The City of Liverpool CollegeDavid Milner, Author at The City of Liverpool College

The City of Liverpool College supported hundreds of learners receiving their A-Level and Level 3 results today with a celebratory results day. The Clarence Street campus was packed with excited students celebrating at the College, which was recently praised for its ‘outstanding’ personal development of learners by OFSTED.

The College celebrated a 100% pass rate in STEM subject BTECs, while there was an incredible 100% A-Level pass rate in English Language, Film Studies, Media Studies, Physics and Spanish. There was also a milestone 92% pass rate in T-Levels, including Surveying, Building Services Design, Mechanical, Health and Science and Education and Childcare. This was higher than the national average of 90.5%.

Neil Borg-Olivier, Vice Principal, praised the class of 2024. He said: “Following our exceptional OFSTED report, it is a truly special day to celebrate such a large percentage of our cohort across a wide range of subjects, backgrounds and age-groups. This exemplifies perfectly the continued progress of The City of Liverpool College.

“I am so proud of our students, teachers and leadership who have all worked so hard towards these achievements. It has been remarkable to speak with so many students today who are taking their next steps in education, either with The City of Liverpool College or elsewhere.

“Our yearly results day celebration is an opportunity for us as staff to recognise another cohort of incredible students, who I admire deeply. I can only thank them for their amazing work ethic, exceptional attitude and proactive approach to learning.”

The results bookmark a spectacular year for the largest further education provider in Merseyside. Earlier in 2024, an OFTSED report labelled The City of Liverpool College “transformative and life-enhancing.” OFSTED acknowledged that learners at the College “develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers need,” including Apprentices, while leaders at the college were also praised. The report added: “Leaders ensure curriculums help students and apprentices prepare for their next steps and progress to aspirational careers.”

The City of Liverpool College supported learners with mental health and counselling support on hand. A range of higher education providers were also in attendance alongside The City of Liverpool College’s own HE team to talk to students and offer expert guidance for their futures. The College is committed to inclusivity, creating an environment that recognises students as individuals with individual needs and personalised support.

Student President, Sleiman Darwish, who achieved an incredible Distinction Star grade in Mathematics, is planning to study Computer Science at university. He said: “It has been an amazing experience at The City of Liverpool College. I am so happy with my results. I achieved so much more than I expected!

“I get so much support from the College. It was the College that encouraged me to run for Student President, so I want to thank them, especially the Student Engagement Team. They told me I was a born leader!”

The City of Liverpool College were also celebrated by OFSTED for their ‘outstanding’ personal development and adult learning programmes across the college. And this benefited one adult learner more than most. Rebecca Angell, from Wales, used The City of Liverpool College nursery for her son while she studied for her Level 3 IT qualification. She achieved a Distinction Star grade on her son’s second birthday. Rebecca said: “As an adult learner, I was really nervous joining The City of Liverpool College but the tutors were amazing. I have enjoyed the course so much and I achieved a Distinction Star!

“It’s my two-year-old son’s birthday today too. He goes to nursery at the College while I study! It has been so great because we have both developed here at The City of Liverpool College.

“I’ll be coming back in September to study for my Level 4 in IT. I’m so excited. I take each year as it comes but all the tutors at the College are so helpful and always looking to help me find my direction. The support is amazing.”

Those looking to apply at The City of Liverpool College should get in touch with the college directly at 0151 252 3000 or applications@liv-coll.ac.uk.

The City of Liverpool College supports more than 80 people experiencing homelessness at its annual ‘Open House’ event. The event, organised by students in partnership with Crisis and The Whitechapel Centre, is now in its 8^th year.

Students from across the college got involved, including catering students and Air Cabin crew who cooked and served a free Christmas lunch for all guests. Hair and beauty and barbering students were also on hand to offer haircuts and treatments.

All guests were provided with essential winter items, such as hats, scarves and gloves donated by the college’s staff, students and partners. Crisis, the national charity for those experiencing homelessness, were also available on the day to offer support and advice to visitors.

