News

With the news recently that Waitrose has banned the sale of high-caffeine drinks to under 16s, our Student Services team demonstrated today just how much sugar and caffeine these drinks contain.

In a display that forms part of New Year, New You' week, students could visibly see the sugar content for a range of popular drinks. Information about the caffeine content was also included.

Commenting on the display, Sports Maker, Louise Neil, said: It's good for people to understand exactly what they are drinking. You wouldn't consciously add that much sugar to your tea or coffee, so why should a cold drink be any different? That much sugar and caffeine is not good for anyone's health, and certainly not conducive for students trying to concentrate on their studies.

Other activities this week include information and awareness sessions about sexual health, alcohol and smoking, as well as looking at the benefits of exercise.

Working with local businesses has long been upheld as a value at Newbury College. Some of the relationships it has with organisations in the Newbury area span many decades.

Once such relationship is with Hungerford-based Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS). KCS sponsors one of the College IT rooms and has worked for many years supporting students on work placements, attending careers events and offering employment to those seeking a career in IT. For example, ex-student Polly Theobald now works at KCS as a Trainee Software Engineer.

To celebrate their long-term partnership, Ian Bendelow, CEO, and other employees from KCS, including Polly, joined the College Principal and CEO, Anne Murdoch and other members of College staff for lunch last Friday in the newly-decorated room.

Talking about the importance of building links with the community, Anne said: We fully appreciate the support that local businesses give us. It helps us to offer a more engaging curriculum and aids student progression. In turn, employers gain access to a pool of talent and can work with us in other areas such as apprenticeships and management training.

Not working with Newbury College? Our business team would like to hear from you. Give us a call on 01635 845229 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how we can support each other.

Staff and students have been busy constructing exhibitions for the annual Newbury College Christmas Display with "Santa got stuck up the chimney" by the Information Services Team announced as this year's winner.

"The 12 Days of Christmas Tree" by MIS came in second place followed by "Sock Snowmen" by the Foundation Learning students.

Other notible exhibitions were a snowman made of books from the LRC and a Wild-West take on the traditional nativity scene.

More photos can be found on our Facebook page.

Newbury College has announced the replacement for outgoing Principal, Anne Murdoch, who is retiring in February 2018 after 17 years in post. Currently the Deputy Principal at Farnborough College of Technology, Iain Wolloff will join the College on 1st February and take over as Principal on 10th February when Anne officially retires.

Commenting on the appointment, Corporation Chair, Geoff Knappett, said: Governors, staff and students were all involved in the selection process, and we were fortunate enough to have a high number of strong applicants to choose from ' a testimony to the excellent reputation Newbury College has in further education circles. Anne will be a tough act to follow, but we are confident that Iain has the experience and skills necessary to continue the College's upward path to outstanding.

Farnborough College of Technology is an outstanding institution and has been in the top 10% of all colleges nationally for the last seven years. In his role as Deputy, Iain has been instrumental in all aspects of quality improvement and established the University Centre at the College, which offers 43 foundation and honour degrees in a range of subject areas.

Newbury College, which was confirmed as a Good College' by Ofsted in May this year, plans to open a new primary school ' Highwood Copse ' in 2019.

I am delighted to be joining Newbury College at such an exciting time, said Iain. After the recent inspection confirmed the high quality of the College's work, I look forward to working alongside the fantastic students, staff and governors to continue the success story.

Iain holds a first degree in social science and postgraduate degrees in Politics, Teaching and Management. He began his career in child protection and has taught at Havering College in East London and worked as a curriculum manager at Bromley College in South London. He joins Newbury College having gained extensive experience as Deputy Principal at Farnborough College. Once an enthusiastic rugby and hockey player, Iain now keeps fit by running.