Culinary students from Capital City College’s School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts at Westminster have won over 160 medals and certificates at this year’s International Salon Culinaire competitions.
The students and colleagues from CCC at the International Salon Culinaire 2025
The hospitality and culinary school, known for educating top talent in the industry, made its mark at the International Salon Culinaire competition, which is the UK’S largest and most prestigious programme of culinary and hospitality competitions.
Held over three days at ExCeL London, as part of Food, Drink and Hospitality Week, the International Salon Culinaire competition challenged current and up-and-coming chefs and front of house students to showcase their skills in four distinct areas: Salon Display, Live Theatre, Skills Theatre, and Sugarcraft. Within these, the students took part in specific challenges like the Duck Culinary Showdown, Junior Petit Fours, Seabass and Trout Preparation, and more.
With over 1000 participants and 100 judges coming from some of the UK’s most respected chefs’ associations, hotels, restaurants and military organisations, this was three days of intense competition. The school’s students won:
The John Retalick Cup for Highest Achieving College
30 Gold Medals, including two Best in Class
71 Silver Medals, including one Best in Class
43 Bronze Medals
16 Certificate of Merit
one Hygiene Award
Miranda Quantrill, Curriculum Manager of Hospitality and Culinary Arts at Capital City College, said: “We were delighted to put forward our students for the Salon each year, showing their hard work, dedication and skills. As mentors, we are extremely proud to be part of their journey giving them every opportunity to excel and showcase talent.
“It was a great experience for our first year Professional Chef students to work alongside our second and third year full time and apprentice students, and to see the logistics teams and mentors come together to support our competitors during these challenging few days. We were touched at being able to retain the John Retalick Cup for a second year in a row, and are grateful to Rational & Russum for their sponsorship.”
Sharon Barry, Group Head of School for Apprenticeship and Culinary Arts at Capital City College, added: “We are immensely proud of all our learners for their dedication and focus to achieve amazing results at the competition. For many, it was a first insight into our industry in this context and to have the opportunity to participate in competitions with learners from other colleges as well as industry professionals.
“The buzz in college afterwards was a delight to see and the learners’ appreciation to the lecturers and employers who supported them in the run up was heartwarming. we are all excited for the future and to watch their talent grow and progress.”
At the second annual Inter-College Skills Show, Capital City College students won in seven of the ten competitions, showcasing talent, professionalism and teamwork.
The cyber security competition held at Mosaic@Soho for the Inter-College Skills Show
Marking the largest event of its kind, eight London colleges joined forces to put on the Inter-College Skills Show, a day of simultaneous competitions held across six locations, where hundreds of further education students took part in ten competitions in science, engineering, electrical, hospitality, beauty and more.
Angela Joyce, Chief Executive Officer of Capital City College, said: “Competitions like these are a great way to challenge our students and put their skills to the test. Our students study courses that will offer them real skills and experience that are applicable to today’s industries, and it is wonderful that our judges and industry partners can see how essential skills competitions are as we educate tomorrow’s leaders, today.”
The participating colleges were Barking & Dagenham College (the show organisers), Waltham Forest College, United Colleges Group, South Essex College, Newham College, Barnet and Southgate College and Newham Sixth Form College.
The Inter-College Skills Show aimed to help tackle London’s skills gap by demonstrating how vocational education equips learners with industry-relevant expertise in key sectors such as construction, engineering, hospitality, healthcare, science, and digital industries. This groundbreaking initiative brought together learners, educators, and industry leaders to showcase vocational excellence and highlight the crucial role of skills competitions in preparing the workforce of tomorrow.
Capital City College was also the overall winner for the skills show, claiming the trophy for the most winning students from all the competing colleges.
What our students said
Culinary student Samara Jordan, reflected on the competition prior to finding to she had won first place in the hospitality competition’s ‘butchering a chicken’ round: “I competed in pursuit of expanding my skills and deepening my culinary knowledge. I think that putting yourself in uncomfortable situations will help you to succeed. I did my best in the competition, but whatever happens it’s an essential learning experience .”
