November 2025

Style and substance: fashion students take the mic and host industry leading voices

Posted on November 28, 2025November 19, 2025 by Erin Johnson

Models Courtney and Zita Soanes and student interviewers Morayo and Maud

Fashion students covered everything from self-confidence to sustainability as they hosted a new podcast and Fashion Friday live event with special guests.

Fashion students from Capital City College (CCC) hosted a new podcast and Fashion Friday live event panel session, kicking off the college-based series in conversation with fashion professionals. Fashion Friday is a series of events and podcasts at CCC which invites students to explore various aspects of the fashion industry.

The inaugural podcast, which was recorded at the King’s Cross campus and the following Fashion Friday live event, welcomed guests Carol Hayes, Managing Director of London-based style agency Carol Hayes Management, along with model mother-and-daughter duo Zita and Courtney Soanes.

The guests were interviewed by Morayo Lydia Banjoko and Maud Tatham, both of whom are currently studying Fashion courses at CCC, and the podcast was directed by CCC students Matthew Smith and Evelin Rincon Marin.

During the podcast, hosts Morayo and Maud put a number of insightful questions to their guests, encouraging them to share their fashion stories and insights with listeners. Carol, Courtney and Zita started by discussing how they got into the industry, with Zita returning to modelling after a number of years. They mentioned the importance of self-confidence, resilience and determination when working within the highly competitive sector.

The guests also discussed Fashion Week, with model Courtney talking about the creative and organisational differences between Fashion Weeks in London, Milan and Paris. She also offered a comparison of working on commercial brand shoots and doing editorial work, talking about the benefits and restrictions of each type of project.

Sharing a laugh with fashion industry guests

Carol, whose agency represents stylists and make-up professionals as well as the fashion consultant and TV presenter Gok Wan, shed light on the process of creating original editorial pieces for magazines while also emphasizing the importance of supporting fashion publications. She talked about the need for students to be proactive, use initiative and seek out work experience opportunities outside of college courses – and also shared a professional perspective on the importance of being attentive and not getting distracted by devices while working.

The podcast featured a discussion of sustainability, with the student hosts reflecting on how fast fashion remains at the forefront of their minds. The panel discussed the benefits of investing in classic well-made pieces that last and can be repaired, and the challenges of developing an individual style in the face of multiple simultaneous trends. They also talked about the benefits of experiencing, appreciating and purchasing fashion items in the real world as opposed to online. Guests were also invited to share their thoughts of the impact of AI on advertising within fashion, as well as exploring AI in the context of balancing commercial viability and creativity.

During the Q&A session, the student hosts had the opportunity to share some of their own experiences of fashion and identity. We caught up with them afterwards to learn a little more about them.

What did you like about today’s event?

Morayo: I think what I loved about today is just seeing the enthusiasm from other younger creatives and being able to really bond with them about the struggles that we’re having, showcasing our work out there, but also feeling really empowered by people who are known in this industry. […] it kind of gives me the inspiration, and like the push to go out there and get people to know me.

What do you plan to do after you’ve finished your course?

Morayo: After this, I’m leaning towards a one-year course in merchandising and buying. I could do uni after but I really want to get experience.

My perfect job would be for people to hire me to make looks for them – to go out and find new things that might suit them. That would be my dream, a mix of design and styling bespoke outfits just for people.

Maud: My end goal is to be a designer. I’ve been surrounded by fashion my whole life, my parents worked in it, so it’s been really front and centre for me. I think I’m taking a gap year and then I want to go to uni and do womenswear.

Who’s your favourite fashion designer?

Maud: I think John Galliano’s designs are magnificent. I would say my favourite brand is Marni – their older stuff more than the newer stuff. I would say it’s quirky and original and I’m also a person who enjoys the 60s and that style – I think it really reflects a modern takeover.

The students were supported by staff members Ken Synnott, Work Placement Coordinator, Dominic O’Farrell, Technology, Innovation and Infrastructure Manager, and Julie Gilespie, Curriculum Manager, who said: “Our student presenters did a fantastic job leading the discussion – asking insightful, relevant questions that sparked thoughtful conversation about the fashion industry, career pathways, AI and creative resilience. It was a truly inspiring session that brought together education, industry, and fashion.”

Our Fashion Academy has strong industry links, providing plenty of opportunities for students to be inspired by and learn from professionals, and to gain valuable hands-on experience. If you have an eye for fashion and are keen to be at the cutting edge of creativity, take a look at our range of Fashion courses and apply today.

Capital City College welcomes London employers for Accountancy Apprenticeship Breakfast

Posted on November 27, 2025November 27, 2025 by Hannah Fenton

Capital City College (CCC) welcomed employers from across London to the Finsbury Park campus on 26 November 2025 for an Accountancy Apprenticeship Breakfast.