The event was attended by Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram, who praised the efforts of our students. In a statement, he said: “Now more than ever, our society needs to see more compassionate, human-led approaches to helping the most vulnerable in our communities.”

The Liverpool Echo spoke to some of the catering students ahead of the event as they worked to prepare the Christmas dinners, with meat and vegetarian options available.

Student, Recce Gallagher said: “It’s a shame to see so many people on the street and it’s obviously quite bad.

“They don’t get as much help as they should from those in power, so other people have to step up. I’m in my second year now so I’ve got a fair bit of skills, and those skills can be put to use here.”

“For the most vulnerable people in our community, Christmas can be a particularly challenging time of year.

“Our annual Open House is testament to the compassion and generosity of our students and the wider community. As one of the largest student communities in Liverpool, we are so proud to see young people coming together to support those less fortunate, especially during the festive season.”

“We are proud to be supporting this event, which not only offers immediate relief and assistance, but also raises awareness of the pressing issue of homelessness.

“By showcasing the dedication and efforts of students, we hope the event will inspire others to take action and contribute to ending homelessness in our community.”

The City of Liverpool College is working in partnership with Mindful Education to deliver award-winning blended learning courses in accounting.

These courses are ideal for learners with busy lives who are looking to change careers or learn new skills for their current role.

Significant funding is available to learners through the government’s Free Courses for Jobs scheme, meaning that courses at Level 3 are free of charge to eligible learners. Funding and loans are also available for Level 2 and Level 4 courses, please contact the college for more information.

The blended learning ‘Online and On Campus’ courses are accredited by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and offer a flexible option for study. Courses are a mixture of online study, giving learners access to high-quality video lessons with motion graphics that bring concepts to life, and regular face-to-face lessons with a college tutor and classmates who provide a valuable sounding board and help to keep learners on track.

Mindful Education, founded in 2015, works in partnership with further education colleges to deliver media-rich professional courses in accounting using a flexible, blended learning approach.

For more information out more about our partnership with Mindful Education and the funding available, click here.

Our Academy Restaurant played host to a wonderful celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth this month that also helped to mark the launch of its new tasting menu.

Level 3 cookery students, guided by the expertise of the brilliant chef Ian Jaundoo, embarked on a culinary journey that was as inspiring as it was delicious. In honour of Black History Month, they curated a 6-course tasting menu inspired by the vibrant flavours of African and Caribbean cuisine. This menu was the star of an invite-only private dining event, featuring guests from local media, influential figures, and foodie enthusiasts.

The evening ended with powerful words from change-maker Afiya Amesu, whose mission is to drive equality and diversity in the workplace. Her emphasis on the importance of allyship set a poignant tone for the night.

Our Principal, Elaine Bowker, highlighted the significance of the event, saying, “The City of Liverpool College remains committed to fostering a spirit of togetherness and celebrating the rich cultural tapestry that Black History Month represents. This gathering is a testament to our dedication to culinary excellence and our commitment to celebrating and championing diversity and inclusivity.”

The event drew not only media and local diversity leaders but also local foodie content creators, including @tamtalizatv, who is a former COLC student with over 1 million fans across socials, and the talented duo, Bish and Liv from @craveandcapturee.

Black History Month, established in 1987 on the 150th anniversary of Caribbean emancipation, raises awareness of significant names and events in the history of people of African and Caribbean descent. The celebration was marked by a specially crafted African and Caribbean inspired menu, expertly prepared by our student chefs under the guidance of Executive Chef Ian Jaundoo.

Our Academy Restaurant’s new tasting menu offers a wide array of options, inspired by cuisines from around the world. We’ve carefully selected a panel of well-established and experienced chefs from the region to collaborate with our students, providing them with access to leading industry talent to develop their cookery and dining skills to an industry-standard level.

Every Thursday evening, our student chefs expertly prepare dishes using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, guided by one of the selected professional chefs. These tasting menus are available starting from £35 per person.

Our Academy Restaurant is nestled on Tradewind Square off Duke Street, providing a unique backdrop in the heart of Liverpool’s historic Ropewalks.

