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Activate Learning is proud to announce it has been awarded an overall Ofsted rating of 'GOOD' with an Outstanding feature! 🥳

With its colleges across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Surrey, Activate Learning was also identified as making a Strong Contribution to identifying and meeting local, regional and national skills needs – the highest grading possible.

This latest inspection carried out by Ofsted in November 2022, looked at the Overall Effectiveness, Quality of Education, Behaviours and Attitudes, Personal Development and Leadership and Management, receiving Good grades across all areas.

The assessment for the provision of education for learners with high needs has been consistent for the past three Ofsted inspections and was once again assessed by Ofsted as Outstanding.

Activate Learning's Learning Philosophy was also singled out by inspectors, who were impressed by its implementation across the curriculum.

Speaking about the outcome, Gary Headland DL, CEO at Activate Learning, said:

“I am so pleased that the hard work and commitment of the Activate Learning team has been assessed by Ofsted as Good with a Strong Contribution to identifying and meeting local, regional and national skills needs.

This is testament to the work of our dedicated staff who work so hard, day in and day out, to serve our communities through our college campuses in Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey and nationally through Activate Apprenticeships, including our Cycle Academies and the Activate Business School, and our online provision.

It also reflects so well on the terrific students we have across our colleges, our apprentices and our online students, who are working hard to develop themselves for the future in line with our Learning Philosophy.”

Read the full story here: bit.ly/OfstedGoodAL

#GoodAndStrongTogether🤩

We're delighted that Furniture Apprentice Chelsey Church has won Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards ❤️

Whilst studying at Rycotewood Furniture Centre, Chelsey works as an Apprentice Furniture Manufacturer at Bill Cleyndert & Company and has been recognised for her diligence and professionalism.

Faith King, Teacher of Apprenticeships at Activate Learning, said: “We are delighted that Chelsey has received this award in recognition of her outstanding commitment, progress, and professionalism throughout her apprenticeship.

“From the very beginning, Chelsey has demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, a positive and proactive approach to learning, and a genuine passion for developing her skills within the furniture making industry.”

Congratulations to our other two incredible learners, Bricklaying Apprentice, Finlay White, and Professional Culinary Arts Apprentice, Lily Fogg, who were runners up in the category.

#activatelearning #cityofoxfordcollege #oxfordshire #collegecommunity

We're delighted that Furniture Apprentice Chelsey Church has won Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards ❤️

Whilst studying at Rycotewood Furniture Centre, Chelsey works as an Apprentice Furniture Manufacturer at Bill Cleyndert & Company and has been recognised for her diligence and professionalism.

Faith King, Teacher of Apprenticeships at Activate Learning, said: “We are delighted that Chelsey has received this award in recognition of her outstanding commitment, progress, and professionalism throughout her apprenticeship.

“From the very beginning, Chelsey has demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, a positive and proactive approach to learning, and a genuine passion for developing her skills within the furniture making industry.”

Congratulations to our other two incredible learners, Bricklaying Apprentice, Finlay White, and Professional Culinary Arts Apprentice, Lily Fogg, who were runners up in the category.

#activatelearning #cityofoxfordcollege #oxfordshire #collegecommunity

We're delighted that Furniture Apprentice Chelsey Church has won Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards ❤️

Whilst studying at Rycotewood Furniture Centre, Chelsey works as an Apprentice Furniture Manufacturer at Bill Cleyndert & Company and has been recognised for her diligence and professionalism.

Faith King, Teacher of Apprenticeships at Activate Learning, said: “We are delighted that Chelsey has received this award in recognition of her outstanding commitment, progress, and professionalism throughout her apprenticeship.

“From the very beginning, Chelsey has demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, a positive and proactive approach to learning, and a genuine passion for developing her skills within the furniture making industry.”

Congratulations to our other two incredible learners, Bricklaying Apprentice, Finlay White, and Professional Culinary Arts Apprentice, Lily Fogg, who were runners up in the category.

#activatelearning #cityofoxfordcollege #oxfordshire #collegecommunity

We're delighted that Furniture Apprentice Chelsey Church has won Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards ❤️

Whilst studying at Rycotewood Furniture Centre, Chelsey works as an Apprentice Furniture Manufacturer at Bill Cleyndert & Company and has been recognised for her diligence and professionalism.

Faith King, Teacher of Apprenticeships at Activate Learning, said: “We are delighted that Chelsey has received this award in recognition of her outstanding commitment, progress, and professionalism throughout her apprenticeship.

