Parent Newsletter – Term 1 2024/25
This is a particularly special year for the College as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of transforming lives through education on our Fulwood campus. Many of you may have been students at the College yourselves, and we are still collecting memories from former students on our website as part of this special commemoration. These stories are truly inspirational, and I am sure that the current experiences of your children are just as impressive.
Our aim is always to provide a high level of education and support in a caring environment. This newsletter will provide a host of information about the things we are doing to achieve that aim. I hope you find the content interesting and informative, and please let the College know if you have any questions or comments.
HEADLINE NEWS
Skills Competition Week
Our first Skills Competition Week was held in December 2024. The week saw a whole range of activities including multi-sports, time trials, plastering, health checks, creativity challenges, technical drawings, hair styling, winter car checks and lots more!
The Ambition Framework
Bringing vibrancy and inspiration to our campus, our new Ambition Framework will underpin everything that we do. Designed to inspire both students and staff, the 5 As have been created to drive our vision – To Transform Lives Through Education.
50 Years of Educational Excellence
Preston College is proud to announce its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of delivering high-quality education and training to the local community and beyond. Originally opened as W.R. Tuson College in 1974 and renamed as Preston College in 1989, the College has become well known for its academic and vocational success.
100% Results for Preston College
Preston College celebrated on results day 2024 with 100% pass rates in a range of technical subjects, including T Level Professional Construction, T Level Health (Adult Nursing), and Level Three Extended Diplomas in Applied Science, Uniformed Public Services, Performance & Production Arts, and Sport among others.
Aspiration
Instagram star inspires students
Instagram star @mary.plaster.mouldings.direct visited the College to show plastering students ‘casting’. Mary is the face behind work in Netflix’s The Gentlemen, and has recently worked on casts used in the new blockbuster film, Gladiator II. Mary is planning another visit soon and we can’t wait to see what she has in store!
Alice Potter, a social media coach, delivered a digital marketing session to our students. The student feedback says it all!
“I truly appreciate your time sharing your story with us all, you made the session interesting and enjoyable. You gave great advice that I can use to start my own business.”
Students explore healthcare careers
T Level Health students visited a careers event at Chorley Hospital’s Education Centre, meeting professionals from different departments – midwifery, sonography, orthotics, speech therapy, physiotherapy…and many more. Students took part in activities, and gained an insight into the qualifications they would need for different career paths.
Sustainability students enrich learning on field trip
Construction students headed out to Whalley to see the community hydro electricity station in action. The students saw first-hand how the power of the river was harnessed to generate up to 100kw of electricity per hour. They also visited the historic Abbey and the weir for an insight into the water wheel and renewable energy.
Achievement
Top of the League
PNE A Team are sitting at the top of the CEFA North West Division 1 League after securing wins against Accrington A, Liverpool B, Manchester City A, Tranmere Rovers and Everton.
Photography Project Reaches New Heights
Every year our Media (Film & Photography) students embark on a portraiture project. And once again the results are amazing. See some of the fabulous work on Facebook.
19 NODA nominations
Our Musical Theatre Training Academy (MTTA) began 2025 celebrating a whopping 19 NODA nominations across three productions from 2024, including the MTTA’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Congratulations to EVERYONE involved in these shows. Good Luck for the Awards!
Liam’s selection success
Congratulations to Preston Centre of Sporting Excellence student Liam Kilbane on being selected to represent Lancashire Schools FA U18’s for the 2024/25 season. Liam has also been selected for the England School boys trials. This is a major achievement for Liam and one he fully deserves.
Accountability
Pudsey Tours the Campus
Every year the College raises money for Children in Need. This year the Fulwood Campus had a special guest who could be spotted around campus taking part in a range of activities to raise money. But who was behind the mask? Visit our social media pages to find out!
Christmas Jumper Day 2024
Staff and students took part in the annual Christmas Jumper Day to raise money for the charity Save the Children. There were some fantastic outfits and not just festive jumpers with Mrs Claus and a member of the Mental Elf and Safety Team! A big thank you to everyone that took part.
Vaping Campaign Launches
The College has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the risks of vaping. There are information posters, tutorials and further support available to help people quit. There is also a risk of students sharing vapes. Parents should read the letter containing more information by clicking the link below.
Students Organise Christmas Fair
Level 3 Travel & Tourism students held a fundraising Christmas fair raising £560. The students created and staffed different stalls selling handmade decorations, gifts and food. As well as holding a raffle and a name the bear competition. The proceeds will be split between college trips and Mencap, in loving memory of Connagh Aspinall a previous student of ours, who sadly died in the Summer of 2024.
Attendance
Attendance Awards
In Term 1 the College launched the Attendance Awards to recognise and celebrate student groups who had achieved excellent attendance. Student classes were visited by Principal and Chief Executive Simon Nixon who congratulated the students on their achievements and awarded them with a voucher for our onsite Starbucks.
Reporting Absence
If a student is going to be absent they must contact the College using one of these methods:
- Absence hotline: 01772 225959
- Email: absencehotline@preston.ac.uk
- Online: Report your Absence
Term Dates
Term dates for the academic years 2024/25 and 2025/26 are available. Remember, every lesson matters and students and parents should not book holidays during term-time. Plan your holidays out of term using the link below.
Every Lesson Matters
There are many factors that can impact attendance and as a College we are committed to understanding what these are and how we can help to address these. The framework sets out how we will approach these challenges.
Attitude
Chloe impress Spencer Clarke Group
Chloe completed a work placement at the Spencer Clarke Group and they were so impressed with Chloe and her positive attitude that they invited her to interview for a full-time position. She got it and is now a valued member of the team.
Campus Cohesion Award Winners 2024/25
Students who display the College values can be nominated by a member of staff for the Campus Cohesion Awards. All nominated students are then entered into a prize draw for a chance to win vouchers for our onsite Starbucks!
LJF Developments Celebrates Partnership
Preston College is proud to continue its successful partnership with LJF Developments, welcoming another year of hard work and growth for our talented apprentices.
Attitude – one of the five As of Ambition
Positive behaviour and a strong work ethic are the foundations of a successful future.
Upcoming Events
Parents Evening
Our Parent & Progression Evening will take place on Wednesday 5 February between 4.30 and 7pm. Students are required to make appointments with their subject tutors.
Careers Fair
The College’s Annual Careers Fair is booked for Wednesday 26 February. Held in the Sports Hall the Careers Fair is a great opportunity for students to explore their progression options.
Half Term
Half term is Monday 17 February until Friday 21 February 2025. Timetabled lessons will begin again week commencing Monday 24 February 2025. Term 2 finishes Friday 4 April.
Useful links
Parent Portal Accounts
Parent Letters & Notices
Social Media Coach Delivers