Guests enjoyed a relaxed morning of food and conversation while gaining insight into the benefits of apprenticeships and the full AAT apprenticeship pathway. Employers in attendance included Corinthia London, ACCA, and We Are Qig.

The morning opened with an overview from the Association of Accounting Technicians. Kareen Lawrence, AAT Regional Manager, highlighted the strength of the long-standing partnership. She said: “AAT have partnered with Capital City College for over 10 years. CCC are fantastic advocates of accountancy and has a wide range of apprenticeships, including the entire accountancy provision from level 2 to level 4.”

Three current apprentices also shared their experiences and encouraged employers to think about how apprenticeships can grow talent within their teams.

Sarah Grace Dominique Williams, who passed her AAT Level 3 with a Distinction, spoke about why she chose this route. She said: “I chose an apprenticeship as a way into accountancy without any previous qualifications. I’ve gained a strong foundation as well as direct connections with employers. My role has expanded as my course progressed. To anyone starting an apprenticeship, my advice is to take a proactive approach and use the time at college well.”

Apprentice Laurence Read, currently completing his AAT Level 3, encouraged employers to see the wider impact they can have. He said: “As a business taking on an apprentice, not only are you investing in someone at the start of their career, but they will be looking up to you, and this will be part of your legacy. You can really inspire someone who has their whole future ahead of them.”

Alongside the talks, employers were introduced to Capital Connect, the new business membership programme designed to support recruitment, workforce development and ongoing partnerships with the college.

Group Head of School for AAT, Jaqueline Dyett, said: “Our Employer Breakfast was a great success, bringing together industry partners, employers and aspiring professionals for a morning of insight, inspiration and collaboration. It was an inspiring event focused on building connections, strengthening partnerships and showcasing the exciting pathways available through Accounting Apprenticeships. At Capital City College, we remain committed to developing opportunities that empower learners and support employers to grow their teams and their businesses.”

The event showcased how apprenticeships offer clear benefits for both learners and employers. It also reinforced the college’s commitment to helping businesses build strong, skilled teams through high-quality training and support.

If you’re an employer interested in apprenticeships, please visit apprenticeships for employers to get started.

Always learning: CCC Teacher gains real-world insight into engineering with NG Bailey

Posted on November 26, 2025November 21, 2025 by Erin Johnson

NG Bailey and One North Quay in Canary Wharf

Philippa Cooke, Enterprise and Employability Manager at Capital City College (CCC), took part in an inspiring Teacher Encounter hosted by NG Bailey, the UK’s leading independent engineering and services business.

Phillippa supports construction students at our Enfield and Tottenham campuses, so this event gave her a unique opportunity to step inside one of the country’s most innovative construction and engineering companies and see first-hand how classroom learning connects to real careers.

Held at NG Bailey and One North Quay in Canary Wharf, the training day featured interactive workshops, industry talks, and a site visit showcasing the full lifecycle of a project, from design and planning to installation and commissioning.

NG Bailey specialists introduced the wide range of disciplines within the built environment, including mechanical, electrical and civil engineering, project planning, procurement, and environmental management.

Philippa and other teachers heard inspiring career stories from NG Bailey’s team, including apprentices who started through work experience and now manage key elements of multi-million-pound developments. The sessions highlighted how skills in maths, science, digital technology and design translate directly into high-demand technical careers.

For Capital City College students, experiences like this reinforce the clear pathways from classroom to career. CCC offers a range of courses linked to the built environment – from construction, plumbing and electrical installation to engineering, architecture, digital technologies and environmental science, giving students the technical knowledge, practical skills and employer connections they need to progress into apprenticeships and higher education.

Through partnerships with leading employers such as NG Bailey, Capital City College ensures students are equipped for the growing demand in sustainable construction, smart infrastructure and green engineering.

Philippa said: “What stood out most was the depth and diversity of roles within the built environment. The presentation showed how careers in construction and engineering bring together design, digital innovation, environmental awareness and teamwork.

“Hearing how projects move from an idea on paper to a finished building was fascinating, and the apprenticeship journey of Harry Faye really brought this to life. It reminded me how important it is for our students to see that their skills in maths, science, IT and communication can lead directly into these exciting and sustainable careers.”

Want to learn more about the skills you’ll need to succeed in a career within the built environment? Have a look at our Enfield Construction Skills Academy and our construction courses to see which course is right for you.

Global Connections: CCC hosts Korean Performing Arts students for two-day programme

Posted on November 24, 2025November 21, 2025 by Erin Johnson

Welcoming performing arts high school students and teachers from Jeju Island, South Korea

Last month, Capital City College welcomed a group of performing arts high school students and teachers from Jeju Island, South Korea, for a creative cultural exchange programme focused on dialogue around human rights.

