Joseph Chamberlain College

Yesterday, our aspiring healthcare students took part in an intensive UCAT Tuition Day delivered by The Medic Portal.

The full-day session provided valuable guidance, expert advice and practical preparation to help students develop the skills and confidence needed for the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), an important step towards careers in medicine and healthcare.

We're delighted to support our learners with opportunities like this, helping them take the next step towards achieving their ambitions.

Joseph Chamberlain College Principal, Tony Day, Awarded an OBE for Services to Education!

Joseph Chamberlain College is proud to announce that our Principal, Tony Day, has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King's Birthday Honours List 2026 for his services to education.

This prestigious award recognises individuals from all walks of life who have made significant contributions and have positively shaped the lives of others over the years. Tony has built an enduring legacy within sixth form colleges, weaving his passion for education, exceptional leadership, care for staff, and a long-standing commitment to transforming the lives of students, into all aspects of his career.

During the early stages of his career, Tony led English, languages, performing arts, and creative arts departments at Ashton Sixth Form College before becoming the Vice Principal of Rochdale Sixth Form College. During his time at Rochdale, Tony made a significant impact, having worked to establish a brand-new college in 2010.

After this, Tony decided to join Joseph Chamberlain College initially as Deputy Principal in 2012, where he has spent the last 14 years of his career.

Tony’s remarkable work as Deputy Principal led to his appointment as Principal in 2019. As Principal, Tony has led the college through a period of sustained success, including consistently strong student outcomes and two consecutive ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted inspections.

Tony champions and nurtures a vibrant, diverse, inclusive, and aspirational college community, for which Joseph Chamberlain College has become renowned. His passion for education and his drive to improve opportunities for young people have been embedded throughout the college.

Tony Day, Principal of Joseph Chamberlain College, said:
“It is a privilege to receive an award in this year's King's Birthday Honours List. Despite being very surprised to hear the news, I feel honoured to have been recognised in such a way. Over the last 22 years, I have worked in some brilliant sixth form colleges, full of extremely dedicated colleagues and delightful students.

My time as Principal at Joseph Chamberlain College over the last 8 years, and my time as Deputy Principal before that, have been true highlights of my career and I am so proud of everything that we achieve together here, each and every day, for our students. For me, my work has always been about ensuring that every young person, whatever their starting point or background may be, has access to the very best teaching, support and opportunities so that they can fulfil all of their aspirations in life. I am so proud that Joseph Chamberlain College is a place where that happens. I therefore see this award as a tribute to everyone who works alongside me.”

Sue Anderson, Chair of Governors at Joseph Chamberlain College, said:
“On behalf of the Governing Body, I am delighted to congratulate Tony on this well-deserved recognition.
Tony’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping Joseph Chamberlain College into one of the country’s leading sixth form colleges. His commitment to students, staff and the wider community is truly exceptional, and this award is a fitting tribute to the impact he has had on education over many years.”

Tony will be invited to an investiture ceremony to collect his OBE in the autumn term, where a member of the royal family will present his award.

Everyone at Joseph Chamberlain College would like to congratulate Tony on this well-deserved recognition. The college community is incredibly proud to see his dedication, leadership and long-standing commitment to young people’s education recognised in this incredible way.

Thinking about a career in healthcare or medicine?

Gain valuable experience this summer with virtual work experience opportunities available to Health and Science students.

✔ Over 75 hours of online healthcare work experience
✔ Earn 30+ certificates
✔ Supports UCAS applications, personal statements and interviews
✔ Explore a wide range of careers across the medical and healthcare sector

To register, use your college email address and access the full range of courses and content available.

The registration QR code can be found on college screens and in the student newsletter.

Any questions? Contact Becky at [email protected].

Huge thanks to Mihai and Wai from the Aston Villa Foundation for delivering a series of engaging sessions throughout the day on pathways in football coaching! ⚽🌟

The Foundation is the official charity of Aston Villa Football Club and has been enriching lives and supporting young people across Birmingham for over three decades. The theme was Working together to Enrich Lives, and they provided our students with practical guidance and real world perspectives on careers in football coaching.

Thank you for your time, passion and commitment to helping our students into exciting opportunities in the world of football!

Students from the JCC Democracy Society welcomed Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, for a discussion on regional priorities, local government and the role of young people in shaping public policy.

The event gave students the opportunity to ask questions, share their views and hear directly from the Mayor about the challenges and opportunities facing the West Midlands.

The visit formed part of the society's programme of guest speakers designed to encourage political engagement and informed debate among students.



The society would like to thank Mayor Richard Parker for taking the time to visit and engage with our students. We are also grateful to everyone who attended.

Yesterday was the judging for the Dragon's Apprentice enterprise competition at JCC.

A panel of three local business people George Danison founder of Omnisio, Tom Upton director at Toucan Graphics and David Harwood, founder of several businesses based in Birmingham lent their time to judge business ideas and award funding for AS business studies students.

There was a huge array of top quality business ideas from car washing to matcha drinks, business logistics to fitness training. The Dragons had a hugely challenging job choosing which businesses to fund, but in the end 6 winning ideas were granted funding. The successful teams will run their businesses for a week in college next week and all proceeds will go to charity.

🗳️ Voting Is NOW OPEN! Find your Voting QR code in this week's Student Newsletter

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