Culinary student Naif Alshen, who won first place in the hospitality competition’s ‘vegetable knife skills’ round, said: “The competition made me more confident, learning how to work under pressure. I was a bit nervous, but in the end, I think I did really well.” On finding out that he had secured first place, he said: “It felt amazing! I’m really proud of myself.”
Jamey Wilkes, a level three applied science student and first place winner of the science competition said: “I’m genuinely over the moon that I won. Everyone here is so talented. I would say that if anyone else wants to try and compete at future competitions like this to try not to stress too much. It’s more about enjoying it, cause you’ll relax more and you’ll probably do better if you stress less.”
The judges’ reactions
Mark Dunne, Strategic Account Director at OneAdvanced and judge for the cybersecurity competition, said: “As a panel, we were blown away by the subject knowledge, teamwork and presentation skills on display. Cyber security is a key consideration for businesses, and students from each college were incredibly impressive in demonstrating their grasp of the business risks and how to mitigate these. A huge well done to all involved, and in particular to the medallists – Barnet and Southgate College and United Colleges Group – and the winners from Capital City College.”
Max Haslam, Junior Technician at MeiraGTx and judge of the science competition said: “It was a good day. It’s nice to see people trying different experiments, especially the students who are doing it for the first time. There’s lots of good habits on show that students who want to be scientists can carry over after university, which you can see very clearly here, especially regarding PPE.”
Simon Cutting, Professor at the Royal Holloway Universityand judge of the science competition, added: “Today has been a real eye-opener. It’s really good to see students who are obviously motivated by science, and I hope they go on and pursue a career.”
Casita Sumner, Head of Visionnaires, and Margaret Gotlib, Assistant Principal, at the 2025 Breaking Down Barriers Awards
The Extending Enterprise Award recognises an individual or organisation that has empowered individuals to start businesses, supported small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and fostered a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship through mentoring, investment, or community development initiatives.
Visionnaires
Visionnaires helps people start their own businesses by providing free workshops, mentoring, and support to turn ideas into successful ventures.
Through expert-led workshops, mentorship programmes, and access to a diverse professional network, the team empowers individuals who may lack traditional business connections or resources. Their inclusive approach ensures that entrepreneurship is not limited by background, financial constraints, or lack of experience.
Casita Sumner, Head of Visionnaries, said: “I want to express my gratitude – this award is a truly humbling experience. Myself and the Visionnaires team have had the opportunity to amplify the voices, ideas and dreams of so many people and to see people break through barriers and create businesses that reflect their unique experiences is inspiring. This wouldn’t be possible without the amazing work that my team of dedicated programme coaches do.
“I thank Pablo Lloyd OBE for not only creating Visionnaires but giving me the opportunity to lead it. Amanda Dickens often talked about reaching those 500,000 UK “hidden entrepreneurs’ and I’m more committed than ever to continue providing opportunities and to reach as many entrepreneurs as we can.”
Chair of the Breaking Down Barriers Commission and former member of Sir Keir Starmer’s Shadow Cabinet, Nick Forbes CBE, said:
“These Awards are a celebration of innovation and ambition, and I congratulate all the winners for their work in shaping social impact. There is a very clear thread that runs through every category of award, and that is one of collaboration. The individuals and organisations here today recognise that working in partnership with others – whether that is within their own organisations or with other organisations, local authorities and charities – can have a much more powerful impact.
“The Breaking Down Barriers Commission brings the best purpose-led organisations together with the intention of forging a more cohesive approach to delivering opportunity, guided by the Purpose Goals and working collectively to share best practice and develop innovative solutions that will unlock potential.”
Find out more about how Visionnaires helps entrepreneurs, and the work experience opportunities offered at Capital City College.
In recognition of LGBT+ History Month, learners and staff at Capital City College (CCC) held a history fair at the King’s Cross centre.
