Northampton College

The Planet Earth Games campaign concluded with a fantastic achievement for the college, finishing second overall and first in our tier - an accomplishment that reflects the dedication and enthusiasm shown throughout the competition.

In recognition of this success, the college was proudly awarded a trophy, celebrating the collective efforts of everyone involved.

We also took the opportunity to recognise our Climate Champions, Olga, Aleda and Kevin, presenting certificates to those who went above and beyond to support the campaign.

A huge thank you to all of our Climate Champions and participants for helping make this year's Planet Earth Games such a success.

The college’s first-ever girls' football fixture against Reading College marked a significant moment in our sporting history.

While the result didn't go our way, the match was a fantastic achievement and an important step forward for women's sport at the college.

With plans to enter a competitive league next academic year, this is just the beginning. Any girls interested in representing the college should keep an eye out for future announcements and opportunities to get involved.

Our Level 2 Sport students delivered a fantastic sporting festival for pupils from Ecton Brook Primary School, showcasing their organisation, leadership, and coaching skills.

The event provided a fun and engaging experience for the young participants, with a range of activities designed to encourage teamwork, physical activity, and enjoyment of sport.

The students were a credit to the college, demonstrating professionalism and enthusiasm throughout the day while creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Our Level 2 Travel students enjoyed a study visit to Whipsnade Zoo last week, spending time finding out about the zoo's conservation efforts, enjoying a ride on one of the oldest and most famous steam trains still working today and discovering what's involved in a career at a tourist attraction.

What an incredible day at The Northampton Carnival.

On Saturday, our amazing staff and students were proud to take part in one of Northampton’s most vibrant celebrations, joining thousands of people from across the community in a spectacular parade filled with colour, music, creativity and energy.

A huge thank you to our fantastic friends at Performing Room who we were delighted to share our float with. Your enthusiasm, talent and support helped make the day truly special, and it was wonderful to celebrate alongside you.

Northampton Carnival is a powerful reminder of what makes our town so special. People from all backgrounds, cultures and communities came together to celebrate diversity, inclusion and belonging, creating an atmosphere of positivity, respect and unity that could be felt throughout the streets.

We are incredibly proud of everyone who represented us on the day. From the performers and volunteers to those cheering from the sidelines, every person played a part in making the carnival such a success.

Thank you to the organisers, participants, supporters and the wider Northampton community for making this year’s carnival a true celebration of togetherness. Here’s to continuing to build a town where everyone feels welcome, valued and inspired.

Students who have fled war-torn countries around the world to study with us here at Northampton College have taken part in a nine-week programme of ‘Simple Acts’ to mark Refugee Week.

The event is the UK’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and takes place this week under the theme of Courage, inviting organisations to explore what courage means in the context of establishing individual identity and rebuilding your life.

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students aged 16 to 19 based at our Lower Mounts campus took part in a series of structured ‘Simple Acts’ designed to build confidence, connection and communication through shared experiences.

Activities included courageous conversations between students, staff and peers, a collaborative walk and talk with business students to Northampton Museum & Art Gallery to explore the town’s shoe heritage, film screenings, creative drawing and painting sessions and a large-scale picnic for 120 participants on the Racecourse featuring international food including falafel wraps.

Students also took part in ‘Move Together’ sessions involving XBOX gaming, dance and board games, alongside a celebration of cultural identity through wearing national dress.

Paula Price, Curriculum Manager for ESOL, said: “Many of our students arrive having experienced profound disruption and uncertainty, and for some, education has never been accessible before. What we see every day is the courage it takes simply to walk into a classroom, speak a new language, and begin again.

“This programme has focused on trust, confidence and connection. The Simple Acts have given students space to express themselves, share their stories if they wish, and feel part of a community that values them.”

The majority of learners are asylum seekers and refugees, with many arriving in the UK having experienced significant trauma, including war, forced displacement and long periods of instability.

Some have had no access to formal education in their home countries and arrive here completely illiterate, beginning their learning journey from the most basic level of English.

Students come from countries including Sudan, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania and Somalia, reflecting the global nature of displacement and the diverse communities now calling Northampton home.

Principal Jason Lancaster said: “Our ESOL learners bring extraordinary resilience and lived experience, and we are committed to giving them every opportunity to rebuild their education and their confidence here.

“Many of these young people have faced circumstances no child or teenager should have to endure. These students are valuable members of our community and contribute greatly to its economic and cultural life.

“Education gives young people stability, direction and hope, and Refugee Week is a powerful reminder of why that matters.”

A career in travel and tourism needs you to be confident in dealing with the public, helping answer questions, guide them to the right place and be friendly, warm and welcoming.

By helping out at our open event last week, travel and tourism students were able to experience first-hand exactly what's required - and they responded in style! Thank you to everyone who proved so helpful and were key members of the team.

For more information about courses starting this September visit: https://www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk/courses

We’ve had an amazing time at STEAM Northants today.

So many brilliant young people came over to our stand to get involved, ask questions, and explore what their future could look like.

From hands-on activities to real conversations about courses, careers and next steps, it was all about showing what’s possible when you take a deep dive into Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths.

If you’re thinking about your next move, there’s a whole world of opportunity waiting for you at Northampton College.

We’re here to ignite the spark inside you and help you turn ideas and imagination into a future you’re excited for.

Big thanks to all the team representing the college and to everyone who stopped by and made it an event to remember!