The City of Liverpool College extends huge congratulations to the ‘Class of 2023’ for their Level 2, 3 and 4 results!

Here at The City of Liverpool College, we understand just how important results are to both young learners and their parents. We couldn’t be prouder of our students – they’ve shown incredible determination, drive and ambition and we can’t wait to see what they achieve next.

Securing three or more substantial qualifications isn’t just a piece of paper; it can be a key that unlocks the door to a learner’s next big adventure. As a leading national further education provider for over 12,000 students across the Liverpool City Region and beyond, we offer one of the most diverse and comprehensive academic and vocational curriculums around.

Our mission? Simple yet impactful: we’re all about delivering top-notch skills and education, as well as supporting every student who comes through our doors to achieve. Our aim is to fuel growth and provide opportunities not only for individuals but also for businesses across the Liverpool City Region.

Level 3 & A Level

Level 2 & GCSE

19-year-old Sleiman Darwish, who is originally from Syria, and is also one of the College’s student governors, couldn’t stop smiling after securing top marks for his IT qualification.

Speaking with the Liverpool Echo, he said the grade came as a surprise as the exams were “really tough”. He is now planning for university.

“I’m really happy, really excited. I got more than what I expected. I was going for a Distinction in my Level 3 NVQ IT qualification, but today I’m really happy to get the highest grade possible – Distinction Star.”

Dinna Daniel, 18, wants to be a horror film director after landing a distinction in her Level 2 Media Studies.

“I was scared when I was getting them but when I saw it couldn’t believe it! It’s been a difficult time to study but I’m going on to study my Level 3.”

Rab Martin, 18, collected her marks for GCSEs. Rab was sitting formal exams for the first time, having previously been home-schooled.

She said: “It’s been a pretty difficult year and I was really anxious this morning, but it was a huge relief when I saw my results. I’ve had to adapt, and I’ve done all I can, I’m really pleased!”

Nathan Rigby, a 20 year-old from West Derby also spoke to the Liverpool Echo. He was delighted with his grades, securing top marks in his Level 3 IT Diploma. which will enable him to complete a supported internship at Broadgreen Hospital.

Nathan said: “It gives people with special complex needs like me the chance to build up work skills naturally and get into what we want to do, and how that career field works in general.

“I will have someone that will monitor me and support me as I do this internship. We can then take these skills into a real work environment in the future. I feel like, if I went into a career field without those workers, I’d really struggle.”

The scheme sets out to encourage 14-to-18-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds and lower social economic groups to enter the field of journalism and to ensure the next generation of journalists is more representative of the wider population.

As part of our commitment, the College will be supporting 25 young people, showing there are alternative routes into journalism other than university and how journalism can be a creative, rewarding, challenging, and exciting career path.

Our school of journalism already boasts an impressive track record of preparing journalists in their early careers, with graduates going on to secure impressive roles in the industry including working with the BBC, ITV, The Metro, The Independent, and many others.

Sally Nugent, Presenter for BBC Breakfast

The College has proudly taught journalists for over 30 years and offers the only stand-alone course in Merseyside to be officially accredited by The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

The NCTJ is the oldest and most established journalism qualification in the UK and remains the industry standard for those looking to break into the industry.

Our Level 5, 18-week fast track diploma course is industry recognised, includes guaranteed work experience with a local newsroom, features guest lectures and is taught by expert tutors, making it the only course you need to become a qualified multimedia journalist.

Caoimhe O’Neill, LFC Writer for The Athletic

One of last year’s students, Conal Cunningham, was awarded with the Newsquest essential journalism prize, for achieving some of the best results in the country.

Whether you’re interested in sports, music, local issues, business, or national broadcast, the NCTJ Level 5 Diploma delivers it all and includes training in media law, public affairs, shorthand, video journalism and more.

The NCTJ diploma is an excellent route for graduates who want a career in journalism or is a great alternative to university for those who are aged over 18.

If you’re looking to pursue a career in the media, our Journalism School is a great place to start.