Smiling faces at Capital City College’s LGBTQIA+ history fair
LGBT+ history monthis an annual celebration of the lives of LGBTQIA+ people throughout history. To celebrate, in February the staff and students at the King’s Cross centre held a LGBTQIA+ history Fair, which welcomed representatives in from Albert Kennedy Trust, Mosaic Trust, and Blossom LGBT.
Aleena Sharif, Events and Activities Co‑ordinator at CCC, said:
“Students had the opportunity to engage with various organisations that provided information about their work supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. This was a great way for learners to learn about organisations that are open to them. We had tables with free merchandise that learners were welcome to take and offered free candyfloss and popcorn. There was also a fake tattoo station, It was a fun and enjoyable way to celebrate an important month.”
Capital City College’s LGBTQIA+ history fair
Smiling faces at Capital City College’s LGBTQIA+ history fair
Pretty cupcakes at Capital City College’s LGBTQIA+ history fair
Pride tattoo at Capital City College’s LGBTQIA+ history fair
Elisha Lashley, Prince Trust Team Leader at CCC, added:
“This event provided valuable support to learners by educating them about LGBTQIA+ History Month and highlighting the various organisations dedicated to supporting young people within the community. It served as an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, while also promoting inclusivity and understanding. Through interactive activities and engagement with these organisations, the event encouraged learners to become allies and foster a sense of solidarity.
“This was a wonderful celebration of diversity, emphasising the importance of community, respect, and support for one another, creating an environment where all learners felt valued and empowered.”
Vahap Can Dongel, a Lecturer in Computing at CCC, was featured on Tech Tonic, an FT podcast as a guest speaker.
The FT Tech Tonic podcast logo
We chatted with him about AI, technology and what students can learn in his classroom.
Can you share a bit about your background?
“I graduated in 2021 with a degree in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) and joined CCC immediately after completing my studies. Since then, I have been teaching in the field of computing, delivering a range of units for Level 3 courses, including software development, database systems, cybersecurity, and networking. My focus is on providing learners with industry-relevant skills through practical, hands-on learning experiences.”
What can students learn in your classes?
“Students in my classes engage with a diverse range of computing topics across various courses. My primary focus areas include software development and programming, cybersecurity, computer networking, and database systems. I take a practical, hands-on approach to teaching, ensuring that after essential theoretical delivery, students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge through workshops and practical exercises. Computing is not a field that can be mastered solely through theory, like law or psychology—it requires problem-solving, experimentation, and active engagement. This approach keeps students involved and equips them with skills that are directly applicable to both industry and higher education.”
And in your AI Prompt Engineering class?
“We begin with the fundamentals of AI, exploring what drives modern AI tools and the core technologies behind them, such as neural networks, machine learning, and natural language processing (NLP). From there, we analyse what makes an effective prompt using the CSC (Clear, Specific, Contextual) framework. As we progress, we introduce advanced prompting techniques, including multi-step prompting and conditional prompting. Towards the end of the course, students learn how to run AI models locally, entirely offline on their own machines. Finally, they experiment with different prompt engineering techniques across various tools and scenarios, helping them understand the distinctions between different large language models (LLMs) and how to use them effectively.”
Will Generative AI revolutionise how we live and work? Is it already happening?
“Absolutely. Generative AI is already transforming the way we live and work, significantly reducing workload and enhancing productivity. It serves as a powerful tool for planning, creative problem-solving, and automating time-consuming tasks such as documentation and administrative work. In the education sector, AI is revolutionising lesson planning, making learning more interactive and student-centred. Teachers are leveraging AI to design engaging activities, provide personalised feedback, and enhance the overall learning experience. Its impact is only going to grow, shaping the way we work across multiple industries.”
Will there be new jobs that focus exclusively on AI?
“Yes, I believe new roles centred around AI will emerge. Many existing jobs will be redefined and restructured with AI in mind. For instance, we may see specialised roles such as “Prompt Software Engineer” or “Prompt Game Asset Designer,” where AI is leveraged to streamline workflows and enhance creativity. While AI is unlikely to completely replace jobs in the near future, its growth will undoubtedly reshape various sectors, requiring professionals to adapt and integrate AI into their work.”
