Nottingham College has been recognised in the prestigious Beacon Awards, earning a place on the shortlist for the ION Award for Re-Engaging Young People in Education and Employment.
The national awards celebrate innovation and excellence across the further education sector, recognising colleges that make a lasting difference to students and communities.
The shortlisting recognises Nottingham College's No Wrong Door approach, which has transformed how young people below Level 2 access and progress through education. Rather than expecting learners to fit existing provision, the college has created multiple pathways that meet young people where they are, supporting them back into education, training and employment.
The approach brings together a range of programmes for young people at risk of becoming, or already classed as, NEET (not in education, employment or training), including Foundation Learning, King's Trust programmes, specialist SEND provision through the Gateway Centre, and dedicated pathways for home-educated learners and young people furthest from education and work.
The impact has been significant. In 2025/26, 673 young people who were NEET or at risk of becoming so enrolled on the college's re-engagement provision, with 89% successfully completing their studies. Foundation Learning achievement rates have increased from 71.6% to a predicted 87.9%, while 19 of 24 supported interns progressed into paid employment.
The number of 16 to 18-year-olds studying at Entry Level and Level 1 has also grown by almost two-thirds over the past three years, with learners with learning difficulties and disabilities now achieving in line with their peers.
Janet Smith, Principal and CEO of Nottingham College, said:
"We're incredibly proud to be recognised for our work helping young people reconnect with education and build positive futures. No Wrong Door is built on a simple belief: every young person deserves an opportunity to succeed, regardless of their starting point. This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff and the achievements of the learners we support every day."
The next stage of the awards process will see assessors visit the college between December and mid-January, with winners announced in spring 2027.