More than five hundred young people who struggled at school with English or maths or both, have achieved their GCSEs at Milton Keynes College, all scoring grade four or above, the equivalent of the old C grade.

MK College Group’s Executive Principal, Mark Fell, says, “These young people deserve massive congratulations for what they’ve achieved.  The exams they’ve passed are vital to their future careers, and will open so many doors for them.  Many of them came to us lacking confidence in their own abilities after a difficult experience of English and maths GCSEs at school, so for them to bounce back like this is truly admirable.  We’re seeing an increasing number of young people needing support with their English and maths GCSEs, and we’re delighted that we’re able to help our learners get the job done and take the next steps for their studies and future careers.”

“The results are also testament to the hard work and dedication of our teaching staff who’ve supported these young people to this great success.”

The College Group also achieved more than90% in the Department for Education’s “achievement rate,” which records all those who gained a GCSE at any grade—well above the national average (for resit exams).  English saw a very positive 7% increase in high grades (4–9), compared to last year, and a 14% higher proportion of Milton Keynes College students retaking the exam achieved grades 4 – 9 than the national average.  Maths results are in line with 2024 and consistent with the national average.

Tyler Watt, who is currently studying Uniformed Public Services at the College said, “I received a grade 4 in both English and maths, which is great.  That means I can go to the next stage of my course now and hopefully achieve my dream of joining the police after that.”

Tyler’s mum Hayley added, “It’s brilliant that Tyler received the grades he needs; he’s been through a lot of studying and it’s fantastic that he’s got there now.”

Augustina Wireko also achieved grade 4 in both English and maths.  A thrilled Augustina said: “I didn’t expect to achieve grade 4 today, but I’m so happy that I did it. This means that I can go on to study Health and Social Care at the College, and I’m really excited!”

Mark Fell adds, “These results show what’s possible when belief, structure, and support come together.  We’re seeing students grow in confidence, overcome barriers, and achieve qualifications that will shape their futures.  It’s a collective effort—from learners, teachers, and support teams—and we’re proud to be part of their success.”

Sally Alexander, CEO and Group Principal at MK College Group added, “We’re very proud of our learners who have achieved great results in their English and maths resits today, as well as those who have received their BTeC Level 2 grades.”

“Today is also about us reaching out to the young people in Milton Keynes who are receiving their GCSE results today.  From today at 1pm until Friday 29^th August, we’re holding our advisory days where young people can come in to talk to us about their results and their ambitions for their studies and careers.  Our staff are on hand to talk you through your options and find the best course to support you in reaching you goals, so visit our website and book your appointment today.”

Anyone wanting to come along to an advisory day at MK College should visit the website to make an appointment: Advisory Days – MK College

109 learners from Milton Keynes College received their T Level results today. Results were positive, with Construction, Early Years Education and Assisting Teaching (a new course to the College this year) performing particularly well. 

The College also offers T Levels in areas including Business Support, Cyber Security and Laboratory Science. T Levels are a two year qualification that are a technical alternative to A Levels, bringing together classroom learning and an extended industry placement where employers help design the course. After completing T Levels, students can go on to university, additional training such as an apprenticeship or directly into employment.  

BTEC students also received their results today. BTECs are specialist work-related qualifications designed for young people interested in a particular industry or sector and can lead to employment, further study or apprenticeships. 

Fabian Pancu, a student who achieved a Distinction in Construction T Level today, said: “The course has changed my perspective on construction in a really positive way. It surprised me how much other subjects link into it as well, such as science and maths. I’m really happy that I achieved a distinction and in September I’ll be going to Kingston University to study Architecture”. 

Fellow Construction T Level student Marcia-Belle Barnes achieved a merit today and added: “I really enjoyed learning all about the different elements and aspects of construction. I did my placement with WJ Construction and it was fantastic. I’ll be taking a gap year and then coming back to the College to study for a HNC in construction, or potentially going straight into a full time role in construction”. 

