Banbury and Bicester College

A culinary student from Banbury and Bicester College has won the British Culinary Federation’s Student of the Year award!

Josh Zitha, who studies Advanced Professional Cookery at Banbury and Bicester College, was crowned the winner at the competition, which took place at University College Birmingham.

Josh Zitha said: “A big thanks to my family for the support and my chef mentors, they played a tremendous role in me getting this far.

“Being crowned Student Young Chef is something special and it is a very humbling experience. A lot of work goes into it and when it all comes together, it’s motivation to keep creating with purpose and pursuing excellence.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/4xdZ0MJ

Innovation in action ❤️

Students on our Uniformed Protective Services programme have been learning how to respond to an emergency scenario through a new, interactive approach.

Using a 3D-printed desktop exercise board alongside miniature models, students were able to physically and visually demonstrate their emergency response plans.

This hands-on method has proven to be a significant success, enabling learners to engage more deeply and identify key details with greater clarity.

In addition to improving understanding, the approach has supported the integration of Maths, English, and ICT skills within the course, and has also strengthened students’ confidence and ability to communicate effectively.

Well done to all those who supported this brilliant project.

Starting at Banbury and Bicester College in September 2026?

You should have received an invitation to your Student Welcome Day on Thursday 2 July. To book your place, simply follow the instructions in your offer letter.

Before you start in September, your Student Welcome Day is a great opportunity to:

Explore your programme 📚

Discover more about what you'll be studying and what your journey at college will look like.

Meet your future teachers 👩‍🏫👨‍🏫

Chat with our experienced teaching staff, ask questions and get advice about your next steps.

Tour your new campus 🏫🌳

Take a look around your new learning environment, including our modern facilities and industry-standard learning spaces.

Connect with new friends 🤝😊

Meet other students who will be studying alongside you and start building friendships before term begins.

Feel supported from day one 💚✨

Learn about the wide range of support services available to help you succeed both academically and personally.

We can't wait to welcome you to Banbury and Bicester College!

🌈 Wear your Pride | Celebrating diversity, inclusion and belonging 🌈

On 11 June, we're inviting all students and staff to wear their Pride colours and help make our campuses a vibrant celebration of inclusion, identity and community.

Whether it's a rainbow accessory, a Pride T-shirt, colourful socks or a full spectrum outfit, every show of support helps create an environment where everyone feels seen, valued and respected.

Join us as we celebrate Pride Month and demonstrate our commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community for all!

Learn more about Pride events and activities across Activate Learning: https://bit.ly/4o6vq7K

🌈 This Pride Month, we’re celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and reaffirming our commitment to creating safe, inclusive and welcoming spaces for every student and member of staff across Activate Learning.

Through our LGBTQIA+ clubs, enrichment activities, support services and Pride events, we’re proud to champion acceptance, equality and the freedom to be yourself.

At Activate Learning, everyone deserves to feel seen, supported and valued for who they are.

Join us as we celebrate Pride and continue working towards a culture where diversity is embraced and everyone can thrive. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4o6vq7K

.. and that's a wrap!

Today we welcomed the team from Willmott Dixon to celebrate the conclusion of their project with our Business Management and Administration T Level students!

Willmott Dixon is the UK's leading independent construction and property services company, and they've been diligently working with the students since October on a project designed to give learners real world experience 🌎

Students were given a simulated tender brief to work with and were challenged to think about real life concerns including health and safety, communications and budget for their proposed companies.

It was also brilliant to see teams zooming in on the importance of sustainability in their projects ♻️

Wilmott Dixon have done a brilliant job at guiding the students through this project which gains them 100 hours of project work and connections with employers.

Thank you to all those who supported this event.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, Beauty Therapy students at Banbury and Bicester College set up a pop-up beauty bar for staff and students to offer some well-deserved treatments ❤️

It was brilliant to see so many people taking some time out of their day for some much needed self-care.

Thank you to all those who supported this event.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re encouraging students and staff to take time to support their wellbeing and explore the resources available through our Learning Environments. 💚

Don’t forget to visit:
✨ VR Thursdays
✨ Exam prep VR sessions
✨ Immersive Spaces (where available)

You can also access our online reading list, digital BorrowBox shelf, plus physical books and magazines designed to support mental health and wellbeing.

Simply scan the QR codes or visit your local Learning Environment to find out more.

Together, we can help create supportive, inclusive learning spaces where everyone can thrive.

Learn more about activities on your campus this week: https://bit.ly/4d25Xs7

| Mental Health Foundation