Spectacular awards successes for Milton Keynes College
Staff at Milton Keynes College are celebrating their accomplishments after individuals and departments were shortlisted in a staggering four different categories in the top Further Education awards.
The TES Awards (formerly Times Education Supplement) are widely recognised as the pinnacle of achievement in the sector and it’s extremely rare for a college to reach the top in so many areas at once.
Barber Course Team Leader Jack Maude is in the running for Teacher of the Year, not just for the stunning results of his students but also for his work teaching them to spot the signs of domestic abuse among their customers – an initiative developed with Thames Valley Police. The Employer Engagement Team have made it to the final for their work forging exceptional links with local businesses and involving them in making sure students learn the skills that are relevant to today’s workplaces.
In the category entitled Outstanding Use of Technology, College staff have impressed the judges with their use of myriad different softwares to bring classes to life – such an important achievement over the past year when students have had to study from home. Meanwhile the Finance Team have made it to their final after turning round a £2.6 million deficit and bringing the College into the black in spite of more than a decade of cuts in funding and without damaging student opportunities in the process.
Group Chief Operating Officer, Imelda Galvin, says, “The College has worked hard to move to a more sustainable financial model. The main aim was to get the money right without damaging the quality of the education and training we provide. We also knew that closer links with employers would support our students gain meaningful employment in their sectors of choice. I’m so proud of our Finance and Employer Engagement teams who have worked together to enhance the student experience and feel that this is the ultimate endorsement of that process.”
CEO and Group Principal, Dr Julie Mills OBE says, “This is such wonderful recognition for everyone at the College, staff and students alike, for the exceptional work they’ve put in during the toughest year we’ve ever had. This will give everybody the pat on the back they deserve for not just maintaining the education and training we provide, but for innovating and securing the best possible outcomes for our students and our partners despite the challenge of the pandemic. I’m always proud of the College’s impact and to receive this level of recognition from TES is such a boost. To enter four categories in the awards and to be shortlisted for all of them is testament to the excellent standards the team at MK College sets itself.”
The results will be announced at a high-profile, virtual event on 28th May.