What advice would you give to students who want to learn more about AI?
“Students should see AI as a tool for learning rather than a shortcut for completing tasks. In the computing department, my colleagues and I use AI to identify knowledge gaps and build upon our understanding. AI tools function as 24/7 “smart assistants,” capable of helping learners explore new concepts and refine their skills. Instead of relying on AI to do the work for them, students should use it as a resource for research, problem-solving, and skill development—ultimately improving their understanding in a way that aligns with their learning level.”
Catch up with Vahap’s guest spot on the FT’s podcast online, or read more about the courses in computing you can take at CCC.
Capital City College (CCC)’s esports team is known for making waves in esports competitions around the UK. We sat down with star player Nikita Ivanovs to learn more about this fast-paced lifestyle.
CCC’s esports team at the UK’s biggest LAN tournament: EPIC LAN 44 in Kettering.
Since its launch in 2020, CCC has seven teams competing across four game titles -Valorant, League of Legends, Rocket League and Overwatch. In 2023, the CCC esports teams won the National Student Championship for Valorant, and in 2024 for League of Legends. Most recently, the team came fifth in at the UK’s biggest LAN tournament: EPIC LAN 44 in Kettering.
Star player Nikita Ivanovs paused the game to tell us more.
What’s a typical training session like? “We agree on times to practice one week beforehand, and then leading up to a training session everyone tends to join five to ten minutes before.”
What’s been your greatest moment (in gaming with the team)? “Our greatest moment was coming 5th at EPIC.LAN 44 as a college team, competing against players who have been competing for years and structured teams.”
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced? “Our biggest challenge I think was trying to get our protocols down as a team, these are important and differ team levels especially in a collegiate league, getting our protocols on point gives us a great advantage.”
What are you studying at CCC? What do you want to do once you graduate? “I am studying the esports course at CCC and once I graduate I want to further my education, whilst also competing in Valorant. I am currently competing in Valorant outside the team here at college. I am competing at a tier 2 level currently hoping to go further!”
How do you balance school with your life as an esports gamer? “I have been implemented esports gaming into my lifestyle for a very long time. I do it by trying to exercise whenever I have free time, staying healthy is important especially if I want to do this as a professional career. It is important for me to take care of myself so that I am happy.”
What tips would you give to someone who wants to study here and possibly join the team? “Go for it, it’s a great environment to be around to study and compete in your college. It is a fun experience.”
Want to know more? Learn how you can study esports at CCC, and follow the team’s latest updates on X.
Last month, members of the Royal Navy delivered multiple workshops to Capital City College (CCC) students.
Held at CCC’s King’s Cross centre over three days, the sessions were dedicated to informing students about various potential pathways after college. The activities included in the workshop also provided a great opportunity for learners to develop transferable skills that will benefit them in their future careers. Students studying construction, plumbing, engineering and ESOL attended the workshops.
Two representatives from the Royal Navy gave a presentation to tell learners about the Navy, its purpose, and the various occupations and benefits of joining. The second part of the session focused on team-building exercises, where learners were given large Lego pieces and assigned different tasks. One task involved building a tower that could withstand an earthquake, while another group had the opportunity to create their own inventions and pitch them in a Dragon’s Den-style presentation.
Students taking part in a task at the Royal Navy careers workshop
During the event, learners were tasked with completing a team-building activity. Some teams were challenged to build a tower strong enough to withstand an earthquake, while others had the opportunity to design a unique product. Students built prototypes of a pushchair, a bike and e-scooter powered by AI, as well as a technologically advanced forklift. The students were asked to consider the selling price, manufacturing costs, and potential profit, and by the end of the session, they pitched their products.
One group was tasked with constructing the most reliable wheelbarrow, which they tested by completing a timed obstacle course. The team whose wheelbarrow remained intact at the end of the challenge won the competition.