To find out more about our fast-track NCTJ accredited course starting in September, click here.

Cancer patients at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre benefit from student-made virtual reality video.

Residents across Cheshire and Merseyside, and the surrounding areas who are being treated for cancer will now be able to see what to expect ahead of their first appointment, thanks to a new virtual reality video produced by local students.

Patients at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool are now able to access a virtual tour of the Radiotherapy Department, produced by 80 Computer Science Digital (Level 3) students at The City of Liverpool College, so they are better informed and prepared for their first radiotherapy appointment.

Therapeutic Radiographers at Cheshire and Merseyside’s specialist cancer Trust, joined forces with the students inSeptember 2019, who set out to improve patient experience by giving patients and their families insight in to what to expect when they attend their first appointment. The video was created for The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool, the Trust’s flagship hospital which opened in 2020, and includes 3D visual representations of finding the radiotherapy department, signing in, how the changing facilities work and what to expect when entering the treatment room.

The concept for the video was developed when planning for the new hospital and was part of a wider project to enhance patient experience. It was established not only for the benefit of patients but also to deliver social value by offering hands-on work experience for young people.

Students involved said: “We are all so grateful to have been given the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful project, working with the hospital to help patients in the local community, all whilst gaining valuable industry work experience.”

The Radiotherapy team were conscious that patients often feel anxious about what to expect when coming for their first appointment and found that some patients have concerns about the unknown aspects of hospital visits, such as finding their way around and knowing what to expect from their first treatment appointment.

The virtual reality video aims to reduce the potential for anxiety and stress, by introducing patients to the hospital, the Radiotherapy Department and one of the Radiographers, Tom Cummings, virtually.

Nicky Hutton, Radiotherapy Advanced Practitioner, who led the project for The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, said: “I would like to thank everyone involved in this project. This virtual tour aims to provide patients with key information so that they can get that feeling of ‘I’m happier now that I know what is going on’ earlier in their treatment journey. The whole team are really excited about this virtual tour and the impact it will have on our patients.

“As a Trust, we are committed to continuously improve the service that we provide to our patients. We acknowledge how daunting it must be for our patients attending the hospital for the first time and hope that this video will answer some of the common questions they have when they first begin their radiotherapy treatment.

“Patients who have already seen the video have mentioned how it put them at ease and we hope it will go on to do the same for others.”

It is hoped the video will become part of a collection of resources that are developed for other departments at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool and Trust wide, such as chemotherapy, to improve patient experience in other departments.

As Head of Apprenticeships, I’m here to bust some of the myths surrounding apprenticeships and highlight the many benefits they offer.

Myth #1: Apprenticeships are just for people who aren’t academically inclined

This is far from the truth. Apprenticeships are a great option for anyone who wants to start or further their career, regardless of their academic background. They offer a unique combination of on-the-job training and academic learning that allows individuals to develop both their practical and theoretical skills. Whether you’re looking to start a new career or improve your current one, apprenticeships provide valuable hands-on experience and industry-recognised qualifications.

Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of industries, including but not limited to construction, engineering, hospitality, IT, finance, hairdressing, and barbering. With the increasing demand for skilled workers in many industries, apprenticeships are becoming more and more diverse, allowing individuals to pursue their passion and interests in a variety of fields.

While apprenticeships are often associated with young people just starting their careers, they are not limited to a specific age group. Individuals of any age can benefit from an apprenticeship, whether they are looking to change careers, upskill, or retrain in a new field. Apprenticeships are designed to be flexible and cater to the needs of different learners, and many employers are open to taking on mature apprentices who bring a wealth of experience to the workplace.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Apprenticeships provide a solid foundation for a successful career and are highly valued by employers. Not only do apprentices gain valuable hands-on experience, but they also develop a range of transferable skills that are highly sought after by employers. Many of our apprentices go on to secure permanent positions within the companies they trained with.

One of the biggest benefits of an apprenticeship is that you get paid while you learn. Apprentices earn a wage while gaining valuable on-the-job experience. This means you can start building your career and earning a living, all while gaining the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.

