In here you’ll find an abundance of good news stories, features and updates from students and staff across Cheshire College’s three Campuses.
We’d love to hear more! Send your news to p.release@ccsw.ac.uk so we can include it in our next issue. READ ALL ABOUT IT. HAVE
JUST SOME OF WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO …
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HOSPITALITY STUDENTS WELCOME LEADING EMPLOYERS FOR INDUSTRY NETWORKING DINNER
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CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENTS MARCH FOR VETERANS’ MENTAL HEALTH
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RAF VISIT HIGHLIGHTS GROWING CYBER CAREER PATHWAYS FOR CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENTS
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CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENT CROWNED “THE STRONGEST” IN NATIONAL AOC SPORT COMPETITION
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CHESHIRE COLLEGE HAIR AND BEAUTY STUDENTS SECURE COMPETITION SUCCESS
The Futures Programme at Cheshire College – South & West provides our students with coaching, support and unique opportunities to ensure your goals for the future are achieved.
Whether your dream is to go to a top university or start on the career ladder in a highly respected industry, we’ll work with you to boost your skills and confidence throughout your time with us.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY…
DYLAN
First Class BA Degree in Philosophy and Theology from Pembroke College, Oxford
I chose to study at Cheshire College due to the excellent standard of teaching and the flexible and enriching nature of the College environment. I was particularly attracted to the College by the Futures Programme. I received incredible help, advice, mentoring and opportunities throughout this programme, and it was pivotal for me getting into Oxford.
Scan the QR code to see what some of our students say about our incredible Futures Programme.
Head to the Student Hub when you’re on Campus.
simonetta.pearce@ccsw.ac.uk
HOSPITALITY STUDENTS
WELCOME LEADING EMPLOYERS FOR INDUSTRY NETWORKING DINNER
Hospitality students at Cheshire College – South & West welcomed leading employers from across the region for an industry dinner aimed at strengthening links between education and the hospitality sector.
The event, planned and delivered entirely by students, brought together over 60 industry professionals for an evening of networking, collaboration and fine dining. Representatives attended from organisations including
Rookery Hall, The Mere Golf Resort & Spa, Titanic Hotel Liverpool, The Midland Hotel Manchester, NHS, Savoy Educational Trust and local hospitality businesses such as Mel’s Kitchen. Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal and
Deputy CEO at Cheshire College, said:
“ Events like this demonstrate the incredible talent and dedication of our hospitality students. By bringing industry professionals into the College, we are creating valuable opportunities for collaboration, helping to bridge skills gaps and ensuring our students are equipped with the real-world experience employers are looking for.”
The evening began with a selection of canapés created by the students, followed by a four-course dinner. From menu design and food preparation to front-of-house service, every element of the experience was developed and delivered by the college’s hospitality students, showcasing their culinary creativity, technical skills and professionalism.
Hospitality student Leah, who helped organise the evening, said:
“ During the service, I worked the pass, controlling what left the kitchen and ensuring each dish reached the correct table smoothly and at the right time. This included checking every plate, managing the pace of service, and overseeing allergy requirements to ensure every guest was served safely and correctly. This role required constant communication
between the kitchen and front of house to maintain the quality and flow of the evening.”
She added:
“ The evening was a huge success, with many of the attending students receiving job offers and opportunities from the industry professionals who were present. Seeing those connections being made was incredibly rewarding and showed
exactly why events like this are so important for the next generation entering hospitality.”
The event forms part of the College’s wider commitment to strengthening links with employers, helping to address skills gaps through collaboration between education and industry while ensuring students gain the practical, career-focused experience needed to succeed in the sector.
CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENTS
MARCH FOR VETERANS’ MENTAL HEALTH
Uniformed Protective Services students at Cheshire College – South & West took part in the national March in March challenge, raising awareness and funds to support veterans’ mental health.
Throughout March, students at the College’s Crewe Campus committed to walking, running, or marching 10 miles to support Combat Stress, the UK’s
leading charity for veterans’ mental health. The challenge highlighted the challenges many former servicemen and women face after leaving the armed forces, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
The campaign concluded with a special event uniting students, veterans, and the College community to reflect on its impact. Key attendees included the Mayor of Crewe and Nantwich, the Cheshire East Mayor, representatives from the Royal British Legion, veterans from Bentley, and members of the Navy.
