Fire Service Demo Fatal Four
Budding mechanical engineers and motor vehicle students at Central Beds College, who are more used to putting cars back together, witnessed the speed at which the Fire Service dismantle a vehicle at a safety demonstration in May.
Dunstable Red Watch visited the college campus in Luton Road to simulate a Road Traffic Collision, highlighting road safety issues to the students and demonstrating how injured drivers are removed from vehicles.
Samantha Adams, Head of Department Motor Vehicle and Engineering, co-ordinated the event:
“The demonstration was very informative, not only from a safety perspective but also our future mechanics got an insight in to the issues of taking apart vehicles in an emergency situation. In particular two of our students who volunteered to be the injured drivers,” said Samantha.
The vehicles used in the demonstration were no longer suitable for college training purposes and so were ideal for the event.
“Our aim is to raise awareness of the ‘Fatal Four’ aspects of driving: speed, not wearing seat belts, mobile phone use and drink/drug driving. We hope that none of these students will ever have to meet us in operation on the road,” said Bedfordshire Fire Service Watch Commander Ben Dixon.
Central Beds College is now part of The Bedford College Group, the 7th largest college in the UK.
Careers await in digital industry
The End of the Year Creative Industries show at Central Bedfordshire College’s (CBC) Dunstable campus demonstrated a range of talent in graphic design, photography, animation and media.
Staged at the college’s dedicated digital media venue: The Store, near the main campus in Kingsway, the event attracted proud parents, family, friends and VIPs to see examples of the work of young people destined for careers in the media, online design and communications, TV and the movie industry.
Mike Smith, Head of Department for Creative Industries said: “It was good to see students taking such pride in their work and setting up their own displays.”
Principal of Central Bedfordshire College, Sarah Mortimer joined the event and said:
“The work produced by our students is a credit to them and our hard-working staff who have navigated them through these fast-changing times.
“The Digital Media industry is booming and many exciting, varied roles are available. The total figure for creative roles in the UK in 2017 topped two million, and now more than 1 in 8 businesses are based within the creative industries.
“Those joining CBC will learn from industry professionals and have the opportunity to undertake valuable work experience which will provide you with the tools you need to succeed in the sector as soon as you finish your course.
“At CBC we offer a wide range of courses from Media Production and Photography to Graphic Design and Animation. If you are passionate about the creative arts and want to turn it into a career, there is a course here for you. From courses at Level 1 to Higher Education, you can take a leap into the industry at any stage and work your way up to your chosen career.
“Our courses will give you the freedom to explore and experiment, finding your own creative style and creating a strong portfolio in the process. You’ll work on exciting live briefs, undertake practical workshops and activities and relevant industry trips to London and beyond. Whilst doing this you will also develop valuable transferable skills that will help you to gain employment and take your first steps into the creative industry with confidence.”
Want to know more about careers of the future in digital technologies go to www.centralbeds.ac.uk
Photo shows student Izabelle Aylott with her designs for an app to help young people when moving living independently.
Application to enrolment: a step-by-step guide
Thinking about applying for a FE Full-Time course but aren’t sure what happens next?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on our application to enrolment process!
- Shortlist your favourite course on our website and then click on the apply option, you can view our full course offering here. When you click apply you will be sent to our application page where you will need to fill out a short form.
- Your application is reviewed by our Admissions team who will then send you an invitation via post to attend an interview. Don’t be thrown off by the word ‘interview’ it’s merely an informal discussion with a subject tutor. The purpose of the interview is to discuss entry requirements and course details, it also offers you a great opportunity to get your questions answered and find out more about the course.
- Following the interview you will be offered a conditional place if you do not already meet our entry requirements. What does this mean? Well, if you achieve the GCSEs needed for the course’s entry requirements, you will be offered a place.
- Next you will be sent a letter with your offer. Accept your place by following the link in your letter. If you have any issues please contact us at: 01582 349644
- Attend our Welcome Day on Wednesday 5th July where you will get a taste of college life, meet your tutors and make friends.
- You’ll receive a letter inviting you to your enrolment date and anything you need to bring with you. Enrolment will take place between 22-31 August 2023. Attend your enrolment day on your specified date (this will be on your letter) to be issued your ID badge and timetable.
