College commended for higher education student support

NEON recognises the schools or colleges that work particularly hard and successfully to enable learners from underrepresented groups to enter higher education. The college was nominated by the University of Wolverhampton, who work in partnership with BMet.

“BMet has shown a remarkable commitment to raising students’ aspirations as well as encouraging their progress into university study, which is why we nominated them,” commented Natalie Latham, Outreach and Progression Co-ordinator at the University of Wolverhampton. “Many young people and adult learners at the college have become undergraduates after being informed of the study programmes, work experience opportunities and financial aid available to them at university.

“The college’s careers team has hosted higher education fairs, sessions to help students complete university applications and careers talks that have been the key to these awareness-raising opportunities. We know these activities continue to have the potential to put a university education within reach of hundreds more people.”

Working in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton, 17 of the college’s students were awarded £2,000 bursaries to contribute to their undergraduate studies. Travel bursaries worth £500 were also awarded by the university to a further 60 students.

Jenny North, Head of Careers and Employment at BMet said: “We are extremely pleased with this commendation and grateful to the university for putting us forward for it.

“The careers team work hard with many universities and BMet tutors to help our students to progress and this recognition of our efforts is very special.”

MP Gordon Marsden (MP for Blackpool South and Shadow Minister of Higher Education & Skills) presented BMet with the commendation.

NEON is the professional organisation supporting staff involved in widening access to degree-level study and social mobility.