Richard Stephenson- Evans, Armed Forces Lead at Cheshire East Council commented:
“ Seeing the dedication and passion in the students shows that their hard work really pays off, especially during this event where they get to showcase their skills in front of veterans. It’s particularly rewarding to see students engaging with visitors, serving drinks, and chatting with them. The feedback from the veterans was excellent, and everyone is already looking forward to the next one.”
Leading a symbolic march, students shared their personal experiences and what drove them to support the cause. Guests also had the chance to engage
with students during a networking session, learning more about the importance of mental health support for veterans.
Ruth Szolkowska, Vice Principal for Innovation, Curriculum and Quality, said:
“ The dedication and compassion demonstrated by our students in support of this cause has been truly inspiring. Their engagement in both the physical challenge and the thoughtful presentation to veterans reflects their deep commitment to understanding and addressing the issues our servicemen and women face.”
Craig Halliwell, Assistant Director of Uniformed Protective Services, Sport, ESOL and Travel & Tourism, added:
“ I am immensely proud of our students for their dedication to such a significant cause. Their efforts to raise awareness and funds for veterans’ mental health are truly commendable.”
Funds raised throughout March will go toward life-saving services for veterans, including helpline support, occupational therapy sessions, and psychiatric appointments.
RAF VISIT HIGHLIGHTS GROWING CYBER CAREER PATHWAYS FOR CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENTS
Future cyber professionals at Cheshire College – South & West were given exclusive insight into careers at the forefront of UK defence when Royal Air Force digital specialists visited the Chester Campus.
Sergeant Joe Roberts, from RAF Digital’s Cyberspace Profession Strategic Development team, spoke about the growing importance of cyber operations and the role digital specialists play in protecting the UK’s infrastructure. Jordan Hogarts, RAF Recruitment Officer, outlined entry routes and career pathways into the RAF’s expanding cyberspace division.
Ben Bennett-Stanley, Assistant Director in Science, Business, and IT at the College’s Chester Campus added:
“ This was a great opportunity for our computing students to gain firsthand insights into the dynamic and evolving field of cyberspace professions. Both Sergeant Roberts and Jordan Hogarts provided invaluable perspectives on how technology and defence intersect, inspiring our students to think about how their skills could make a real difference in the digital world.”
Alex Southerton, Level 3 Year 2 Information Technology BTEC National Extended Diploma student, said:
“ The session highlighted the various benefits of being in the RAF, which I found highly informative. I also appreciated the opportunity to stay after the talk and ask questions directly to the presenters. This oneon-one interaction was incredibly
valuable and has further motivated me to pursue a career in the RAF Cyberspace division.”
Ruth Szolkowska, Vice Principal Innovation, Curriculum and Quality, said:
“ This session gave our students valuable exposure to a highly specialised and rapidly evolving sector. Understanding how their computing skills can translate into careers that protect and strengthen national
infrastructure is both inspiring and empowering.”
The visit reflects the College’s commitment to delivering a curriculum shaped by industry insight, regional skills gaps and strong employer engagement. By working closely with organisations operating at the forefront of digital innovation, the College ensures students develop the knowledge and capabilities required in today’s workforce.
CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENT CROWNED “THE STRONGEST”
IN NATIONAL AOC SPORT COMPETITION
A student from Cheshire College –South & West has been crowned the UK’s strongest college athlete after a dominant performance in a national
strength competition run by AoC Sport.
Troy, who studies at the College’s Ellesmere Port campus, secured
the title at The Strongest 2026—a nationwide contest designed to identify and celebrate the most powerful student athletes across further education.
The competition, which ran from October 2025 through to March 2026, attracted entrants from colleges across the UK. In the opening stage,
competitors submitted one-repetition maximum lifts in the deadlift and overhead push press, with the highest performers progressing to a live final hosted at Runshaw College.
A number of Cheshire College students advanced through the initial stages, demonstrating the strength and depth of talent within the College’s sport provision, before taking on the country’s best at the final.
Finalists faced a series of gruelling strongman-style challenges, including the Axle Deadlift for Reps, Log Press for Reps, Sandbag to Shoulder, and a combined Farmers Walk into Yoke Walk—testing not only strength but endurance and mental resilience.
Troy, excelled in the finals, completing 16 reps of a 210kg deadlift— out-lifting the second-place competitor
by eight reps—and was crowned AoC Sport’s Strongest 2026.