7. Term starts Monday 4th September!
We Are The Change – Watch The Student Commission on Racial Justice’s new film
The Student Commission on Racial Justice is a national youth-led project that gives thousands of young people a voice on racial justice. Now in the third year, Leaders Unlocked has brought together a partnership of 10 leading colleges, including The Bedford College Group, and 35 of their students from across England.
During 2023, Commissioners gathered the voices of over 4,000 young people aged 16-25 via an online survey and in-depth interviews. They explored their experiences of racial justice in education.
The Student Commission have created a film to raise awareness of the racism and microaggressions experienced by young people today. Young people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds feel judged, invisible and alone and the Student Commission is calling for action and for people to call it out!
They say there is more that unites than divides us, so let's unite and fight! We are the change, and you can be too!
The Student Commission on Racial Justice have now launched their new film 'We are the change', officially released on Thursday 11th May.
Watch it here: We are the change
Get involved by sharing the film on your own socials and tag Leaders Unlocked
Instagram: @leadersunlocked
Twitter: @LeadersUnlocked
To read the Student Commissions most recent report please see: A Platform for Young People's Voices on Racial Justice
Kara’s King challenge from BBC
Central Beds College students were on BBC News at 10pm on April 24th talking about the Monarchy.
The students are pictured with Ashley John-Baptiste, X Factor band member turned TV presenter.
Students were invited along by Student Engagement and Enrichment Lead Kara Brown.
“Dealing with the fast-changing plans of a professional news crew was quite a challenge - thanks so much to Tony from IT for coming up with technical solutions.
“This was a great opportunity for the students, they are never likely to be on national news again, so it will look good on their CVs.”
The TV crew conducted a series of interviews and then edited the basic material in readiness for the national news programme a few hours later.
The theme was monarchy in the lead up to the Coronation of King Charles III.
Keep on motoring
There are more cars on the road in Britain than ever before with the highest number still being petrol and diesel.
Even on electric cars, there is still a demand for motor vehicle skills of the sort being taught at the Central Beds College Motor Vehicle and Mechanical Engineering campus in Luton Road, Dunstable.
With more than 100 full-time students, plus those who attend part-time in the evening to update their skills, the campus is on course to have a record number of students from September 2023.
“We have people enrolling to become mechanics and engineers who are looking to re-train in a different field, recognising the demand for people who can work on machinery and cars. More young people are driving cars and riding bikes rather than using public transport and want to gain the experience and knowledge to maintain their own vehicles. Private car ownership is still huge in the UK, and van and trucks are everywhere - all of them need mechanics and engineers.
“Being a mechanic can be a well-paid job and transport is a sector that will never disappear,” explains Samantha Adams Head of Department for Motor Vehicle and Mechanical Engineering at the campus.
Sam worked in Health and Social Care education prior to making the move to motor vehicle and mechanical engineering. Having a private passion and interest in motorbikes and cars made the transition exciting.
She had two teaching assistants who are now teachers at the centre: Celeste Gomez-Metro and Louise Goodwin. Mike Green is a former student who is now a teacher, Chris Wising teaches the Level 3 engineering and Rob McKenzie brings a huge range of experience from industry in motor electronics.
“We have a fantastic team here, who bring so much to preparing young people for the world of work and life in the adult world,” said Sam, who was once a student a Dunstable College, which became Central Beds College, now part of The Bedford College Group which includes ALL FE colleges in Bedfordshire.
TBCG has its own award-winning Advanced Automotive Centre in Barker’s Lane, Bedford where preparing peole to work on electric vehicles (EV) draws in trainees from across the region. Major companies send their in-house mechanics to upgrade their skills to include being able to manage the powerful batteries used in EVs.
“We are looking forward to working with our new colleagues at Bedford and sharing our experiences and expertise,” added Sam.
Shout out to Ashley!
Central Beds College student Ashley Nomarfo has been a star of local radio after being invited on the 3 Counties Radio.
Ashley who is studying Business, was joined on the teatime show on Monday March 6th by Student Services Manager Chris Allan.
Because of his interest in supporting Culture Day on March 7th, Ashley became a student ambassador. He stepped up to help the idea of highlighting diversity at the Dunstable campus.
Ashley from Ghana, also flagged up Ghana Independence Day on March 6th on the live radio broadcast.