“From the very beginning, Chelsey has demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, a positive and proactive approach to learning, and a genuine passion for developing her skills within the furniture making industry.”

Congratulations to our other two incredible learners, Bricklaying Apprentice, Finlay White, and Professional Culinary Arts Apprentice, Lily Fogg, who were runners up in the category.

#activatelearning #cityofoxfordcollege #oxfordshire #collegecommunity

There are a lot of training providers out there. We know that.

So what makes Activate Business School different?

We genuinely care what happens after the course ends. 🎓

Activate Business School exists to give businesses the tools, the people, and the confidence to growproperly, sustainably, and without the fluff.

Come and meet the team. 👇

#ActivateBusinessSchool #CharteredManagementInstitute #DigitalSkills #CareerDevelopment #LearningAndDevelopment

Meet Toby, one of our talented Level 3 Creative Practice students, currently working on their final major project!

Inspired by the beauty of stained glass windows, Toby is creating a stunning original piece — and we can’t wait to see the finished design showcased at our Creative Arts Exhibition next month! ✨

Watch this space for more details! 🎨

🖌️ Find out more about our Art, Design and Digital Creative programmes on our website (link in bio)

Meet Toby, one of our talented Level 3 Creative Practice students, currently working on their final major project!

Inspired by the beauty of stained glass windows, Toby is creating a stunning original piece — and we can’t wait to see the finished design showcased at our Creative Arts Exhibition next month! ✨

Watch this space for more details! 🎨

🖌️ Find out more about our Art, Design and Digital Creative programmes on our website (link in bio)

Meet Toby, one of our talented Level 3 Creative Practice students, currently working on their final major project!

Inspired by the beauty of stained glass windows, Toby is creating a stunning original piece — and we can’t wait to see the finished design showcased at our Creative Arts Exhibition next month! ✨

Watch this space for more details! 🎨

🖌️ Find out more about our Art, Design and Digital Creative programmes on our website (link in bio)

🌍✈️ Dreaming of a career that could take you around the world?

At Guildford College, our Travel & Tourism courses are designed to help you turn your passion for travel into an exciting future career. From airlines and cruise ships to hotels, events and tourist attractions, you’ll gain the skills employers are looking for in this fast-paced global industry. 🌎✨

🎒 What makes our courses stand out?
✅ Industry-focused learning
✅ Trips and visits to major tourism destinations
✅ Varied and exciting work experience opportunities
✅ Access to specialist airline cabin crew training facilities
✅ Guest speakers and employer links to help launch your career

⬆️ Read what our students had to say about our exciting Travel and Tourism programmes and head to our website to find out more and to apply!

Ready for take-off? 🛫

We’re back with our I have a dream series, and next up is Edwilla, who is studying Engineering!

This programme gives students an excellent grounding in mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering, and sees them diving into employer-led projects based on real life scenarios.

#activatelearning #theleyscollege #oxfordshire #collegecommunity

🌍🐢Today is Endangered Species Day — a chance to raise awareness of the incredible animals around the world that urgently need our protection. 💚

Here at Merrist Wood College and University Centre, we’re proud to care for a number of endangered and critically endangered species as part of our ongoing commitment to conservation and education.

🔴 Critically Endangered species in our collection:
• Roti Island Snake Neck Turtles
• Indochinese Box Turtles
• Axolotls

🟠 Endangered species in our collection:
• Sulcata Tortoises
• Java Sparrows
• Fly River Turtle
• Hog Island Boa
• African Grey Parrot🦜

Every species plays an important role in our planet’s ecosystems, and days like this remind us why conservation matters more than ever.

🌍🐢Today is Endangered Species Day — a chance to raise awareness of the incredible animals around the world that urgently need our protection. 💚

Here at Merrist Wood College and University Centre, we’re proud to care for a number of endangered and critically endangered species as part of our ongoing commitment to conservation and education.

🔴 Critically Endangered species in our collection:
• Roti Island Snake Neck Turtles
• Indochinese Box Turtles
• Axolotls

🟠 Endangered species in our collection:
• Sulcata Tortoises
• Java Sparrows
• Fly River Turtle
• Hog Island Boa
• African Grey Parrot🦜

Every species plays an important role in our planet’s ecosystems, and days like this remind us why conservation matters more than ever.

🌍🐢Today is Endangered Species Day — a chance to raise awareness of the incredible animals around the world that urgently need our protection. 💚

Here at Merrist Wood College and University Centre, we’re proud to care for a number of endangered and critically endangered species as part of our ongoing commitment to conservation and education.