Simon Eko, Course Team Leader for Professional Construction at Milton Keynes College, commented: “We’ve had fantastic results today, all the second year Construction T Level students received merits and distinctions, they’re all very happy. 

“We’re very proud that all of our 42 T Level Construction students will be going onto university, apprenticeships or full time employment. Lots of the students’ employers from their placements want to carry on employing them, which shows just how well they’ve done during their placements and courses. It’s been another successful year for us, we’re very proud of our learners and everything they’ve achieved.” 

Sally Alexander, CEO and Group Principal of Milton Keynes College Group, says, “We are all very proud of our students receiving their T Level results today, and of the tutors who have supported them in their studies. T Level courses have been designed with leading businesses and employers to give learners the knowledge and skills they need, producing the next wave of highly skilled, work-ready graduates and the industries they will work in. We are confident that whatever option they choose next, our T Level students will have successful and promising futures ahead of them. Here to support students. 

“We’ve also had a positive first year of our new A Level provision and are looking forward to first full cohort of learners receiving their results this time next year.” 

To find out more about T Levels at Milton Keynes College, visit https://mkcollege.ac.uk/school-leavers/t-levels/ 

If you’re receiving your GCSE results this year and want to study a BTEC, T Level, A Levels or an apprenticeship at MK College, you can visit our advisory days between Thursday 21^st and Friday 29^th August. To find out more and book an appointment visit Advisory Days – MK College

The government has announced new contracts for Prison Education Services, and Milton Keynes College Group has been given the responsibility for twenty-nine state sector prisons.  The result of the tender means the College Group will remain one of the largest providers of such education services in the country, with almost a third of the prison estate coming under its remit.  The new contracts will run up to 2029. 

The Group will be responsible for three groups of prisons; Kent, Surrey and Sussex (11 prisons), Avon and South Dorset & Devon and North Dorset (10 prisons) and the one which includes the Milton Keynes region, South Central (9 prisons from Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire to the south coast).  It also holds the contract for the privately-run, Fosse Way prison in Leicestershire. 

CEO and Principal of MK College Group, Sally Alexander, says, “This announcement represents a significant vote of confidence in the work of our prison education services teams and we’re enormously proud of them and the work they do.  Over the years, hundreds of offenders have gone from prison to work and fulfilling careers, going back to their families and communities to become constructive, taxpaying members of society.  Done well, prison education works in cutting reoffending rates and healing damaged lives.  It is beneficial for society and the economy.” 

The College’s statistics show prison education services have an enviable record, with 97% of 33,559 offender learners completing their courses. 103,153 individual qualifications have been achieved in a multitude of courses such as Functional skills, IT, Construction, Catering, Barbering, Business, Employability, Creative (Arts, Drama and Music etc.) Well-being and Personal Development. 

Prison Education Services represent a significant contribution to the income of the College Group, and the work undertaken in the sector dovetails with the provision of quality education in the College and at the South Central Institute of Technology. 

Sally says, “I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those people who’ve worked so hard in our prison services team to ensure that the Ministry of Justice’s trust in us has been maintained.  Your work touches and changes many lives, and will continue to do so in the future, thanks to these contract awards.  What you do is the embodiment of Milton Keynes College Group’s core aim, to provide Fairer Futures for All.” 

Milton Keynes College apprentices working in Formula One visited Downing Street to celebrate 75 years of the sport. The apprentices had the opportunity to meet some of the biggest names in the sport – all as guests of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Jordan Smith, Engineering Workplace trainer at Milton Keynes College Group said it was the experience of a lifetime: “The apprentices were quite nervous at the beginning, so I asked them who they’d most like to speak to, and they said Sir Jackie Stewart, so we just walked up and said hello.”

“The apprentices are all big fans, but he was so nice to them. He told them they are the future of the motorsport industry, that they should be proud of their part in it, and he even thanked them for being involved.”

