Shortlist for 2017-18 Beacon Awards announced

The Association of Colleges (AoC) has announced the shortlist for this year’s Beacon Awards. The awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK colleges. The shortlist for the 2017-18 awards has been confirmed as: Edge Award for Practical Teaching and Learning Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education Weymouth College Abingdon and Witney College JISC Award for the Effective Use of Technology in Further Education Harlow College Portsmouth College Award for the Promotion and Delivery of Successful Apprenticeships West Suffolk College Gloucestershire College Award for Students with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities Richmond Upon Thames College Weston College Ealing, Hammersmith and West London's College City & Guild Award for Staff Development City College Plymouth Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education RSM Award for Leadership and Governance Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education Bridgend College AoC Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing Truro and Penwith College Abingdon and Witney College AoC Award for College Engagement with Employers Derby College Sunderland College Skills and Education Group Award for Transition into Post- 16 Education and Training Cardiff and Vale College Derby College The Careers and Enterprise Company Careers Education and Guidance Award City of Wolverhampton College West Suffolk College Gateway Qualifications Widening Participation in Learning Award Weston College City of Glasgow College Carole Stott MBE, Chair of AoC Charitable Trust, said: “The Beacon Awards highlight the very best of college initiatives and activities. Being shortlisted for a Beacon Award highlights not only the good work of the colleges, but also the impact on students and communities. The high standard of submissions to the AoC Beacon Awards is testament to the innovation which takes place across the UK. Great colleges transform lives and communities. They meet the needs of employers and students by embracing new approaches to teaching, learning and leadership. The shortlist for this year’s Beacon Awards is testament to this.” Winners of the awards will be announced on the evening of 14 November at AoC’s Annual Conference and Exhibition.