Aleena Sharif, Events and Activities Co-ordinator at CCC, said: “This was a great day. The learners truly excelled, and the hands-on nature of these workshops proved to be highly beneficial for them. The tasks supported students in their college experience and learning goals by allowing them to work on their transferrable skills: like teamwork, resilience, team building and working together.”
Want to learn more about studying at CCC? Explore our courses in engineering, carpentry, and ESOL.
As part of British Science Week, we interviewed three T Level science students at Capital City College (CCC) about their science work experience placements.
Sogdiana, a T Level Science student at Capital City College
British Science Week is taking place between 7-16 March this year, and it is a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths.
Students at CCC can do work experience placementsin a wide range of industries, including in science and healthcare. We spoke with three students about their experiences.
Johanna, T Level science student
“I completed my science placement at NHS Blood and Transplant in Colindale, London, within the Manufacturing department. My role involved a variety of tasks, from blood collection to labelling and storing blood components.
“The most valuable part of this experience was gaining insight into what it’s like to work in the science sector while also developing skills that will support my future career. However, one of the challenges I faced was learning to differentiate between the various blood processing procedures.
“I would recommend that students interested in a science placement stay open to new opportunities and take the time to learn as much as possible about the field.”
Quluuda, T Level science student
“I did my placement with the NHS Blood and Transplant Centre at Colindale for forty-five days, where I was placed with the manufacturing team. Within the team, there were different sections, I worked in primary and reception at the start of my placement.
“In reception, we would receive blood bags from hospitals, donation centres and clinics. The goal was to separate the packs into two categories; NQT and FQE, FQEs and NQTs were further separated into different hierarchies based on the blood group and gender. We would then scan them into the system, ensuring proper records for each bag.
“I gained insight into what it is like to work in a professional environment, I made friends and connections, gained hands-on experience, confidence and the work I did made an actual difference in patients’ lives which was very rewarding.
“The most challenging thing about my placement was the physical demands, I was on my feet most of the time, I was constantly moving from one place to the other, it was physically exhausting especially at the beginning, but as I kept doing it, I adjusted and towards the end I wouldn’t even feel the exhaustion till the end of the day.
“The tip I would give other students wanting to do a science placement is to be resilient. Working in science is trial and error, sometimes you get the results, sometimes you do not, my advice would be to push through, learn from your mistakes, and improve.”
Sogdiana Mamurova, T Level science student
Sogdiana Mamurova, a T Level science student, recently completed a placement at Synnovis, in St Thomas’ Hospital. She said:
“Synnovis provides pathology services in their Diagnostic labs, working closely in partnership with the NHS. I worked in the coagulation, homeostasis and nutristasis labs during my time there. My placement mainly consisted of shadowing other members of staff as they went about completing their tasks. I was taught how to use and calibrate specialised scientific equipment, such as coagulation analysers and HPLC machines. Over time, I was also given a chance to do computer work, such as booking in patient samples and creating calibration curves from the analyser results.
“The best thing about this experience was getting to become familiar with a professional laboratory environment, which allowed me to assess whether this was a work environment that suited me. I greatly enjoyed learning about homeostasis and nutristasis. It was also immensely interesting to learn how clinical specialists treat problems and illnesses related to coagulation and vitamin deficiency. I enjoyed talking to my more experienced and knowledgeable mentors, who were always happy to answer my questions and give me honest feedback.
“Some tips I’d give to my peers, would be to be honest with your colleagues and mentors. If you don’t understand something at work, always ask for further clarification, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions also shows that you are engaged and are taking an interest in your placement. Try and network as much as possible whilst in your placement. Networking can help build connections that may be important later, especially if you are considering pursuing a career in science later in life. But most importantly, enjoy your placement, and be honest with your placement manager if you aren’t enjoying it.”
Daniella Plummer, Group Head of School, Applied Sciences, said: “It’s fantastic to see our students gaining real-world experience through science placements. Hands-on learning not only brings their studies to life but also helps them build confidence, problem-solving skills, and connections in the industry. Opportunities like these are invaluable in shaping the next generation of scientists.”