Emily Darlington, Milton Keynes Central MP, said: “What a fantastic experience for this great group of apprentices. Milton Keynes is the heart of F1 and with institutions like Milton Keynes College and the Open University in our city, it’s no surprise that so many young people in MK are making their mark. It’s also amazing to see so many more women getting involved in the sport.  I’m so glad to see everyone’s talent recognised in Downing Street.”

Miah, one of the apprentices from Milton Keynes College, was recently named as the youngest ever finalist in the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards. She said she’s it’s been a whirlwind few weeks to follow that with a visit to the Prime Minister’s home: “Visiting number 10 was an honour and a privilege. Seeing likeminded apprentices and others coming together at Downing Street to celebrate 75 years of F1 is an experience I will never forget.”

It has also been a rollercoaster ride for Jordan, who recently completed his teacher training at the College after a career in railway engineering. He said: “The College gave me the opportunity to move into teaching at just the right time, and I absolutely love it. I work with the apprentices on health and safety, electrical and fluid power, and it’s such a rewarding job.

“I’ve been able to do my own studies for my teaching qualifications alongside my work in the classroom, and it’s given me insights into different industries, visiting the apprentices at their employers in Formula One and other industries. It’s inspiring.”

Jordan says he was initially quite daunted by the idea of becoming a teacher, but he’s had brilliant support. “My Dad trained officers in the RAF, and between him and the people of the College who’ve looked after me along the way, I’ve always felt that there were people I could talk to about how to progress.

“I’ve really built my confidence in the classroom; I can put together my own lessons to make sure they’re engaging for the apprentices who are, frankly, brilliant. It’s not like school in that they’re all there because they want to be. It’s the most rewarding job you could ever do.”

The College Group is currently looking for teachers in a whole range of subjects. While we are keen to hear from experienced professionals, we are also searching for people coming from industry like Jordan, and recent graduates with up-to-date knowledge of their subjects. The right candidates will be put through their teacher training while they begin their careers.

For more information on becoming a teacher at MK College Group read more here.

Around 20 veterans attended the Armed Forces breakfast at Milton Keynes College’s The Brasserie, where they were joined by some of our staff who are part of the Armed Forces community. Celebrating Armed Forces Day and Reserves Day – and topping off Armed Forces Week – the breakfast provided an opportunity for Forces staff and veterans to network and share their experiences.

For the event on Friday 27th June, The Brasserie was decorated with bunting, banners and flags. Level 3 Catering students prepared the breakfast for the event with Hospitality students helping in the restaurant. The guests enjoyed a selection of breakfast foods, including sausage and bacon rolls, yoghurt, fruit and granola pots, fresh fruit platters, and ham and cheese croissants. The students received positive feedback from the guests.

The College Group supports colleagues who are part of the Armed Forces community and their families by offering additional leave for training for cadet volunteers and reservists, hosting discussions and training to encourage better understanding to support Armed Forces colleagues and advertising vacancies on specialist Armed Forces job boards for leavers and veterans.

Milton Keynes College Group received the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award in September 2023, recognising the Group’s promise that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

Richie Carter, Workplace Trainer for Commis Chefs at Milton Keynes College Group, said: “As an ex-serviceman myself, these occasions are extraordinary. They provide a fantastic opportunity to help and support the Armed Forces community, where we can ‘pull up a sandbag’, and talk. It was wonderful observing people get together, introduce each other and make new acquaintances.

“It is important we remember – sharing is caring. Standing together, we are stronger together.”

Ben Burton, Recruitment Resourcer at Milton Keynes College Group, said: “Richie and his team at The Brasserie knocked it out the park again! Also thank you to my colleagues Pez Ryan, Peter Goodwin and Tina Leigh McDonald who are always championing our Armed Forces network and the Armed Forces Covenant. They remind us of what it’s about and why we have days for Reservists, Remembrance, VE and VJ days and weeks celebrating the work and sacrifice by all in our Armed Forces Family.

