Two staff members talking in the library

Our purpose, vision and values

We are committed to providing outstanding vocational and academic excellence to learners across the region. At the heart of this is progression. We support students to the next stages of their lives by focusing on:

Qualifications

We enable every learner to achieve the qualifications, acquire the knowledge, and develop the transferable skills that will support them to move on to the next stages of their education or employment.

Connections

Our strong relationships with businesses give our students real-life work experience and contacts, and employers their future pipeline of talent.

Personal development

We develop social skills, resilience, and growth. Our students leave us with the attributes that will enable them to thrive and grasp the opportunities that await them.

Alongside their aspirations, learners have personal, practical realities that can become barriers for learning. Everything we do is underpinned by our wraparound support that helps address challenges and finds solutions so that no student is left behind through circumstances that are beyond their control.

Our values lie at the core of our culture, wholly supporting our mission and vision. They are an invaluable touchstone against which we can measure the integrity of our decisions and actions.

Raising aspirations

We believe that every person should be empowered to realise the full potential of their talents. We strive to give every learner the encouragement, support, tools, and global opportunities to be the best version of themselves that they can be.

Enabling progression

Our vision for joined-up education and training in the region ensures that students can progress seamlessly throughout the group, fulfilling their educational goals with ease. Our purposeful connections with employers mean that individuals are supported into meaningful career pathways.

Ensuring inclusivity

We fight for inclusivity and diversity within our student body, staff, and communities; addressing discrimination wherever it arises. We promote these values internally and externally, using all touchpoints to reflect our commitment to equality of educational and career opportunities.

Excellence in support

Our wraparound support programmes place students and their success at the heart of everything we do. We continuously adapt our support services to meet the needs of all learners, focusing on the whole person – not just the academic. We believe that no student should be left behind; our holistic support ensures that each student is able to focus fully on their studies in a safe and supportive environment.

Innovation and collaboration

We actively seek best practise from our peers in the sector and seek to share our own knowledge and learnings. We foster a culture of curiosity and openness to change which embeds an attitude of healthy questioning, collaboration, and progress

Encouraging prosperity

By directly matching the skills and qualifications needs of our communities with the direction of our provision we will foster a vibrant and buoyant regional labour market. Our deep connections and understanding with business and industry allows us to ensure that the variety and quality of our offering is fit for purpose, now and in the future.

Our character strengths help guide both our students and staff in their actions and attitudes. 

A light blue icon with fish and the wording 'Ambition'

Ambition

Set short and long-term goals to work towards and cultivate the motivation to progress them. Explore career options and develop the necessary skills and knowledge for your desired path.

A megaphone icon with the wording 'Confidence'

Confidence

Bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive outlook. Explore your potential, develop your passions, and grow your resilience to learn from both successes and setbacks.

A magnifying glass icon with the wording 'Curiosity'

Curiosity

Explore new ideas, ask questions, and seek out new information. Embrace changes and adapt to new environments. Seek to understand others from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints.

A sun icon on a yellow background with the wording 'Optimism'

Optimism

Promote a positive outlook and see setbacks and obstacles as temporary. Develop positive social networks and relationships.

A hand icon on a blue background with the wording 'Ownership'

Ownership

Take ownership of your actions, decisions and behaviours and understand that your choices have consequences.

A mountain icon on a purple background with the wording 'Resilience'

Resilience

Develop coping strategies for academic pressures and understand that failure is an inevitable part of life; learning how to handle it is crucial for personal growth.

A hand shake icon on a background with the wording 'Respect'

Respect

Form positive and healthy relationships with peers, teachers, family members and work colleagues. Appreciate diversity and treat everyone fairly by considering the impact of your actions on others and your environment.

A traffic light icon on a pink background with the wording 'Self-control'

Self-control

Prioritise your studies, manage your time effectively and resist distractions. Develop healthy habits and well-being by avoiding temptations which may negatively affect your physical and mental health.