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National recognition for our Foundation Learning team in Pearson Teaching Awards
Our Foundation Learning team has been shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards.
Based at the College’s Fleets campus, the team supports students – many of whom are vulnerable, disadvantaged or have had negative experiences of education – to achieve Level 1 qualifications as a gateway into Further Education (FE) or employment.
The awards recognise excellence in schools and colleges across the UK, with Barnsley College shortlisted in the FE Team of the Year category.
The Foundation Learning team has redefined inclusive education in FE, with responsibilities extending beyond teaching to include pastoral support, safeguarding, employer engagement and community outreach. They remove barriers to learning and ensures every young person feels a sense of belonging and can progress towards their chosen aspirational pathway.
Behaviour is approached as something to understand rather than manage, reflecting a significant cultural shift supported by strong outcomes data. In 2020, student retention stood at 84%, compared with an expected retention rate of 95.8% in the year ending 2026. Over six years, progression into Level 2 has increased from 32% to 76%.
Positive destinations – including further study, apprenticeships, supported internships and employment – now exceed 90%. Achievement in English and Maths has also improved year on year, with 73% of learners improving by at least one grade in English and 62% in Maths. During the same period, the number of vulnerable and disadvantaged learners engaged has more than tripled.
David Akeroyd, Principal and CEO of Barnsley College, said: “We are incredibly proud to see our Foundation Learning team recognised on a national stage through the Pearson National Teaching Awards.
“Their work goes far beyond the classroom. They have created a strong, supportive community around their learners – working collaboratively inside and outside of College to enrich the student experience and open up new opportunities.
“This recognition reflects the team’s unwavering commitment to inclusive education and their belief that every learner, regardless of their starting point, deserves the opportunity to achieve and progress. The impact they are making on young people’s lives is truly exceptional, and this nomination is richly deserved.”