“This Armed Forces Day we thank all for their service; we thank all for their support, and we remember those who have served, and show support to those who still serve.”

You can learn more about MK College’Group’s Armed Forces Covenant here.

Milton Keynes College hosted a White Ribbon event earlier this month for local organisations that stand in support of White Ribbon and its cause of working towards ending violence against women and girls. 

Some of the organisations who attended the event on Friday 13th of June included Milton Keynes City Council, Q:alliance, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue, YMCA Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes University Hospital, Thames Valley Police, Sir Herbert Leon Academy, MK-Act and Mears Group. 

In November 2024, Milton Keynes College Group formalised its commitment to working towards ending men’s violence against women by becoming White Ribbon Accredited – aligning with White Ribbon UK, the leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls. 

In practice, the College Group will deliver a comprehensive multi-year plan to transform our staff culture, systems and the wider community we operate in.  

The theme of the event was the promotion of White Ribbon without alienating men and boys. Speakers included Paul Oxley, the Founder of St Mark’s Meals MK, Jay Virgo from Q:alliance, and Milton Keynes Central MP Emily Darlington via remote video message. The event marked the beginning of a local network dedicated to driving progress and working together to end violence against women and girls. 

Food was provided by the Brasserie; Catering students were involved in the preparation and the set-up of the buffet, which offered a comprehensive selection of breakfast foods. 

Amy Langford, Group Director for Inclusion and Strategic Lead for White Ribbon at Milton Keynes College Group, said: “The event brought together a range of colleagues from across Milton Keynes organisations committed to the White Ribbon commitment to eradicating violence against women and girls. This was a vibrant and thought-provoking session and the beginning of a wider conversation around how we, as a city, can play our own unique part in advancing this agenda.”

Anne-Marie Smith, Domestic Abuse Coordinator at Milton Keynes City Council, said: “Having a local network in support of the White Ribbon campaign is crucial because it fosters a community of accountability and solidarity. It ensures that the message against male violence is consistently reinforced at the grassroots level, empowering individuals to take collective action. This local support amplifies the campaign’s impact, creating safer environments for women and promoting lasting cultural change.”

To learn more about Milton Keynes College Group’s White Ribbon accreditation and what it means, read more here.

People from across Milton Keynes came together at Campbell Park to celebrate themes of culture, art and belonging at the annual all-day festival, Art in the Park. Organised by the charity Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture (MKIAC), the event on Saturday 21st June focussed on the resilience of refugees and their artistry, celebrating Milton Keynes’ wealth of cultural diversity and artistic expression. 

Supported by MK College Group, Milton Keynes City Council and Arts Council England – including student volunteers from MK College – among others, the event took place at Campbell Park Events Plateau. Marking the end of the UN International Refugee Week, it focussed on the theme of “Belonging.”

The free, family-friendly day of celebrations featured a funfair, a series of local and international performances, a world food bazaar offering a culinary tour of the world, and an art marquee featuring tote bag decoration, calligraphy and Turkish marbling (Ebru) workshops. The celebrations culminated in a Parade of Colours – a vibrant procession through Milton Keynes, demonstrating unity and visual storytelling. 

Anouar Kassim, Founding Director of Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture, said: “This year, as we reflect on the safe corridors created by the UN for refugee communities worldwide, we are reminded that hope is not just a word – it is a path walked together. Our ESOL students continue to inspire – they volunteer, grow, and gain real-world experience, all while feeling seen and safe. Their stories are woven into the fabric of Art in the Park – a celebration where creativity meets courage, and diversity becomes strength. 

“Together, we turn challenge into celebration, and difference into shared humanity. This year’s Art in the Park is not just an event — it’s a testament to what we can become, when we rise together.” 