Want to know more about T Levels? See our website for what are T Levels, including information on the courses we offer and some of the T Level work placement opportunities our students can do.
Capital City College (CCC) careers team were runners-up at this year’s Beacon Awards for the Excellence in Careers and Enterprise category, which recognises how colleges integrate career education and employer engagement into their curriculum.
Toby Clark, Assistant Principal at Capital City College, with Philippa Cooke, Head of Hub at Angel and a guest at the Beacon Awards
Organised by the Association of Colleges (AoC), the Beacon Awards celebrate the best and most innovative practices among UK further education (FE) colleges, with 10 categories from innovative and exemplary teaching to commitment to equality and diversity.
Toby Clark, Assistant Principal at Capital City College, said: “We were delighted to make the finals for this awards programme. Our careers team works hard to help students who are at different levels of their careers, be it students wanting to go to university, adult learners wanting to return to work, or those wanting more support.”
Whether you are looking to change career paths, want a bit more support in your role or just starting out, the careers team at CCC provides people with professional development support and guidance.
We spoke to Daniella Plummer, Head of School for Applied Science at Capital City College, to find out more about her role and her love for science.
To celebrate British Science Week, we sat down with Daniella Plummer, Group Head of School for Applied Science at Capital City College (CCC) to hear how her passion for her subject enables her to support students exploring the science sector.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
I studied molecular biology and genetics at the University of Hertfordshire and I really loved it, but I also discovered that I didn’t enjoy being in the labs and doing research. I preferred to be much more people-facing and wanted to get involved with communicating science. I got a job teaching at a college and absolutely fell in love with teaching Applied Science to BTEC students.
My passion for the subject meant I was able to keep my students up to date about different aspects of science and let them know about different routes into science. After teaching for a few years, I progressed into managing science and joined CCC three years ago as a Curriculum Manager. I recently became Head of School for Applied Science, which means that I work across four of the college centres in Angel, King’s Cross,Tottenham and Enfield.
What do you like best about working at CCC?
I have to say that it’s the students! I love their enthusiasm and how friendly they are – and it’s lovely seeing them progress.
CCC also really nurtures their staff and that’s something I’ve really liked and benefited from. The students can see it too, as they see a lot of staff coming in as teachers and then progressing to become curriculum managers or heads of school. I really like the culture that the college has created because the students can see how we work our way up and gain more responsibility.
What do you like best about your role?
The thing that I love best about my role is that I get to support so many students from so many different backgrounds in learning about and exploring different avenues into science. When they step through the door, they’ve got this idea of wanting to be a scientist, but it’s such a broad term – and I love the fact that I get to help them discover what kind of scientist they want to be. There are still lots of traditional roles involving research, but there’s also science in the media, podcasts, and marketing to consider.
Some students might be keen to work in science but lack the confidence in their abilities or grades, and I really enjoy sharing with them the different ways of progressing and working towards a career in science.
What’s exciting about pursuing a career in science?
I think it’s exciting that we can see science in a lot of modern-day problems, such as climate change, and so we have a lot of students wanting to go into marine biology or ecology because they can see the issues and concerns.
Science is a constant and it’s ever-expanding. There are opportunities coming up in new areas such as genetic engineering, AI technology and data science that students can see and I think that makes it a really exciting area to be starting out in.
What challenges do science students face?
The sheer amount of jobs on offer can be overwhelming and I think that one of the biggest challenges for students is working out where they want to go and how they’re going to get there. For example, a biomedical science student might automatically think that they’ll end up as a biomedical scientist, so they’ll only really look into or think about that specific role. In reality, they could also go into so many different roles such as working in hematology or becoming a genetic counselor -and that’s where we’re really able to provide support. I’m always keen to remind students that there’s so much more you can do within a sector and there are so many different routes you can take.
What makes Capital City College’s science programmes stand out?
Firstly, as a college, we’re incredibly well-resourced and our labs are all kitted out with current industry-standard equipment. We’ve got 15 labs at our Angel centre that we’re constantly expanding as well as labs at our centres in King’s Cross, Tottenham and Enfield.