Ruth Szolkowska, Vice Principal for Innovation, Curriculum and Quality at Cheshire College, added:
“ We are immensely proud of Troy’s achievement, as well as the efforts of all our students who competed in this year’s competition. To have multiple students reach and perform at this level is a testament to their commitment and the strength of our sport programmes. Troy’s performance in the final was outstanding and shows what can be achieved through hard work, focus and determination.”
Cheshire College – South & West offers a range of sport courses and opportunities for students to compete and succeed at the highest levels.
HOSPITALITY STUDENTS
TAKE PART IN HOSPITALITY
EXPERIENCE AT ROOKERY HALL HOTEL & SPA
Hospitality students from Cheshire College – South & West recently visited Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, one of Cheshire’s leading country house hotels, for a hands-on experience in the hospitality industry.
The visit provided learners with
practical insight into both front-of-house and kitchen operations, as well as an opportunity to explore career pathways in luxury hospitality.
During the visit, students participated in a Front of House bed-making challenge and a culinary
invention task, creating their own smash burgers. They also toured the hotel, completed practical work linked to their hospitality and catering course, and experienced a conference-style lunch.
The visit was supported by Rookery
Hall’s Executive Head Chef, Dion Jones – recent winner of the National Chef of Wales competition and Chef Ambassador for the College’s Academy restaurant – who has developed a strong ongoing relationship with the students, alongside Conference & Banqueting Manager Lauren Clarke.
Dion said:
“ It's always a pleasure to spend the day with the Academy students and to welcome them at Rookery Hall. A great job by all involved, and I'm very proud to be a part of it.”
Ruth Szolkowska, Vice Principal for Innovation, Curriculum and Quality, added:
“ Experiences like this allow students to develop practical skills and gain insight into real-world
hospitality careers. Learning outside the classroom makes a lasting impact on confidence and understanding.”
Students described the experience as inspiring. Cory Price said:
“ Rookery Hall is beautiful inside and out, and Dion was brilliant with us. He’s a chef I’d like to work for in the future.”
Kaitlin Martin added:
“ Visiting Rookery Hall showed us the hard work and passion behind hospitality. It’s an experience that can’t be replicated in the classroom.”
The visit highlighted Cheshire College’s s commitment to connecting students with real-world industry experiences and fostering relationships with hospitality leaders.
Choosing Higher Education at Cheshire College – South & West will provide you with the opportunity to study locally at one of our three cutting-edge Campuses based in Cheshire.
CHESHIRE COLLEGE
AWARD WINNERS
CHESHIRE COLLEGE HAIR AND BEAUTY STUDENTS
SECURE COMPETITION SUCCESS
Students from Cheshire College –South & West are celebrating after excelling at the regional heats of the AHT national hair and beauty competition.
Students from the College’s Ellesmere Port and Crewe campuses competed across a range of specialist hair, beauty and creative categories, showcasing their technical ability, creativity and industry-standard skills. Several students secured top three placements and are now progressing to the National Finals, which will take place on 11 May 2026.
At the Ellesmere Port campus, students enjoyed success across multiple categories. Jazmine Taylor secured first place in the 14–16 School Entry Prom Make-Up category, while Ella-May Davies placed third in Feminine Bridal Make-Up. In the creative Create an Image: Day at the Races category, hair and make-up team Scarlet Hanlon and Rose Tartt took first place with a standout entry.
Further success included Lilly Carin who took first place in the Nails Mood Board category, and Leigh
Cowper placing second in Fantasy Hair. Students from the Crewe campus also secured podium finishes, with Jack Ball placing third in Body Art and Harriet Alcock finishing second in Face Painting.
Ruth Szolkowska, Vice Principal Innovation, Curriculum and Quality, said the results reflected the quality of teaching and training at the College.
“ Achieving this level of success at a competitive regional heat is a fantastic accomplishment. The categories demand precision, creativity and the ability to perform
under pressure, and our students delivered. Competitions like this reflect real industry expectations, and we are proud to see our students showcasing their talent and professionalism so confidently.”
Hair & Media Make-up student Harriet said the competition had been a valuable experience.
“ Taking part in the competition was an incredible experience. It pushed me to challenge myself, build confidence in my skills, and represent my college alongside other talented people in the industry.”
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If you'd like to view our collection of past issues of the Cheshire College Chronicle, you can access this anytime by scanning the QR code! MARCH 2026
We’d love to hear more! Send your news to p.release@ccsw.ac.uk so we can include it in our next issue. HAVE A STORY
