Colchester Institute was ‘Celebrating Success’ at an event on Tuesday 8th July at the College’s Balkerne Restaurant. The event, which was opened by Lisa Blake, Chair of the Corporation Board, was dedicated to sharing the considerable achievements of 2024/25. It was a chance to celebrate with some of those who have supported or benefitted from the College over the past year. Guests ranged from attendees from local businesses including sponsors, apprenticeship and work placement providers to local authorities and other key sector stakeholders.
Over 60 people attended the event, demonstrating recognition of the huge impact that the College has on individuals and the community.
Pam Donnelly, Chief Executive of Colchester City Council provided the keynote address, ‘A College for our City’. Her address highlighted Colchester Institute’s success in training a local skilled workforce for the future, to deliver prosperity, grow jobs and create a healthier community.
Alison Andreas, the College’s Principal and Chief Executive, provided a summary of the positive national context experienced in the Further Education and Skills sector over the past year, along with highlighting the College’s own successes, which included student achievements in qualifications and competitions, the fabulous Ofsted outcome, and record student and apprenticeship numbers in 2024-25. She spoke about the College being a top provider of the national Multiply programme, and the launch of the Net Zero Centre earlier in the year, a vital facility in supporting local building services engineers to install the latest, green technologies into new and existing homes.
She said, “As we look ahead to 2025-26, our focus remains clear: we’ll continue to provide a great workplace and a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students; one which develops the whole person, supporting the local economy with vocationally skilled employees, and ultimately improving the life chances of thousands of young people and adults.”
“This celebration is a proud tribute to everyone who helped make this year a success – a shared achievement made possible by the dedication and hard work of our staff and the support and collaboration of all who joined us on this inspiring journey.”
