education policy due to his insightful role and connections with employers, Robin introduces three guiding design principles, explores how skills and place can drive inclusion across the region, sets out clear measures of success and proposes a practical agenda for the next 24 months.
“This is more than a pipeline problem; it’s a systems problem. The Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor’s advantage is cumulative: research councils and corporate R&D gather around strong colleges and universities; high-growth firms draw in global talent; specialist suppliers co-locate; and investors respond to these signals. If any one part - housing, transport, lab space, or training capacity falls behind, the whole system slows.”
Three Design Principles
Build connected clusters, not isolated hotspots
Overweight the “middle layer”
Pair skills investment with affordability and civic capacity
Some argue the Corridor risks widening divides with “places that don’t matter” and that neglecting left-behind areas fuels political backlash. The solution is both-and: link growth regions to hinterlands via commuting, supplier chains, and training partnerships, while directly investing in lagging towns. Get the system right, and the region becomes a globally distinctive model of inclusive, science-led growth.
An award winning year
Tresham College Student wins two awards at Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards
Oscar Plomer, student at Tresham College’s Manor Restaurant in Corby was announced as the Gold award winner in the Canapé Competition and a Silver award winner in the ‘College Student of the Year’ category.
Student Support Services Awarded Prestigious Matrix Standard for Excellence
Student Services, Customer Contact and Admissions were awarded the Matrix Standard for the Group’s commitment to delivering high-quality information, advice and guidance (IAG) to both prospective and current students.
Bedford College student Yaryana Synelnykova wins Student Superstar Award at MK Stem Awards
HE student Yaryna Synelnykova won the ‘Student Superstar’ award, coming first out of hundreds of nominees.
Marketing team achieve double win at The College Marketing Network FE First Awards 2025
Our Marketing team won two awards at the College Marketing Network Awards, including one for event management and one for ‘Rising Star’ for Cameron Smart.
Adult & Community Team receives ‘Highly Commended’ Recognition at the Pearson National Teaching Awards
The commendation was given within the ‘Impact Through Partnership’ category, celebrating the team’s outstanding contributions to learners and the broader educational community.
Three teachers from the Group shortlisted for Pearson National Teaching Awards
Central Bedfordshire College lecturer in Maths, Lavanya Yanamala was awarded Bronze, Jess Day, Outdoor Adventure Instructor and Lecturer at Shuttleworth College, was awarded Silver and at The Corby Sixth Form, Shona McFadyen, Teacher of A level Biology was awarded Silver.
Research and educational impact
How are we nurturing innovation?
At The Bedford College Group, research is not confined to journals or conferences; it lives in our learning spaces every day. The BRIEF (Bedford College Group Research, Innovation and Evaluation Fund) projects completed in the last academic year showcase our commitment to evidence-informed innovation.
Five new studies completed this year by our own staff across English, Maths, Early Years, Business, and Functional Skills, explored how innovative teaching, mentoring and digital tools can raise engagement and success. Staff have presented the findings at national conferences, contributed to sector consultations, and collaborated with awarding bodies on assessment design.
Farzana Khan’s AI-Driven Innovation in Education explores the potential of AI to develop entrepreneurial thinking in T Level learners. Using AI-based simulations, students experimented with running virtual businesses and analysing financial decisions. The project found that while some tools were too advanced for Level 3 learners, others offered powerful, immersive learning experiences that built confidence and employability skills.
Vera Duarte Santos and Katy Strand analysed the experiences of new Early Years students, revealing that while motivation was high, many learners struggled with confidence, mental health, and understanding of vocational pathways. These insights are shaping a new Transition and Induction Framework for 2025–26, ensuring every student feels prepared, connected, and confident from day one.
Kim Laughton’s Assertive Mentoring Programme tackled one of the sector’s most persistent challenges: attendance and motivation in GCSE English and Maths. Through targeted mentoring conversations and closer collaboration between subject and vocational staff, attendance in Maths rose above both departmental and college averages. The study demonstrated that when students feel noticed and supported, their engagement improves.
Libby Connelly’s Graphic Novels in GCSE English project re-imagined literacy teaching for learners who often find traditional nineteenthcentury texts inaccessible. By using graphic novels such as Maus and Heartstopper, the study found that students connected more easily with complex ideas and developed stronger written responses. Libby’s findings are now informing a college-wide CPD programme on using visual and digital media to support literacy and inclusion.
Kevin Norley’s Functional Skills Speaking and Listening study gave voice to teachers’ experiences of assessing communication skills. Kevin’s research exposed the heavy administrative demands placed on staff and called for more authentic, workplace-relevant assessment tasks. These findings have been shared nationally through the UK Literacy Association.
Our strategic plan highlights our aim to be an educational leader and a civic leader too, alongside making a vital contribution to a net zero economy. We will focus more sharply on the quality of education we provide and further develop the curriculum to help people in our communities flourish. This strategic plan looks to establish The Bedford College Group unarguably as the best and most authoritative provider of post-16 education in the region.
Strategic Plan
Future plans
Our ongoing collaboration with Universal Studios
We are thrilled to be working closely with the team at Universal Studios to ensure our students and the wider community gain the training and skills needed to secure the exciting job opportunities that will be created. This partnership will help open doors, build confidence and prepare local people for meaningful careers within the new Universal Studios Bedfordshire location. Alongside this partnership, the Group are in ongoing talks about the newly proposed Stewartby train station for the new site, and how these updates to rail infrastructure will also benefit the local community and the Group as a whole.
Launch of Aviation courses
An aviation provision is being developed for The Bedford College Group. In January 2025, apprentices from Marshalls, along with the teaching and assessing team, transferred into the Group. This transition allowed the Group to research this area of delivery and make a strategic decision to formally establish its aviation provision. Aviation is a key priority sector within our region, and we are positioning ourselves to become a lead provider of highquality aviation programmes. The Group is currently looking to offer the following courses:
Level 3 Apprenticeship Aviation Maintenance
Level 4 Apprenticeship Engineering Manufacturing
National College For Logistics welcoming students in 2026
The National College for Logistics has now been officially launched by the Group, located in Leighton Buzzard, central to the UK logistics network. Students will begin studying in the 2026–2027 academic year.
Being based within the South Midlands, the College is perfectly positioned to accommodate the busy logistics corridor and hundreds of warehouses already located between the North and the South.
A new curriculum for 2026–2027 is being developed, featuring data-driven logistics, AI applications in supply chain and operations and pathways reflecting evolving sector needs. The logistics curriculum will integrate practical training, digital systems, simulation technology, work placements, guest lectures, and project-based learning, all designed in collaboration with employers.
The college will offer a three-week Lean & Green Bootcamp introducing learners to the logistics sector, tailored to employer needs and focused on sustainability and efficiency. Participants can progress into employment or apprenticeship programmes, which range from Level 2 to Level 5, covering entrylevel, supervisory, and management roles.
Higher Skills course updates
In line with the Government White Paper on Post 16 Education and Skills, in 2026 the Group are launching the following new courses:
Level 4 and Level 5 Healthcare and Early Years
Level 4 HTQ Construction Site Management
Level 5 and Level 6 Therapeutic Counselling
Level 7 Therapeutic Counselling with a Master’s degree in Education