Sally Alexander, CEO and Principal of Milton Keynes College Group, said: “Art in the Park gives us an excellent opportunity to get together and celebrate the diversity of Milton Keynes. To listen to stories about the resilience of refugees, to see their artistry, traditions and contributions given centre stage that evening was very special. 

“The theme of belonging particularly chimes with us at Milton Keynes College Group because this is one of our core values. Our ambition to foster a genuine sense of belonging for our learners, colleagues and wider communities is central to everything we do.” 

The next event in MKIAC’s programme is the City of Codes & Light on Saturday 4th August.

To learn more about the work that Milton Keynes College does in the community, visit Community – MK College.

Teachers and managers from Milton Keynes College Group have been graded Good by Ofsted for their work with offenders at Fosse Way Prison; one of only 7% of establishments across England to obtain a Good grade.  This is an incredible achievement for all at HMP Fosse Way following a challenging period for prisons in recent years.  

It’s especially satisfying for the staff involved because they launched the education service at Fosse Way when it opened two years ago.  Rob Hawkins, the College Group’s Contract Manager for Prison Services was part of the initial team who mobilised HMP Fosse Way.  He says, “It’s really emotional for the colleagues here, because for a long time HMP Fosse Way has been a big part of our lives.  We were responsible for how everything, from how many tables and chairs do we need in which rooms and what pens and paper to buy, right the way up to designing and running the curriculum for our Learners, for us to get a good grade here is really such a boost for everyone in recognition for their hard work.” 

The College Group’s Lead Director for Prison Services, Claire Atkins, says, “The achievement is all the greater when you bear in mind that Fosse Way is a really big prison, which can make effective education a lot harder to achieve.  We’ve got more than 70 staff here spread across two different areas.  Some of them had never worked in education before they came here, and some had never been inside a prison, so we have to thank each and every one of them for getting to grips with the job as well as they have.” 

Rob and Claire are also full of praise for SERCO, the private company that runs Fosse Way.  “You’ve got to have a stable and secure prison before you can hope to make education work,” Rob says, “and they deserve huge credit for that.” 

The Ofsted inspectors praised the team for providing a wide curriculum from entry level courses up to Master’s degrees.  They also said there were good links with employers, helping create courses that would help offenders into work when they finished their sentences, writing that the, “range of academic and vocational pathways reflected both labour market gaps and priorities, as well as prisoners’ interests and job aspirations.” 

The College is committed to building fairer futures for all learners.  Its Information, Advice and Guidance team and Employment Coordinators work with Serco and other partners to provide learners with opportunities both during their time at Fosse Way and on release.  HMIP inspectors noted that “a range of committed and experienced staff and partners supported resettlement work… The combined efforts of these teams had led to many positive outcomes for prisoners.”  

Claire says, “Prisoners will say to you, ‘when I’m in the education areas it doesn’t feel like I’m in prison,’ which is really lovely.  The library and classrooms and workshops have a real Further Education feel to them, almost as if we’re working in just another campus of Milton Keynes College.” 

Prisoners can choose from an extraordinary range of qualifications, including employability, skills, business, teacher training, art, warehousing, plastering, painting and decorating, carpentry, brick laying, finance and many more. 

Claire and Rob say their greatest satisfaction comes when they receive letters from former learners who have finished their sentences and are out in the world, in jobs, living better lives.  “That’s when you see the passion of the staff being repaid,” Claire says.  “They can see they’ve made a real difference to someone, and there’s just no better feeling.” 

To find out more about prison services from MK College Group, visit Prison Services – MK College 

20 Level 1 Painting & Decorating students from Milton Keynes College recently took part in a bench refurbishment project at MK University Hospital. 

The students were inspired to take on the refurbishment project after finding out about the opportunity during the College in the Community Day on 2nd April. Given the substantial workload of the project, it was agreed that the collaboration would take place as an end-of-term activity. The project was planned and supported by Adrian Bujorean, Course Team Leader for Construction at Milton Keynes College. 