🔴 Critically Endangered species in our collection:
• Roti Island Snake Neck Turtles
• Indochinese Box Turtles
• Axolotls

🟠 Endangered species in our collection:
• Sulcata Tortoises
• Java Sparrows
• Fly River Turtle
• Hog Island Boa
• African Grey Parrot🦜

Every species plays an important role in our planet’s ecosystems, and days like this remind us why conservation matters more than ever.

🌍🐢Today is Endangered Species Day — a chance to raise awareness of the incredible animals around the world that urgently need our protection. 💚

Here at Merrist Wood College and University Centre, we’re proud to care for a number of endangered and critically endangered species as part of our ongoing commitment to conservation and education.

🔴 Critically Endangered species in our collection:
• Roti Island Snake Neck Turtles
• Indochinese Box Turtles
• Axolotls

🟠 Endangered species in our collection:
• Sulcata Tortoises
• Java Sparrows
• Fly River Turtle
• Hog Island Boa
• African Grey Parrot🦜

Every species plays an important role in our planet’s ecosystems, and days like this remind us why conservation matters more than ever.

🌍🐢Today is Endangered Species Day — a chance to raise awareness of the incredible animals around the world that urgently need our protection. 💚

Here at Merrist Wood College and University Centre, we’re proud to care for a number of endangered and critically endangered species as part of our ongoing commitment to conservation and education.

🔴 Critically Endangered species in our collection:
• Roti Island Snake Neck Turtles
• Indochinese Box Turtles
• Axolotls

🟠 Endangered species in our collection:
• Sulcata Tortoises
• Java Sparrows
• Fly River Turtle
• Hog Island Boa
• African Grey Parrot🦜

Every species plays an important role in our planet’s ecosystems, and days like this remind us why conservation matters more than ever.

🌍🐢Today is Endangered Species Day — a chance to raise awareness of the incredible animals around the world that urgently need our protection. 💚

Here at Merrist Wood College and University Centre, we’re proud to care for a number of endangered and critically endangered species as part of our ongoing commitment to conservation and education.

🔴 Critically Endangered species in our collection:
• Roti Island Snake Neck Turtles
• Indochinese Box Turtles
• Axolotls

🟠 Endangered species in our collection:
• Sulcata Tortoises
• Java Sparrows
• Fly River Turtle
• Hog Island Boa
• African Grey Parrot🦜

Every species plays an important role in our planet’s ecosystems, and days like this remind us why conservation matters more than ever.

This week gave us everything from wellbeing fairs to mindfulness workshops, VR meditation, cycle challenges, creative sessions, yoga, crafts, wellbeing walks and therapy dogs 💭🌿

Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 brought staff and students across Activate Learning together to take positive action for wellbeing, in line with this year’s theme from the Mental Health Foundation: Action.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part, supported events, fundraised for MindGreen, shared conversations and helped create such a positive atmosphere across our campuses and online this week.

Special thank you to MindGreen for supporting this year’s activities through charitable donations!

Together, we’re continuing to make mental health conversations more open, supportive and action-focused. 💚

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #ActivateLearning #Wellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #TakeAction #CollegeCommunity

A huge thank you to everyone who took part in our 12-hour cycling challenge earlier this week at @Official_MerristWood College! 🚴💚

Together, we raised funds for Mind Green, our wellbeing and inclusion fund, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week — and what an incredible day it was.

Thank you to all the staff, students and supporters who helped make the event such a success, and a special thank you to our visitors from @catalyst_support and The @Samaritanscharity for joining us and supporting such an important cause.

And of course, we can’t forget Bailey the Shetland pony, our wonderful college mascot, who kept spirits high throughout the day! 🐴✨

Your support means so much and helps us continue promoting positive wellbeing across our college community. 💚

We asked students across @activatelearn: What does mental health mean to you? 💬

Their answers were thoughtful and honest. Many shared that taking time to look after themselves, spending time with loved ones, and doing hobbies they enjoy all play an important role in supporting positive mental health and wellbeing. 💚

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and taking small actions to look after your wellbeing can make a big difference.

What’s one thing you do to look after your mental health? 👇

We were delighted to see our Professional Culinary Arts students taking part in the recent qualifying heats for our new Culinary Arts competition ❤️👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

The competition celebrates creativity, passion and dedication in the kitchen, with students producing an incredible range of dishes across our Level 1 and Level 2 Culinary Arts programmes.

