College group honoured for improving the quality of its provision

Nelson and Colne College Group has won a Quality Professionals Award for its outstanding contribution to improving the quality of its provision. 

The group was one of the winners of the first ever Quality Professionals Awards, held in Leeds, celebrating the exceptional contributions of quality and compliance professionals in further education and employability sectors. 

The event gathered 200 guests from across the UK, representing FE colleges, independent training providers, universities, third-sector providers, employers, and employability providers of all sizes. 

Among the 53 finalists, Nelson & Colne College Group (NCCG) took home the prestigious Quality Team award for FE Colleges. The accolade recognises a team that has demonstrated outstanding contribution to assuring and improving the quality of provision. 

Sophie Higson, a quality officer at the college since 2023, was also a finalist in the Rising Star category. 

Among its other recent achievements, the group can claim: The only Outstanding FE College in Lancashire, number one nationally for adult achievement rates, and top nationally for T Level high grade achievement rates.

Tracey Baron, deputy principal curriculum and quality at NCCG, said: "Our Quality Team's relentless pursuit of excellence and their innovative practices have set new benchmarks in the further education sector. Their work not only uplifts our students but importantly also inspires our staff to continuously strive for higher standards."