We also organise a lot of talks led by professionals from different science-based industries for the students so they can get more information about different roles. I think that we’re particularly good at helping students recognise their transferable skills as, a few years down the line, they may discover that they want to explore a different route. We can highlight the skills they’ve acquired from a science background, such as problem solving, analytical skills, project management and communication.
Finally, I work very closely with employers to make sure that we’re keeping in line with the industry standards that they want and we shape our curriculum accordingly. We’re very transparent with the students and we’re able to tell them what employers are looking for and how they’ll develop those relevant skills while studying with us.
Students from Capital City College star in a video promoting a long-awaited new album for British hip-hop duo Krept and Konan.
Award-winning British hip hop duo Krept and Konan have filmed a promotional video at Capital City College (CCC). The video has been used to promote their highly anticipated fourth studio album Young Kingz 2, which was released on 7 February.
The promotional video, which was filmed on 31 January at the college’s Enfield centre, features well-known TikTok personality Mr Greedy and students from the college’s Sports Academies. The 11 students who took part in the video are members of CCC’s Football Academy or Netball Academy.
Krept and Konan have won a number of awards during their impressive career and are viewed by many as leading figures in the UK rap scene. After receiving industry recognition with the Best Newcomers award at the MOBO awards in 2013, they went on to win a further three MOBO awards. They returned to this year’s MOBO awards on 18 February to deliver an exclusive performance on the MOBO stage.
The duo are known for their work supporting their local community through various projects such as the Positive Direction Foundation, which provided workshops for young people in music production, engineering and songwriting, and their restaurant Crepes & Cones, which employed young offenders in order to support their rehabilitation. In January 2025, they opened a supermarket in Croydon serving the needs of black, Asian and ethnic communities.
During the video shoot, Krept and Konan visited the Enfield centre to oversee the filming process. The students involved enjoyed being part of the production process and had the opportunity to gain experience in front of the camera. Pedro Mongo, who is studying for a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports, had a speaking role in the video. He said: “I really enjoyed filming with my fellow students as they gave me confidence with my lines. This was also a great experience as I had the opportunity to be involved in a project with two of the biggest artists in the UK, especially as I have a big passion for music.”
Many award-winning musicians begin by exploring their skills and inspiration at college. If you’re a musician looking to take your next step, check out our Music and Music Production courses. We have a variety of music courses to extend your skills in production, performance and arrangement across a variety of musical genres. Our industry-standard music suites and facilities will support you as you develop the skills needed to work in the industry or move on to further study.
If you’re passionate about sports, why not consider joining one of ourSports Academies? Our Sports Academies are open to anyone aged 16-19 and enrolled on one of our courses. The Sports Academies allow students to combine their academic courseswith excellent sports training and are partnered with local professional organisations and give students the best training, advice, and opportunities.
Check out our Sports Academies and book your trial now! To book a trial session, you must add your chosen sports academy to your basket when applying for a full-time course at one of our colleges.
For this year’s International Women’s Day celebration, we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the inspiring female leaders at Capital City College (CCC) who have worked hard to get where they are and are now sharing their journeys
Held each year on 8 March, this year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, is all about driving change and supporting one another to break barriers.
At CCC, we’re proud to have talented women in leadership roles across our organisation. Read on to learn more about their journeys.
Trovene Hartley, Chief People Officer
“I am where I am today not only because of my own sheer grit and determination, but because I had great examples of women in leadership roles, who gave me advice and guidance along the way and aided my development. One of the very first roles I had in HR, I recall having a conversation with the Head of HR who was Black female and she gave me great advice on how to tailor my applications for roles within the organisation, what courses to take to gain the required academic qualification, and how to just put myself out there and try new things. That stayed with me all throughout my career.”
“We often fear what we don’t know and because of this fear, we often do not take chances. Women who want to become future leaders need to believe in themselves even when others do not. Do your research, talk to others, find out what it will take and then dig deep and take the steps needed to make it happen. You will fail, that is inevitable, but it’s what you do when you fail that matters, not the failure itself.”