The two-day programme, sponsored by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Office of Education, included a powerful theatrical performance inspired by the Jeju Massacre – known as Jeju 4.3. in Korean. The programme included collaborative workshops with CCC students at our Holloway and King’s Cross campuses.

The ‘Revealing Truth: Jeju 4·3 Archives’ were inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in April 2025. The archives detail not only the Jeju Massacre, when an estimated 30,000 people were killed on Jeju Island during the newly founded South Korean government’s suppression of a communist revolt between 1947-54, but also the grassroots truth-finding movement that followed.

The Jeju 4.3 Incident also served as the background for Nobel Prize literature winner Han Kang’s book, We do not part, which explores themes of humanity and survival.

The Incident has only recently been formally recognised by the South Korean Government. This programme aims to educate future generations about the significance of this event and promote understanding through the arts.

Practising a performance with performing arts high school students and teachers from Jeju Island, South Korea

Sharing laughs with performing arts high school students and teachers from Jeju Island, South Korea

Chatting with students from Jeju Island, South Korea

Visiting high school performing arts students

Led by Tim Chaundy, Curriculum Lead for Performing Arts at CCC, the exchange programme brought together young people from both countries to explore movement and acting exercises, share perspectives, and learn from each other’s experiences.

Students enjoyed lunch together and took part in a workshop exploring themes of humanity and resilience.

Seungeun Chang, Head of International Development and Operations at CCC, said:

“Hosting the students from Jeju Island has provided our CCC students with a truly enriching experience. It was beautiful to witness the creativity and genuine friendships forged between young people from two nations.

“This powerful exchange, even while exploring a profound historic incident, beautifully highlights the shared humanity and potential for global connection among future generations. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Jeju Provincial Office of Education for making this invaluable experience possible.

This event is part of CCC’s commitment to providing enriching experiences that broaden horizons and foster global connections.

New creative media campus aims to tackle skills gaps in teens

Posted on November 21, 2025November 21, 2025 by Erin Johnson

Dame Kelly Holmes and CCC CEO Angela Joyce — Dame Kelly Holmes MBE (mil) OLY and CCC CEO Angela Joyce

This week, Capital City College (CCC) celebrated the grand opening of a new campus dedicated to training young Londoners in digital skills and creative media, created to tackle skills gaps in these industries.

Welcoming special guest Dame Kelly Holmes, Double Olympic Champion and DEI advocate, Mosaic@Soho aims to address the growing demand for skilled talent in technology, media, and the creative sectors.

This launch comes at a time when the government is calling for clearer vocational pathways for young people. Mosaic@Soho reflects this shift, offering industry-driven programmes that respond to the needs of students and employers.

With high demand from thousands of young Londoners for its courses, Mosaic@Soho is a timely response to the government’s post-16 skills white paper and the London Inclusive Talent Strategy. It reflects how colleges are meeting national targets for addressing skills gaps, and are partnering with businesses to deliver academic programmes that lead to work experience, apprenticeships or further study.

With a podcasting studio, TV production suite and green screen for film and photography, Mosaic@Soho is unlike your average college campus. With courses ranging from content creation, animation, IT, photography, and games design to film and Visual Effects (VFX), students graduating from Mosaic@Soho come away with more than diplomas, they will have the skills they need to succeed.

Angela Joyce, Chief Executive Officer of Capital City College, said: “It is great to see our Soho campus open again following a £9.4m investment. We now have a specialist centre for creative and digital skills that enables our students to learn in a first-class facility as well as offering spaces that will benefit the industry. We have already had positive feedback from industry and we will now strive for the students who study at Mosaic@Soho to be the most sought after employees of the future.”

Dame Kelly Holmes praised the college’s long-standing commitment to inclusivity, noting how the new facility reflects that ethos.

Dame Kelly Holmes MBE (mil) OLY said: “For me, it was an incredible experience to come to a facility like this, knowing what the college is doing to upskill young people and anyone with a passion. The facilities – fantastic, second to none. I’ve never seen anything like it.

“But also, you know you’re going to get a great student out of it, because they’ve got everything they want. From support, collaboration, and the facilities, but also the influence of everyone around them, even me, speaking to people who are passionate about what they do. I loved it. The energy here is great. I love that inclusivity is a top priority here. It’s clearly making a huge difference to the college.”

Turning challenges into fuel: Team GB Sprinter Romell Glave motivates CCC student athletes

Posted on November 19, 2025November 19, 2025 by Erin Johnson

More than 30 students from Level 2 and Level 3 Sports courses gathered at Capital City College (CCC)’s King’s Cross campus this month for an exciting visit from Team GB sprinter and Olympic bronze medallist Romell Glave.

Romell, who specialises in the 100m and relay, represented Great Britain at the 2024 European Championships, 2025 World Relays, 2025 European Teams Championships and 2025 World Athletics Championships.