For their project, the students refurbished a total of five wooden benches on the hospital grounds. Successfully sanding off old paint and applying three coats of exterior wood stain to protect and preserve the wood for outdoor use, the students transformed the benches while putting their learning to practice. 

For many of the students, this was the first time using oil-based paint and exterior varnish, making this a valuable hands-on learning experience beyond the classroom. With a mix of ability-levels, the students were keen to help one another and took pride in their work. While working, they received thanks from hospital staff and positive feedback from passers-by and patients. 

Kelly Errington, Community Fundraiser at Milton Keynes Hospital Charity, said: “I just wanted to say a huge thank you and well done to Adrian and the students – they all worked so hard during the hottest week of the year!  The benches look absolutely great and will make such a difference to the patients and their families who use the garden areas.” 

Issac, a Level 1 Painting & Decorating student who participated in the project, said: “Despite the hot weather, I really enjoyed the work experience and project being outside of college. I was able to improve my skills and had a great time working with my group throughout the week. I’m hoping for more work experiences like this in the future.” 

Jamie-Bradley, another participating Level 1 Painting & Decorating student, said: “I think it was a fun week where we did something good for people. It was also a good opportunity to experience working on something new.” 

Adrian Bujorean, Course Team Leader for Construction at Milton Keynes College, said: “After a fun, sunny week, our students have done a fantastic job bringing several old benches back to life – ready to serve for many more years to come. 

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone involved: students, staff, and the Hospital Charity team. Your support, hard work, and positivity made this project truly special. I’m incredibly proud of the students for their effort, teamwork, and commitment.” 

To learn more about Painting & Decorating at Milton Keynes College, read more here.

On Thursday 12th June, Milton Keynes College Group’s Director of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Maria Bowness, won a Women Leaders Award in the “Skills, Education and Training” category. The ceremony took place at Hilton DoubleTree at Stadium MK, with over 40 finalists in attendance.

Women Leaders is a registered charity established to recognise outstanding women, promote and strengthen women’s leadership, and support gender equality and diversity. Its awards celebrate women leaders around Milton Keynes, recognising their work in their respective sectors as well as their work on gender advocacy.

With over 30 years of experience in Skills, Education and Training, Maria currently serves as the Group Director for Curriculum and Pedagogy at Milton Keynes College Group.

Her role spans a wide range of responsibilities across the College Group. From ensuring that our curricula are both comprehensive and exciting to being the driving force behind most of our biggest employer partnerships, Maria’s work has been essential in transforming the Group’s goals into actions, partnerships and success stories.

Some examples of her work at Milton Keynes College Group include: the strategic development of the College’s Skills Academy, which has improved student retention and enrolment; the strategic design of our A Level programme, launched in September 2024; maintaining a strong partnership with Silverstone to enable our Catering and Hospitality students to gain valuable on-site work experience; facilitating the ‘Cut It Out’ campaign for Hairdressing and Beauty students in partnership with Thames Valley Police; and securing £105,000 in funding from the British Council’s Turing Scheme, which enabled 36 Beauty and Catering students to travel to Thailand on a learning trip in February 2025.

Sally Alexander, CEO and Principal of Milton Keynes College, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news – this award is a testament to Maria’s vision, dedication and the incredibly positive influence she’s had on our colleagues and students alike. Maria has always gone above and beyond to create meaningful and life-changing learning experiences for our students, whether in the classroom, with our employer partners or beyond.

“I am delighted that she has been recognised as an influential woman leader because this is truly what she is.”

Maria Bowness said: “I am proud and humbled to have won the category for Skills, Education and Training. To be nominated was an honour, to become a finalist was a wonderful surprise, to win was absolutely unbelievable.

“A truly inspirational evening spent with so many amazing Women Leaders, who work tirelessly to make a difference. I am blessed to have worked with amazing Women Leaders who have driven my passion to transform lives through learning.”

To learn more about Women Leaders Awards, read more here.