We are proud to once again take part in Colleges Week 2026, alongside National Careers Week, running from 2 to 6 March.

These national celebrations provide the opportunity to showcase the very best of The Bedford College Group, while highlighting the skills, pathways and opportunities available to our current and prospective students.

The Bedford College Group is the largest provider of education across Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and the South Midlands, delivering world‑class skills and education through our family of colleges, sixth forms and specialist centres.

A message from our CEO

Yiannis Koursis OBE, Chief Executive at The Bedford College Group says:

“As an anchor institution at the heart of our region, The Bedford College Group plays a vital role in supporting the people and places we serve. Colleges Week gives us the opportunity to shine a light on the extraordinary skills, ambition and resilience demonstrated by our students across Further Education, Higher Skills programmes, adult programmes and apprenticeships.

Every day, our students bring creativity, determination and purpose to their studies and it is our privilege to help them thrive, progress and contribute to the prosperity of our local communities. Colleges Week allows us to celebrate not only their achievements, but also the collective impact our Group has in strengthening our region’s skills, supporting employers, and enriching the future of Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.”

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What is Colleges Week?

Colleges Week is a national celebration recognising the vital contribution further and higher education providers make to learners, employers and communities. As anchor institutions, colleges strengthen local economies and provide inclusive pathways for learners of all ages — including those returning to education, those with SEND and those pursuing technical, professional or academic qualifications.

Throughout the week, we will be sharing inspiring stories, behind‑the‑scenes content and real examples of how education transforms lives across The Bedford College Group.

Colleges Week 2026 Themes at The Bedford College Group

Monday – Adult Learning Pays

Monday celebrates the achievements of adults returning to education — from career changers and upskillers to lifelong learners.

Across our colleges, we offer:

  • Flexible part‑time routes
  • Community‑based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough
  • Distance learning options
  • Professional and Higher Skills programmes

These pathways empower adults to build confidence, gain qualifications, retrain for new roles and progress into employment or further study.

Explore Adult Learning | View our Adult Education Prospectus

Tuesday – Skills for Young People

Tuesday spotlights the talent and ambition of young people studying with us across:

  • A levels (The Bedford Sixth Form and The Corby Sixth Form)
  • T Levels and technical programmes
  • Vocational pathways
  • Specialist land‑based education at Shuttleworth College
  • Inclusive SEND support

Our learners gain industry‑relevant skills, develop independence and progress into apprenticeships, university or employment.

Explore School Leaver pathways | View our Further Education prospectus

Wednesday – Apprenticeships: Skills in the Workplace

On Wednesday we celebrate apprentices and the employers who support them.

The Bedford College Group works closely with local and national businesses to develop talent pipelines, deliver industry‑standard training and meet regional skills needs.

Throughout the day, we will share:

  • Apprentice stories and alumni successes
  • Employer partnerships
  • Live apprenticeship vacancies
  • Workplace insights

Explore Apprenticeships

Thursday – Higher Education in Colleges

Thursday highlights our university-level and Higher Education provision offered across Bedford College, Tresham College, Shuttleworth College, Central Bedfordshire College and our University Centre.

With a wide range of programmes including HNCs, HNDs, HTQs, Foundation Degrees and Top‑up degrees, students benefit from:

  • Smaller class sizes
  • Flexible study options
  • Local, accessible campuses
  • Employer-informed curriculum
  • Clear progression pathways from Level 3 to Higher Skills

Explore Higher Education | View our University Level Prospectus

Friday – Community, Partnerships and Civic Impact

We conclude Colleges Week by celebrating the wider civic role of The Bedford College Group.

Our Group works with:

  • Employers
  • Community organisations
  • Sustainability partners
  • Local authorities
  • Schools and universities

Through our Learning Centres, industry collaborations, sustainability initiatives and community outreach, we extend far beyond the classroom; helping individuals, businesses and communities to flourish.

Cauldwell Tower block, view next to river.

Join the Colleges Week 2026 Celebration

Follow us throughout the week on our social media channels to enjoy student stories, college life insights, employer features, and campus highlights.

Join the conversation and help us celebrate the skills, ambition and achievements of our students and staff.

Together, we are developing the skills, confidence and ambition that power our local communities and regional economies.

What else is going on?

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