BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COLLEGE GROUP
Apprentice oftheTerm
Well done to David Stephens who is currently completing his Installation Electrician Level 3 Apprenticeship with D&P Electrical Solutions. David was nominated by his Training Supervisor, Amy. Here is some amazing feedback from his employer:
“I’d like to start by congratulating Davidontherecognitionthathehas received, it’s great that the College are also seeing the same approach to studies that we see to his approach to work. David has been proactive throughout his entire apprenticeship. He listens well to advice, which he takes on board, has practiced various installation techniques in his own time and often asks questions to check his understanding. As David nears the end of his apprenticeship, we would like to wish him well with the remainder of his course and look forward to him spending many happy years with us here at D&P Electrical Solutions, where I am confident he will have a successful career”
-AndyHearne,OperationsManager atD&PElectricalSolutions.
During Apprenticeship Week at Bucks College Group, a variety of activities took place to inform, motivate and celebrate those pursuing apprenticeship pathways. This week’s classroom WISPA tutorials provided students with clear insight into the different apprenticeship routes available, along with practical guidance on applications, CV building and workplace expectations. The sessions were designed to help students feel more confident, prepared and aware of their future options. We also celebrated the continued support of our employer partners by presenting them with thank you goodie bags to recognise their vital role in developing skilled and work ready apprentices. A major highlight of the week included a visit from our local MP, Laura Kyrke-Smith, who met with tutors, apprentices and employers across carpentry, motor vehicle and hair. The visit provided an opportunity to hear directly about learner experiences, discuss the value of apprenticeships for local industries and observe the positive impact apprenticeship training has within the college.
Throughout the week, several apprentices and employers were interviewed, sharing their real life experiences and perspectives which can be found across our social media platforms. These insights showcased the advantages apprenticeships offer to both learners and businesses and highlighted the strong, supportive apprenticeship culture that continues to grow within the College.
KEYDATES
GCSEMocks
March Mock GCSEs Are Coming!
Get ready to put your knowledge to the test — the March Mock GCSE exams are just around the corner, and it’s the perfect chance to see how far you’ve come this year!
English Mock ➗ Maths Mock 11th March 13th March
This is your chance to practise under real exam conditions, spot your strengths, and see where you can level up before the real thing. Revise smart, ask questions, and give it your best shot.
NewFootballAcademy ProgrammeLaunches
ThisTerminPictures
Our Music Performance & Music Technology students ended 2025 on a high, delivering an incredible live streamed show at our annual event, Pitched!
Our Public Services & Sports students hit the courts to take part in football, basketball and badminton during their sports day.
Health & Social Care students hosted a successful Thrift & Thrive sales morning at our Aylesbury campus to raise vital funds for the Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research - Life After Paralysis Charity.
Our Art & Design students showed fantastic teamwork and creativity while designing and painting a vibrant mural for the Trinity Community Project at RAF Halton, gaining valuablerealworldexperience.
Buckinghamshire College Group has partnered with Future Pro Footballers Academy (FPF Academy) to launch a new Football Academy Pathway at the Wycombe Campus, offering students aged 16–19 the chance to combine academic study with professionalstyle football development. Alongside the Level 2 Sports Coaching and Level 3 Sports & Physical Activity programmes, learners will train in an academy environment,withstructureddevelopmentforboth boys and girls and opportunities to compete in leagues and cup fixtures. Selected students will take part in two to three weekly training sessions during college hours and gain valuable competitive experience while working toward recognisedqualifications.
“This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for Buckinghamshire College Group. We are committed to creating opportunities that inspire and empower our learners, and this collaboration with Future Pro Football Academy does exactly that. By combining academic achievement with elite football training, we’re offering students a pathway that nurtures ambition, talent and personal growth, bothonandoffthepitch”.
-JennyCraig
CollegeClubs
College isn’t just about lessons and exams, it’s about discovering who you are, building lifelong friendships, and exploring your passions. That’s where College Clubs come in! Check out the full list of clubs on Student Space, or speak to Student Services to find out more.
AlumniSuccess
Our Alumni Mihaela Boev studied TLevel Education and Childcare at our Wycombe Campus and has recently progressed on to study BSc Psychology at Middlesex University, where she is thriving. Well done Mihaela!
WeaskedMihaelawhatadviceshe wouldgivetoourcurrentstudents:
“Be positive, it really opens up new opportunities”
Did you study here too? We’d love to hear your journey! Scan the QR code to share your story with us.