In conclusion, apprenticeships offer a wealth of opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to develop their skills, gain valuable experience, and launch successful careers. I encourage anyone considering an apprenticeship to explore their options and take advantage of this valuable opportunity. To find out more, visit: www.liv-coll.ac.uk/apprenticeships

Journalism student, Conal Cunningham, has been awarded with the Newsquest essential journalism prize, for achieving some of the best results in the country in the 2021-22 NCTJ Diploma in Journalism exams.

A total of 8,255 NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) diploma exams were sat throughout the academic year, with Conal achieving the best grade in the country for the Essential Journalism exam and receiving a cash prize of £250.

For the past 18 months, Conal has been working as a trainee journalist at the St Helens Star and Leigh Journal, reporting on a variety of people, court cases, council meetings and charity events.

“I’m thrilled to have achieved the best grade in the country for my Essential Journalism exam. It’s not something I was expecting but it’s been great to have been recognised and congratulated on the award. It shows I’m on the right path!”

“The college were thorough in preparing me for all the journalism exams I had to take. I wasn’t familiar with too many of the modules, so course tutors Joanna and Kate really helped get me up to speed, despite it being a fast-track course.”

“As I had already undertaken a degree and masters at university, I was really pleased that the College offered a fast-track journalism course so I could quickly get the qualifications I needed. It was a fairly laidback but also very thorough course with supportive tutors.”

“I’ve really enjoyed working for the St Helens Star and Leigh Journal. It’s given me a good platform to start my career and the opportunity to interview a range of people on a variety of topics and events.”

“I’m not sure what’s next but I do enjoy the local aspect of journalism and getting to be a voice for ordinary people in the community. In the future I could perhaps specialise in a specific field of journalism.”

“I would definitely recommend the NCTJ course and the College to aspiring journalists. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after university, so it was a great way to quickly get up to speed in journalism and gain the necessary qualifications to start my career.”

If, like Conal, you’re interested in a career in journalism and would like to find out more about our fast-track NCTJ accredited course, click here.

Following on from the success of last year’s ‘Love Our Colleges’ campaign, The City of Liverpool College will be joining institutes across the country next week to celebrate the fifth annual Colleges Week.

The campaign, which is hosted by the Association of Colleges (AoC), sees colleges, students, and businesses from across the country come together to celebrate the brilliant things colleges do, day in and day out to build communities, boost business and support individuals.

The College plays an essential role in the employment and learning infrastructure and culture in Liverpool, serving more than a third of all 16-18-year-olds in Liverpool, and educating almost 12,000 learners each year.

Supporting this year’s campaign theme, Staff – Students – Skills, throughout the week we will be putting the spotlight on the College’s recent success stories across a range of different subject areas, and capturing the factors that make colleges the incredible, transformative places they are.

We’ll also be speaking with current students at the College about their journeys and why they decided to pursue their studies in a college environment as opposed to the various other education options available to them.

Across our social media channels, we’ll be posting behind the scenes footage with staff members, showcasing the individuals who keep the cogs of our college turning, and taking a closer look inside some of our classrooms to see what goes on behind closed doors! Make sure you follow us on @COLCollege to keep up to date with the week’s events!

We will also be using the week to share information on the benefits of college education in the UK, as well as the College’s personal ambitions for the future as we continue to lead the way in being the College for Business across the region.

“Our College has played a vital role in the skills and education of thousands of students. It is an honour and a privilege to celebrate further education on a national platform like Colleges week.

“Love Our Colleges Week is a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate not only our successes, but the important work of colleges across the country. Colleges play a vital role in our communities and in helping so many young people to learn and acquire new skills that will prepare them well for the world of work.”

Colleges week takes place from Monday 17th – Friday 21st October. You can find out more about the campaign, here.

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Level 3 & A Level

Level 2 & GCSE

Sally Nugent, Presenter for BBC Breakfast

Caoimhe O’Neill, LFC Writer for The Athletic