Chris said: “Culture Day is an event designed by students. We have 95 different nationalities in harmony at our college.”
“Student Ambassadors are key to our organisation, we share their ideas and feedback back to staff or management. We give students training and encouragement.”
Added Ashley: “We are starting with a foundation of this at Central Beds College but we hope it will inspire the whole community.”
BBC Radio 3 Counties visited the college campus on March 7th and recorded a show which was due to be broadcast on Sunday March 12th.
Concerned about the costs of college? Here's the support you can access
If you're hoping or planning to start a college course but are concerned about the potential costs involved, please read on for a handy guide written by our Welfare team.
STUDENT FINANCE
At Central Bedfordshire College we want to ensure finance isn’t a barrier to your studies. The College has access to government funding that could help you with some of the costs of studying a Further Education course. This support could be in the form of travel costs, course equipment, uniform and childcare funding if you need it.
All funding from the "Discretionary Learner Support Fund” (DLS Fund) is dependent on your circumstances.
To access the "Discretionary Learner Support Fund" (DLS Fund) to help with the cost of coming to college you will need to provide evidence of your circumstances. Eligibility for help will depend on your age, your household income and your immigration status.
FREE COLLEGE MEALS
If you are aged between 16-18 on 31st August you may be eligible to receive free college meals, if you or your parents are in receipt of qualifying state benefits,
CHILDCARE
If you are aged under 20 at the start of your course and need help with the costs of childcare while you are studying, you may be eligible to apply to the government "Care to Learn" scheme. You could get up to £160 a week per child.
To find out more information and to apply please click here.
If you are aged 20+ at the start of your Further Education course, the college may be able to support you with childcare costs through the DLS Fund while you are studying. After applying you will need to complete a 20+ Childcare Application Form. Please read through this carefully and fill in all sections, once completed please collect an additional form that is required to be completed by your chosen childcare provider.
GRANT
If you are a young carer living in Bedfordshire, you may be able to apply for a carers' grant to pay for a break, activity, service or training, that could help to improve your health or wellbeing.
For more information and to apply, please click here.
You can also apply for a Carers' Card which can offer you discounts at some shops and leisure/sports venues; please click here.
If I am struggling with the costs of coming to College - what can I do?
Speak to a member of the Student Services Welfare Team who will be able to advise you on any financial assistance available to you through the Discretionary Learner Support Fund (DLSF). Take a look at the Student Services page on our website for information on all Student Funding options.
Can I get help with the costs of any kit or equipment that I require for my course?
Essential equipment is provided by each Learning Area to enable you to achieve on your course. If you are eligible to apply for financial support through the College’s Discretionary Learner Support Fund then you may be able to receive support for your uniform.
Can I get help with childcare costs whilst at College?
If you are aged under 20 at the start of your course you can apply for support with childcare costs by completing the Funding Application Form which can be found here. If you are aged under 20 at the start of your course, the government scheme “Care to Learn” can help pay for your childcare costs while you're studying. Please click here to apply.
Houghton Hub Open Evening
The Houghton Learning Hub supports young people with EHCPs, those disaffected with education, those that are NEET, with a disability/learning difficulty or with mental health challenges.
At Houghton Learning Hub we provide post 16 students the opportunity to continue their learning and development journey. We offer person-centred learning through full time study programmes tailored to their areas of interest. Learning takes place in small groups with high levels of support, and aims to develop confidence and skills for learning. We provide an environment for students to re-engage with education and be successful in their studies. All students follow a core vocational curriculum focusing on essential knowledge and skills including maths and English, personal and social development, employability and life skills.
We'll be holding an Open Evening at the Houghton Hub on Monday 23rd January, 4-6pm. This will be an information session and a chance to meet the team who manage and support at the Hub.
To book your place, please email Jo Fawkes, Head of Centre, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
MERGER LATEST: Draft resolution to dissolve
FOR PUBLICATION - DRAFT RESOLUTION TO DISSOLVE CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COLLEGE FURTHER EDUCATION CORPORATION ON 1 FEBRUARY 2023
NOTICE is hereby given that the Governing Body of Central Bedfordshire College Further Education Corporation intends to pass a resolution at a meeting of the Corporation to take place before 1 February 2023 to dissolve the Corporation of the College following a transfer of its rights, assets and liabilities at 00:01 on 1 February 2023* to Bedford College Further Education Corporation.
