News

Plans to establish the University Centre Newbury (UCN) took a significant step forward with the recent granting of planning permission for the multi-million pound new development. The Centre will provide degrees and other higher level qualifications in the key sectors of digital technology, business & finance, engineering, health & social care and construction.
 
The first students of the University Centre will begin their studies in dedicated facilities within the College building in September 2020, before moving into the iconic new building once it is completed. Images of the new building at the front of the College campus show how the UCN will work as a key part of the learning campus for Newbury and West Berkshire. The original timescales for the completion of the building have been extended to focus on the development of the state-of-the-art digital facilities and achieve the demanding zero-carbon standard; constructing the first public building in West Berkshire to achieve this new level in sustainability.
 
 
College Principal, Iain Wolloff said:
 
We are delighted at the fantastic progress with establishing the Centre and look forward to welcoming the first UCN students in September 2020 to study in the dedicated space within the existing College facilities, before moving into the exciting new building. We have been amazed at the enormous support for the Centre from employers and organisations throughout the community and will launch a range of new degrees and other HE courses as planned'. 
 
Geoff Knappett, Chair of Corporation, said:
 
The enthusiasm for the University Centre was been overwhelming and I am thrilled at both the approval of the fantastic new building and the plans for the University Centre project to get underway in specialist accommodation. I would like to thank all those who have worked so hard in the College, in our University partners and across West Berkshire, to turn the long-held dream of a University Centre into a reality'.
 
You can listen to the Principal talking about UCN on BBC Radio Berkshire here or find out more about higher-level study options, visit our higher education page 
 

Newbury College beauty and hairdressing students have cast a spell on audiences at their annual showcase evening with fantastic creations straight out of the pages of their favourite bedtime stories.

Each student designed and created a look ' including hair, makeup and clothing ' based on their interpretation of the theme. From family-friendly Disney-inspired princesses to creepy creatures from the twisted world of Tim Burton classics, the students pushed the standard even higher this year as prosthetics and LED lighting were used to enhance the daring designs.

When the models took to the catwalk, in front of a panel of industry experts from commercial salons and leading companies in the sector, including Lilly Hennah from CJ Beauty & Co, Jason Palmer from Jason Palmer Hairdressing and Ailsa Willis from Diva Pro Styling, the audience was enchanted.

The judges had such a tough time in choosing winners that for the time, they even announced some highly commended entrants in the list of finalists. Highly commended students included Charlotte Canning, Christine Caldaralo and Holly Hoskins for their interpretations of Steve the Alien, Rapunzel and Jack and the Beanstalk.

Overall winner, Joana Camacho, made a splash with her interpretation of Serefina, a dark mermaid from Jennifer Donnelly's Deep Blue, and was closely followed by runner up, Lauren Harris, whose Narnia inspired Ice Queen gave the audience chills.

Other finalists included Lucy Oliver with her hair-raising take on Snow White's Maleficent and Lydia Leighfield, whose Thumbelina was a big hit. Theona (Tee) Walmsley was awarded Best Mood Board for her creative preparation and exploration of Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden.

Rachael Elsey, Curriculum Manager for Services, said: We'd like to thank everyone who came along to support the event, including all the friends, family members and judges. Our annual showcase event is designed to allow the students' imagination to flourish, and they certainly didn't disappoint! Some of the creations were truly amazing, and we are very proud of what they achieved.

Adults studying at Newbury College joined others from across the county at the annual West Berkshire Learner Achievement Awards, on the 7 June.

The West Berkshire Learner Achievement Awards celebrates the successes of adults learning in an array of study options, from apprenticeships and professional qualifications to health and wellbeing courses. The event is held as part of the Festival of Learning and aims to highlight the benefits of learning, celebrate the achievements of adults using learning to transform their lives and encourage lifelong learning.

As a proud sponsor of the event, Newbury College is also delighted to congratulate three of its students; Charlotte Little, winning the Outstanding Achievement Award, Christine Caldaralo, joint winner of the Determination Award, and Xenia Bellis, presented with the Inspiring Others Award. They have all worked incredibly hard and overcome diversity in their attainments.

A full list of winners and further details of the awards can be found on the West Berkshire Council website 

If you are feeling inspired to take the next step in your learning journey, click here to find your next opportunity. Who knows you could be on the award list next year!

 

Charlotte Little Outstanding Achievement Award 300

Charlotte Little - Outstanding Achievement Award

Newbury College Principal and Chief Executive, Iain Wolloff, presents Charlotte Little with her award for Outstanding Achievement

 

Karen Winter and Christine Caldaralo Determi 300

Christina Caldaralo (right) - Determination Award

Christina Caldaralo receives the Determination Award. This was jointly awarded to Karen Winter (pictured to the left)

 

Xenia Bellis Inspiring Others Award 300

Xenia Bellis - Inspiring Others Award

Xenia Bellis receives her Inspiring Others Award for her achievements and progression.

On Saturday 22 June guests are welcomed from near and far to join the D-Day 75th Anniversary Commemorative Convoy at Newbury College, for their final stop.

The convoy starts at 9.30 AM from MOD Southwick, near Fareham, Hampshire former D-Day Headquarters with 50 vehicles escorted by 25 motorcycle outriders of the Royal British Legion Riders Branch. The route will take them to former RAF Lasham home of the Lasham Gliding Society and onto Milestones Living History Museum in Basingstoke, arriving at approximately noon. Moving on through Kingsclere to Greenham Common, the convoy and guests will be greeted by the Poppy Parachute Team, who will drop on to the common at approximately 2.30 pm, symbolising the returning spirit of the men to the base from which they flew on D-Day. Weather dependent, a Historic Aircraft Flight Auster AOP Mk9 ' XR244 (G-CICR) will be tracking the route above the convoy.

The journey is a recreation of General Eisenhower's drive from D-Day Headquarters on the afternoon of 5 June 1944 when he visited men of the Parachute Infantry Regiments at Greenham Common hours before they were to drop into Occupied Europe. Patrick Kempe, one of the team of volunteers helping to organise the event said, In this 75th Anniversary Year of D-Day it is right that we recognise the dedication and sacrifice of a generation and also take the opportunity to help today's Armed Forces personnel through fundraising for the Royal British Legion. A huge thank you to the many organisations who have come forward to contribute both financially and practically to ensure we can present this historic event.

Newbury College are privileged to host the final commemorations including, Arborfield Military Wives Choir, Army Cadet Force band and dancers, and the planting of a commemorative apple tree. Vice Principal, Lee Hunt (MBE) commented, We are delighted to offer our campus to this momentous event. As a community college, it is important for us to reflect the recognition the event deserves.

Guests are welcome to the College between 2 - 5pm to join in the commemorations, with convoy vehicles expected to arrive around 3:15pm. Entry is free and all proceeds raised on the day will be donated to the Royal British Legion. See the event on Facebook for more details.