It is always humbling, and hugely rewarding, to witness the incredible achievements of our students here at Telford College.

We’ve reshaped our curriculum to meet the wants of the local business community, working in partnership with some of the area’s biggest companies – and the benefits are very clear to see. Covid-19 has presented many challenges, and our mixed learning curriculum – combining remote studies with classes on campus –  reflects the need to balance safety with student achievement. Since the creation of Telford College, our A-level results have improved year on year, with 100% pass rates in a host of subject fields. Our GCSE maths and English figures are also well above the national average each year. A high level of maths and English attainment is particularly important, as these are the qualifications which open up the largest possible range of higher-level courses and employment choices for young people. Our 7th Form, based on a traditional 6^th form, but taking the concept to the next level – blending traditional A-level courses with direct links not just to universities, but crucially to industry mentors from local companies – is proving to be a great success. Huge investment in university-standard facilities at our Haybridge campus means we offer academic, vocational, and apprenticeship programs which pave the way for careers in more than 70 different industries. For example, our engineering and construction programs are helping to help tackle an abilities shortage, and we have exciting plans to open a new maths and digital enterprise hub in the heart of Telford in 2021 as part of the town center’s fast-developing new ‘station quarter’. Meanwhile, at the Haybridge campus, our virtual and augmented reality suite also makes us one of the leading colleges in the country for developing abilities in this exciting and dynamic hi-tech sector. Cutting-edge technology has never been so significant in these current times, but it is no good unless students are equipped with the basics: and that’s why we are proud to see our academic results improving year on year. Having been a lecturer myself, I’m acutely aware of the significance of delivering consistently outstanding teaching and learning, and motivating students to be the best they can possibly be. And having run my own business too, I’m equally aware of the value of delivering the sort of practical, relevant skills in step with the needs of the local economy. These are challenging times, as we strive to deliver education in new, innovative, and increasingly hi-tech ways to provide that no student, whatever their background, gets left behind. But there have never been so many occasions for students, and I am honored at having the opportunity to lead Telford College’s committed and experienced team during these dynamic and altering times. Young people in Shropshire have never had so much choice on their doorstep; you don’t need to rack up thousands of pounds of student debt to achieve your dreams.

The message is clear . . . it’s never too late to learn, and you can follow your career dreams, right here in Telford.

Graham Guest