Proposed Resolution to be passed at a meeting of the Corporation to be held prior to 1 February 2023
IT WAS RESOLVED that following:
- the publication of the results of a statutory consultation exercise undertaken by Central Bedfordshire College Further Education Corporation (as required under The Further Education Corporations (Publication of Proposals) (England) Regulations 2012) and Bedford College Further Education Corporation;
- the carrying out of legal and financial due diligence exercises by both Corporations in order to establish that such action is in the best interests of their respective Corporations and subject to the Corporations agreeing suitable and appropriate terms and entering into a legally binding transfer agreement to give effect to the said transfer.
Central Bedfordshire College Further Education Corporation hereby RESOLVES to merge by transfer of its assets, liabilities and undertaking to Bedford College Further Education Corporation with effect from 00.01 on 1 February 2023*, pursuant to s 27B Higher and Further Education Act 1992, with Central Bedfordshire College Further Education Corporation immediately thereafter dissolving.
* The notice is passed on the basis that it is the intention for Central Bedfordshire College Further Education Corporation and Bedford College Further Education Corporation to merge on 1 February 2023, but there is a possibility that this may be subject to change to a later date.
For further information please contact: Katy George on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published: December 2022
More...
MERGER LATEST: Consultation Results
Proposed Merger between Central Bedfordshire College and The Bedford College Group
Central Bedfordshire College (CBC) is proposing to merge with The Bedford College Group (TBCG), one of the largest college groups in the country, from 1st February 2023.
Earlier this year, in preparation for this exciting proposed development CBC and TBCG held a public consultation from 15th June 2022 for six weeks and invited responses from the local community and other stakeholders.
CBC serves communities across southern Central Bedfordshire and Luton local authorities, with campuses in Dunstable, Houghton Regis, Leighton Buzzard and Luton, whilst TBCG already serves parts of Central Bedfordshire through its Shuttleworth College campus.
CBC has chosen to merge with the Group because it will enable the communities of Central Bedfordshire and Luton to access an even broader choice of educational opportunities. Learners will be able to stay and progress with CBC right up to degree-level, whilst businesses will be able to access the technical and vocational training needed for their workforce to meet future skills needs.
To find out more about the responses and analysis of the consultation please download our consultation results brochure.
CLOSURE ON MON 19TH SEPTEMBER
Central Bedfordshire College will be closed on Monday 19th September 2022 to staff and students for the funeral of Her Majesty the Queen.
College will resume as usual on Tuesday 20th September 2022.
It's Not Too Late to Join Central Bedfordshire College!
The next step to your future without limits.
We have a limited number of places across a number of our course areas so it's not too late to enrol with us.
Whether you've recently received your GCSE results, are still unsure of your next step or are looking for a change in your career, then our team is on hand to help.
We're able to accommodate walk ins all this week, so please come along to our Dunstable Kingsway campus where our friendly Student Services team will be happy to help you. You'll have the opportunity to chat to our Careers team if you're not sure which course you'd like to do, or to our curriculum tutors if you've got a particular subject in mind. You can then apply, enrol and get your ID badge right there and then - so no more stressing about what you're going to do this September! And don't worry about starting term late - we're still running induction sessions, so you haven't missed a thing.
Your options
If you know what course you'd like to study, then simply apply online and our team will be in touch to arrange your enrolment session where you'll be able to get everything sorted including your ID badge and start date (just remember to bring your qualifications). Alternatively, come along to our Dunstable Kingsway campus at a time that suits you.
If you're unsure of your next steps, then our staff are here to help. Our Careers team can provide professional and independent advice to help with your next steps and our teaching staff will be on hand to answer any specific questions. Just pop down to our main Dunstable Kingsway campus today.
Here's a video on how to apply online!
MERGER LATEST: FAQs
Will a bigger college mean reduced quality?
The Bedford College Group, even with the addition of Central Bedfordshire College, will not be a monopoly but it will be even more resilient and stronger than before. The Group’s track record shows that quality has not been sacrificed as it has expanded, always remaining at least Grade 2 (Good) in Ofsted inspections. Central Bedfordshire College is extremely healthy financially and The Bedford College Group’s previous mergers have demonstrated that quality is consistently maintained during and after the transition process in each case.
