Selected from thousands of nominations, our Sports Department has been honoured as one of 102 Pearson National Teaching Silver Award winners across the country.

They were awarded for Further Education Team of the Year for their outstanding commitment to changing the lives of the young people they work with every day.

This now means that the Sports team will be shortlisted for one of just 15 Gold Awards later in the year - due to be broadcast on BBC's The One Show.

College Principal, Anna Dawe said: “We are delighted that our Sports Centre of Excellence teaching team are a Pearson UK Silver Award Winner. Individually they are outstanding teachers but it is in their strength of working as a team that has resulted in an amazing college experience for our students.”

The team provides programmes for a range of sporting expertise from elite level athletes to learners who want to participate for recreational reasons.

Staff have incredible experience in the sports industry which means they pass on thorough knowledge to learners. Student destinations are amazing, with learners progressing to universities and sports scholarships across the world.

The department boasts a 100% pass rate, with 78% of students achieving grades above their target, and every student goes on to secure a place at their destination of choice. The team have also established links with external partners to support student wellbeing and disability specific sports.

Head of Department, Gareth Hayes said: “It is a fantastic effort from everyone involved to achieve a silver national teaching award. I am proud to be part of a special group of people. Now into the next round to achieve the Gold award!”