StudentSpotlight
We are incredibly proud of our Student Governor, Oreoluwa Adeyemo, who continues to shine in her leadership role at Buckinghamshire College Group. Recently elected as Vice Chair of theAssociationofCollegesStudent Governor Network, she supports studentgovernorsacrosstheentire UK,ensuringlearners’voicesshape key decisions in their colleges. A trulyinspiringachievement!
“Bringing our ideas together and speaking with one voice is something I really wanted to be part of and I think that is an incredible responsibility. Being able to represent people who feel they don’t have a voice within the association is a role I’mpassionateabouttakingon.”
-OreoluwaAdeyemo
SENDSpotlight
UpcomingOpenEvent
Saturday 25 April 2026
Findoutmore
We are proud to announce that the Pathway to Employment students at Wycombe campus have just opened their café this term - Harmony Café. Learners have been making menus and selling food to students and staff on campus. They have shown great communication and people skills through this learning and café setting. We have the café run on Wednesdays from 11:30-2pm. They have also been running a shop on Mondays which sells items they have made themselves to their peers, these items could include cards, sweets, and Nik nak type items. They have grown so much this term with their employability skills.
This year, we are delighted to be hosting a special Iftar meal during Ramadan. Students are warmly invited to join us for a peaceful evening of community, reflection, and shared food as we break the fast together. We look forward to creating a welcoming space for all students and staff that wish to take part.
KeepingourStudentsSafe
To ensure we are providing a safe learning environment for your young person, we have dedicated Safeguarding Officers at each campus, in Student Services.
Students can pop in to discuss any concerns. They can also contact us via Teams, email or by using the ‘Report a Concern’ button on Student Space. The contact information can be found on the back of their College ID badges.
To help support their safety we ask that students wear their ID badges at all times on site and familiarise themselves with College policies such as the Supportive Performance Management Policy, Health & Safety, and Internet Safety Guidance.
During their WISPA tutorial sessions they will cover a variety of topics, including Safeguarding, Prevent and staying safe online.
Ifyouryoungpersonrequiresanysupporttheycanalsoaccessthe followingsupportagencies:
Kooth.com (free, safe and anonymous online support and counselling)
Text SHOUT to 85258 (free, confidential support, 24/7)
Call Samaritans on 116 123 (call free any time, from any phone)
MentalHealthandWellbeingSignposting
If someone’s life is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E immediately—for example, if they have seriously harmed themselves, taken an overdose, or you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe. A mental health emergency is just as serious as a physical one, and you will never be wasting anyone’s time by calling 999.
Work
Experience PlacementsintheNHS
Discoverarangeofclinicalandnon-clinical roles,including:
Nursing
Midwifery
CareersEducationatCollege
At Buckinghamshire College Group,wearecommittedto ensuring every student reaches their full potential. Ourgoalistoequipallofour studentswiththeknowledge and confidence they need tomakethebestchoicesfor their future. This journey involves supporting many aspects of your child’s personal and professional development.
Keepaneyeoutforupdates on our upcoming events, webinars, and local labour market insights. And don’t forget to encourage your childrentojoinournewWork Ability Workshops - a great opportunity to build confidenceandskills!
Our careers programme is focused on getting our students work-ready. These sessions will give students the opportunity to develop key skills in areas such as digital literacy, CV writing, UCAS applications, and employee rights and responsibilities.
We will also be welcoming external providers to deliver talks and workshops on career pathways across a range of industries. These sessions will offer valuable opportunitiesforstudentsto network with employers, explore local opportunities, and gain advice and guidanceontheirnextsteps afterCollege.
“Hello! My name is Helen Smirthwaite, and I am excited to have joined the College as a Careers and Progression Adviser. I am Level 6 qualified and ready to support your child(ren)withtheirnextsteps,whethertheyalreadyhavea plan or are still exploring their options. Whatever stage they are at, I am here to talk things through and help them feel confident about their future and the choices ahead. Career guidance sessions last between 30 and 60 minutes. Afterwards, each student will receive a personalised action plan outlining what we discussed, signposting any relevant information,andsettingoutclearnextstepswithactions.“
Please feel free to get in touch!
Pharmacy
ClinicalPsychology
Findoutmore
UsefulWebsites
Find out how to access and develop skills, qualifications and career opportunities. Check out their Classroom to Careers Newsletter for more information on local
Afreeemployabilityandfinancialeducation programme, to unlock skills and employmentopportunitiesforallages.
hsmirthwaite@buckscollegegroup.ac.uk
Gain virtual work experience and try universitycoursesbeforeyouapply.