Congratulations to Level 1 student, Graz, and Level 2 student, Beth, who claimed first place in the heats and will now progress to the grand finals! 🎉

The overall winner will receive The Talvin Ghag Memorial Award for Culinary Excellence — a special award created in memory of former Oxford College student and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons chef, Talvin Ghag.

Talvin’s passion, resilience and love for the culinary arts inspired everyone around him. This award recognises students who embody those same qualities: perseverance, commitment to growth, and an unwavering passion for their craft.

We can’t wait to see the finalists compete in July! ✨

We were delighted to see our Professional Culinary Arts students taking part in the recent qualifying heats for our new Culinary Arts competition ❤️👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

The competition celebrates creativity, passion and dedication in the kitchen, with students producing an incredible range of dishes across our Level 1 and Level 2 Culinary Arts programmes.

Congratulations to Level 1 student, Graz, and Level 2 student, Beth, who claimed first place in the heats and will now progress to the grand finals! 🎉

The overall winner will receive The Talvin Ghag Memorial Award for Culinary Excellence — a special award created in memory of former Oxford College student and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons chef, Talvin Ghag.

Talvin’s passion, resilience and love for the culinary arts inspired everyone around him. This award recognises students who embody those same qualities: perseverance, commitment to growth, and an unwavering passion for their craft.

We can’t wait to see the finalists compete in July! ✨

We were delighted to see our Professional Culinary Arts students taking part in the recent qualifying heats for our new Culinary Arts competition ❤️👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

The competition celebrates creativity, passion and dedication in the kitchen, with students producing an incredible range of dishes across our Level 1 and Level 2 Culinary Arts programmes.

Congratulations to Level 1 student, Graz, and Level 2 student, Beth, who claimed first place in the heats and will now progress to the grand finals! 🎉

The overall winner will receive The Talvin Ghag Memorial Award for Culinary Excellence — a special award created in memory of former Oxford College student and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons chef, Talvin Ghag.

Talvin’s passion, resilience and love for the culinary arts inspired everyone around him. This award recognises students who embody those same qualities: perseverance, commitment to growth, and an unwavering passion for their craft.

We can’t wait to see the finalists compete in July! ✨

We were delighted to see our Professional Culinary Arts students taking part in the recent qualifying heats for our new Culinary Arts competition ❤️👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

The competition celebrates creativity, passion and dedication in the kitchen, with students producing an incredible range of dishes across our Level 1 and Level 2 Culinary Arts programmes.

Congratulations to Level 1 student, Graz, and Level 2 student, Beth, who claimed first place in the heats and will now progress to the grand finals! 🎉

The overall winner will receive The Talvin Ghag Memorial Award for Culinary Excellence — a special award created in memory of former Oxford College student and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons chef, Talvin Ghag.

Talvin’s passion, resilience and love for the culinary arts inspired everyone around him. This award recognises students who embody those same qualities: perseverance, commitment to growth, and an unwavering passion for their craft.

We can’t wait to see the finalists compete in July! ✨

We were delighted to see our Professional Culinary Arts students taking part in the recent qualifying heats for our new Culinary Arts competition ❤️👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

The competition celebrates creativity, passion and dedication in the kitchen, with students producing an incredible range of dishes across our Level 1 and Level 2 Culinary Arts programmes.

Congratulations to Level 1 student, Graz, and Level 2 student, Beth, who claimed first place in the heats and will now progress to the grand finals! 🎉

The overall winner will receive The Talvin Ghag Memorial Award for Culinary Excellence — a special award created in memory of former Oxford College student and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons chef, Talvin Ghag.

Talvin’s passion, resilience and love for the culinary arts inspired everyone around him. This award recognises students who embody those same qualities: perseverance, commitment to growth, and an unwavering passion for their craft.

We can’t wait to see the finalists compete in July! ✨

Huge congratulations toFarnham Collegephotography student Katie Hill, whose photography has been selected for the @sportinmind in Mind Mental Health Awareness Week exhibition in Reading 📸✨

Katie, a passionate @flamesicehockey fan, entered the competition with a striking ice hockey image capturing the energy, focus and emotion of the sport. Her work will now be exhibited at venues across Reading, including Reading Museum, Campus Reading International and The Oracle Shopping Centre.

The competition celebrates photography that explores the positive impact of sport and physical activity on mental health, with themes including connection, pride and calm.

Katie said of her entry: “I captured Ice Hockey players focused in the sport, their movement illustrating the focus and energy to keep going”.

We’re incredibly proud to see Katie’s talent recognised as part of this inspiring campaign — well done, Katie! 👏🏒