Orchard Hill College celebrates Partnership Excellence Award

Orchard Hill College is celebrating after receiving the FES Partnership Excellence Award, recognising the success of its long-standing teacher education partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU).

The award celebrates excellence in collaboration and recognises the impact the partnership has had in developing high-quality Further Education teachers over the past ten years. Together, Orchard Hill College and CCCU have supported and trained many teachers who have gone on to enrich education for countless learners across the Further Education sector.

As an Outstanding specialist post-16 provider, Orchard Hill College delivers the Diploma in Further Education and Skills (DipFES) with a unique focus on SEND. The programme combines academic study with practical teaching experience, equipping current and aspiring teachers with the knowledge, confidence and specialist skills needed to support learners with additional needs.

The award is a reflection of the dedication and expertise of the DipFES team, as well as the strength of the partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University. Over the past decade, the collaboration has created opportunities for teachers to develop their practice while helping to raise the quality of teaching and learning across the Further Education sector.

Suzanna Challenger, Head of Policy, Research and Reporting at Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust, said:

“Winning the FES Partnership Excellence Award is a wonderful way to celebrate ten years of partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University. This award recognises the commitment, expertise and collaboration of everyone involved in delivering our DipFES programme. We are incredibly proud to have trained so many talented Further Education teachers who continue to make a real difference to learners’ lives.”

Congratulations to the entire DipFES team on this well-deserved recognition.