Staff at Stoke on Trent College are celebrating after members of its ESOL teaching team were named winners at a UK-wide competition for student services professionals.
The college triumphed at the annual National Association of Managers in Student Services (NAMSS) awards, claiming first place in the ‘Inspirational Project of the Year’ category.
The accolade was for the College’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) widening participation summer programme – ‘Belonging, Being, Becoming’.
This award recognises the impact of the innovative project which has made a significant difference to the lives of highly vulnerable asylum seeker children in Stoke-on-Trent.
The awards are aimed at celebrating and showcasing the hard work, dedication and impact of student services across the further education and skills sector in the UK the award was presented at a Gala Dinner event to Emma Beaumont from the Foundation ESOL Team at Stoke on Trent College.
The Inspirational Project award celebrates the fantastic achievements of the summer programme, with over 75 young people taking part in life-changing educational and social experiences.
The innovative programme recognised the acute need to provide courses for unaccompanied asylum seekers aged 16 to 18 over the summer period to engage, enthuse and prepare learners in preparation for starting college courses in the following academic year.
The unique offer consisted of a range of outdoor activities, community projects and a team challenge designed to develop skills such as resilience and tolerance along with team building, as well as showcasing the country and the diversity it brings.
This is the second time the College has won an NAMSS award, as well as being shortlisted for an award in 2023.
Dave Hopley, Assistant Principal for Student Experience at Stoke on Trent College said: “For Emma and the team, this is more than just a job. They go far above and beyond to ensure that the learners, some of whom may have experienced trauma in their lives, are well looked after and well supported during their time at college.”
Dave added: “I am extremely proud of the team. This is a tremendous accolade for their hard work on the programme this Summer.
“They are all very dedicated to creating opportunities and exciting experiences for our students. NAMSS has almost 400 members – so to be recognised for good practice amongst those peers is a real boost to us all and shows we go the extra mile for our students.”
