The outstanding achievements of Abingdon & Witney college were celebrated today as it was awarded the prestigious BTEC Award for College of The Year 2021.

Abingdon & Witney College is the number one college in Southeast England for Level 3 achievement and sees an impressive 95% of their learners progress to their chosen next step.

These amazing results are achieved through an innovative and passionate tutoring team that has delivered a 100% success rate in students securing their first-choice course at university. Results are supported by a great student experience.

The Student Engagement Team includes specialists providing excellent support in learning, finance, mental health, and careers. They organise mock interviews with employers and offer regular workshops including UCAS applications and CV writing. This college’s industry links are second to none. Their Local Enterprise Partnership has a dedicated advisor who supports the College to ensure courses are designed to produce the workforce for the future.

Abingdon & Witney College said:

“It is a huge honour for Abingdon & Witney College to be awarded the BTEC Award for College of the Year 2021. We are committed to providing all students with an excellent learning experience which provides them with the skills and attributes to achieve their career aspirations. The range and flexibility of the BTEC qualifications supports this pledge and allows our students to embark on the next stage of their life with confidence. Our delivery model offers students opportunities to learn through practice and theory, working in collaboration with employers, which works so well with BTEC criteria. We are very proud to be the 2021 winners in a challenging year when we, like all providers, have worked so hard to ensure that our students are still able to achieve at the highest levels despite any pandemic disruption.”

Cindy Rampersaud Senior Vice President for BTEC and Apprenticeships at Pearson, said:

“2021 has been another extraordinary year for our BTEC learners, tutors, teachers, colleges and schools and I am delighted that today we are able to come together and celebrate this year’s winners - and all of the individuals who will be awarded a BTEC qualification this year. The hard work and commitment demonstrated by our award winners, all of whom have achieved great things during a time of unprecedented disruption, is extraordinary and I am proud we are able to celebrate their achievements.”

Outstanding learners, tutors, teachers, colleges and schools saw their achievements recognised in the 11th annual BTEC awards ceremony, held online for the second year running due to coronavirus.

The ceremony was co-hosted by presenter of the United View, YouTube influencer and BTEC alumnus and ambassador, Flex and sports presenter and events host, Gemma Care. 19 category award winners were celebrated from around the UK and internationally in subjects such as Health and Social Care, Performing Arts, Engineering, IT, Business and Sport.

BTEC alumni including Academy Award-winning producer and Head of Film and Animation at ScreenSkills Gareth Ellis-Unwin, entrepreneur and founder of SB.TV Jamal Edwards MBE, and award-winning actress Lucy Fallon were among those also presenting awards.

During the ceremony hosted on YouTube, Pearson also announced the winners of the 2021 Showstopper Challenge, a competition that gives BTEC performers the opportunity to showcase their talents. The audience were treated to performances from:

• Bishop Challoner Catholic College

• Jackie Palmer Academy

• Clevedon School

• D16 Performing Arts College

Nearly a million learners across the globe completed BTEC courses over the past year; the career-focused qualifications are a vital route for those pursuing careers in sectors such as IT, business, the creative industries, healthcare, engineering, construction and future industries. This is especially important in the current context as the UK responds to the global pandemic and looks to kickstart projects to speed economic recovery.

Jonathan Ledger, Skills Specialist at The Department for International Trade commented:

“I must emphasise the importance of BTEC as a career-focused type of qualification and that for me is key. This is all about delivering the right skills to the right people at the right time in the right way and BTEC qualifications do just that. For me, BTEC qualifications are a game changer. They change lives and they help people improve and contribute to business and society in a big way.

A huge congratulations once again to all the winners and all of the nominees.”