Over the past few months, Catch22 have been very busy celebrating the successes of students across our seven colleges: Bishop Aukland, Peterlee, Stanley, Warrington, Nottingham, Maidstone and Links Media. From graduations and the Duke of Edinburgh Award to increasing our support for families, it has been a very impactful year. Keep reading to hear some of our colleges’ highlights.
Our diverse curriculum continues to thrive, offering functional skills and a wide range of vocational subjects, including construction, hair and beauty, and customer service. As we move into the new academic year, we are also introducing digital functional skills as a mandatory subject – ensuring our learners are ready for the demands of an AI-inclusive future.
Catch22 College Nottingham has made particular strides in supporting English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) learners through tailored teaching, inclusive practices, and strong pastoral care. In response to growing demand, we launched a new, dedicated ESOL course at Links Media College which is focused on language development, life skills, and employability. Learners benefit from personalised support, helping them build confidence, integrate into their communities, and progress to further education or work. The tailored provision has created a strong sense of belonging, with many learners sharing how the college has positively changed their lives. This success reflects our commitment to accessible, high-quality education for all learners, regardless of background.
The academic improvements in our learners are underpinned by the outstanding pastoral support they receive which plays a vital role in helping learners feel secure, valued, and empowered.
One learner shared:
“The college team are amazing. They look after us, believe in us, and make us feel safe. I learned new skills and felt like I really belonged.”
Personal development through the Duke of Edinburgh Award
Beyond academic achievement, learners have excelled in growing their confidence and personal development skills. This year, 45 students took part in the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, with 27 completing the final expedition. Activities like the Duke of Edinburgh Award are important to college students because they celebrate personal growth, achievement, and commitment beyond academics. It builds key life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience, by engaging young people in volunteering and a residential exhibition.
Read what some people said about taking part:
“These three days changed everything for me. I feel safe, happy, and the college gave me something I never had before – real memories and real friends.”
“The college team were amazing. They looked after us, believed in us, and made us feel safe. I learned new skills, map reading , camping and cooking and felt like I really belonged.”
The expedition leader, Kevin Spriggs, describes the importance of such opportunities:
“Every young person that came on expedition, not only completed it but smashed it! I’ve been taken aback by the level of engagement and ease in which they have overcome challenges. Be it constant rain, heatwaves, thunderstorms, sharing living space with peers, hiking miles and hours each day. Not to mention no phone signal! This summer has demonstrated that with the right support, young people that are usually disregarded or overlooked for this type of programme are exactly the ones that it was meant for, and will gain the most from it”
Internships at Amazon
We’re also proud of our new supportive internships with Amazon in the Northeast, offering real-world experience and sustainable work. These internships provide work experience opportunities for young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The internships are paired with the encouragement of Catch22 coaches to ensure that the young people have the support required to sustain their roles and discuss any worries or difficulties. Impressively, these young people are now acting as SEN ambassadors, helping Amazon become more inclusive by supporting staff training and sharing their experiences.
College graduations – celebrating success
Finally, this month we’ve been celebrating the graduations of our students. It has been great to see learners supporting each other throughout the year, creating a real sense of camaraderie and belonging. Being part of our college communities helps foster connection, pride, and a shared sense of accomplishment. This all comes together at the graduation ceremonies each summer.
The ceremonies included a speech from the Lead Teacher congratulating all the students for their hard work, determination, and positive attitudes, followed by a quiz and certificates handed out for every student.
David Pearce, Lead Teacher at Catch22 College, Peterlee, said:
“It was an amazing day, celebrating our student’s success and achievements from across the academic year. Hearing from the teacher’s and students about the highs and lows of the year and ensuring each student had their moment of applause was fantastic. Our graduation ceremony even concluded with karaoke from both staff and students!”
These moments boost confidence, ensure young people are recognised for their hard work, and create lasting memories that shape students’ personal and professional futures.
Final highlights of a fantastic year
- 422 learners were enrolled in our colleges with 80% of learners being care experienced, demonstrating our commitment to supporting those most in need of support.
- 69% of learners have gone on to a positive destination, whether that be further education, training or employment.
- The amount of bursary funding accessed by families has tripled – enabling more learners to benefit from funded transport to college and other essential support.
Catch22 Colleges accept referrals throughout the academic year. Find out more by contacting lisa.widdowson@catch-22.org.uk.