Seval Fadil, Assistant Principal
“I have the privilege to create change, shape strategies, and foster a culture where women feel valued and empowered to lead. As a senior leader and a woman from a Minority Ethnic background, I am committed to breaking barriers and empowering others. There are no ceilings to success—only opportunities we must create together. I have dedicated my career to mentoring, guiding, and uplifting women, ensuring they see their potential and have the support to achieve it.
“When women lift each other, we all rise. Mentorship, advocacy, and collaboration break down barriers and build confidence. Success should be accessible to all, not just a privileged few. Believe in yourself, stay resilient, and seek mentorship. Leadership is about vision, persistence, and ensuring diverse voices are heard at decision-making tables.”
Angela Joyce, Chief Executive Officer
“It’s about role modelling in our everyday actions, demonstrating collaboration, open communication, use of language and self-belief. Be authentic and true to yourself. I’m proudknowing I lead a brilliant team, committed to changing people’s lives.”
Jackie Chapman, Group Principal Apprenticeships, Partnerships and Innovation
“As a woman, I have struggled through parts of my career with imposter syndrome, as have many other women I speak to. I am a single mum, from a working-class family in Essex. I did not go to university, and in fact my daughter is the first generation in our family to do so. My imposter syndrome has been exacerbated by the perception of poor academic background, as well as gender. I have been successful in many ways, and I put this down to always stretching myself and doing more than my job.
“For women to succeed, the key is confidence. Be confident in your voice and the importance of what you have to say. Have confidence in your ability, which is good enough especially when you are always seeking to improve, confidence in your peers, to support and guide you, confidence in your strength and resilience.
Margaret Gotlib, Assistant Principal
“Women supporting each other professionally is so important. Many inspiring women have achieved success through their own hard work and talent, and I always enjoy hearing their stories. I’d love to see more women stepping forward as mentors or coaches to help others grow in their careers. At the same time, I think more women should feel confident in asking for coaching or mentoring—it can be a great way to develop skills, gain new perspectives, and build valuable connections.
“If you want to be a leader, invest in yourself and never stop learning. Focus on developing leadership, communication, and management skills. Take inspiration from great leaders, listen to their experiences, and learn from them. There are so many free resources available, and the best leaders never stop growing. You’re not born a leader—you become one through experience, learning from mistakes, and constantly developing your skills. I truly believe that with hard work and determination, you can achieve whatever you set your sights on, regardless of gender.”
Katie Pike, Assistant Principal
“It’s really important for women to help each other professionally – especially as mentors to other women who aspire to leadership roles. I have had a great support network throughout my career and have valued the guidance of leaders who have encouraged me and helped me to develop my own skills. The support and guidance of female leaders I have looked to as mentors has been invaluable to me and I hope to be able to show the same mentorship to other future leaders throughout my career.
“The most important thing is to go for it! Be ambitious, be passionate about what you are doing and do it with courage, conviction and compassion. I also think it’s important to reach out to people and be proactive about seeking advice – especially if you are in the first steps of your leadership journey. I love working with such a diverse community of people across the college. Coming to work every day and seeing everyone supporting learners to develop their skills and progress onto great things is inspiring.”
Miranda Quantrill, Curriculum Manager ‑ Hospitality and Culinary Arts
“A support system offering trust, recognition, and support is so important. Believe in yourself, don’t be afraid to shout out even the smallest of achievements it will give you confidence. Listen, observe, and understand the importance of knowing who you work with and their individual qualities. Find solutions for yourself and others. For me, working with passionate people and having the privilege of being in a young person’s educational journey is what I like best about my role. Knowing I have helped people with lifelong careers and achieve their dreams.”
On this International Women’s Day, let’s commit to #AccelerateAction—support, uplift, and open doors for every woman striving for success.
Capital City College Group
211 Gray’s Inn Road
King’s Cross
London
WC1X 8RA
United Kingdom
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