But, as he told CCC’s aspiring athletes, the journey to becoming one of Britain’s fastest men was far from straightforward, and he opened up about the realities of elite training. “You need to have a strong mindset” says Romell. “Hard work beats talent every day. Having that mindset will help you go a long way.”

Originally from Jamaica, Romell didn’t represent the UK professionally until the age of 24. After studying at John Ruskin College and later the University of East London, he dedicated himself to full-time training, spending six days a week, and four to six hours a day improving his speed, endurance, and strength.

Standing in front of CCC’s young athletes, he reflected on the spark that set him on his path to success. “It’s about achieving something you’ve never done before. Beating your personal best,” says Romell.

He describes Usain Bolt as his inspiration, whose achievements were a deciding factor for Romell’s decision at a young age to pursue athletics professionally. That determination later carried him through one of the toughest periods of his career – in 2018, he fractured his lower spine and subsequently suffered several seasons of injuries and setbacks.

“Even when I was injured I had people asking me, ‘Why don’t you change? Why don’t you do something else?’” he told his audience. “I knew if I stopped, I wouldn’t be able to achieve my goal. I’d advise to continue doing what you’re doing, keep your mind straight and focus. After a difficult season, not everyone has the mental resilience to come back. Use challenge as a motivator.”

Continue what you’re doing no matter how hard it is, no matter how difficult your journey is… remember that this is what you wanted to do. This is the goal that you set yourself.

One of the key themes he explored with students was the importance of a positive outlook, and in particular, the shift in mindset required when competing among the world’s elite.

“At the top level, everyone is extremely talented,” Romell says. “Continue what you’re doing no matter how hard it is, no matter how difficult your journey is… remember that this is what you wanted to do. This is the goal that you set yourself.”

He spoke openly about the psychological pressure of international racing, including the moment he experienced two false starts at the European Championships. “You can’t let the moment be greater than you,” he said. “This moment was created for you. Be in the moment, show that you belong there.”

He encouraged students to adopt a broad, flexible mindset, to stay coachable, and to use challenges they face as fuel rather than a barrier. “You have to overcome challenges and persevere. Like I said previously, I faced a lot of injuries. I could easily stop, but I didn’t. But because of my perseverance, regardless of how frustrated I was and disappointed at times, I made a big focus on what I wanted to achieve.”

Lessons to CCC student athletes from Romell Glave — Lessons to athletes from Romell Glave

The talk, open to CCC students studying Level 2 and Level 3 Sports courses, was organised with support from CCC Sports Lecturer Alex Waife, who has known Romell since they were both 16. Alex lectures on sports and public services courses to students aged 16-19 at CCC’s King’s Cross campus.

“It was really inspiring,” Alex said. “Speaking through his career path and what he’s been through shows real motivation to the students. Many of them are athletes themselves, so it gives them that uplift to go where they need to be in life.”

Alex recalled watching Romell’s rapid rise to success as a teenager. “Growing up together, from when he came from Jamaica, we already knew he had that natural, raw talent,” he said. “From the day he started running at Croydon Harriers, he was determined to be a GB athlete.”

For students enrolled on CCC’s Sports Academies and Level 2 and 3 programmes – many of whom train and compete alongside their college work – the message was clear: resilience and self-belief matter just as much as physical ability.

“Success doesn’t have one true meaning,” Romell reminded them. “It has different meanings for different people. Regardless of where you are in the race or on your journey, it doesn’t affect where you’ll end up.”

The session ended with questions from students about training routines, handling competition pressure, and navigating setbacks – topics which resonated strongly with the goals and ambitions of CCC’s students.

As Romell continues his dedicated training routine for upcoming international competitions, his visit left a lasting impression on CCC’s future athletes, as a real-world example of just how far determination and discipline can take you in the high-performance world of professional sport.

Inspired by Romell’s story? Why not explore the range of courses we offer to young athletes at our sports academies.

Cooking up success: CCC Graduate enjoys truffle triumph in Rome

Posted on November 18, 2025November 19, 2025 by Erin Johnson

CCC graduate and culinary winner Emma Sprake and a chef

From college kitchens to the culinary heart of Rome, Capital City College graduate Emma Sprake has had a whirlwind few months after winning the prestigious La Rustichella Truffle Masterchef competition – an incredible achievement on its own, made even more impressive as it was her very first cooking competition!

Emma, who completed the Advanced Professional Cookery (Kitchen & Larder) Level 3 Diploma at Capital City College, wowed the judges with her creativity, precision, and ability to bring luxury ingredients to life.

The competition challenged the third-year students to create a pair of dishes – either a canapé and a main course, or a petit four and a dessert – featuring ingredients from La Rustichella’s extensive portfolio of premium quality truffle products, in order to be crowned Truffle Masterchef.

Emma’s creations of choice were Wild Mushroom Tartlet as a canapé and Halibut with Truffle Potato Scales, Seasonal Mushrooms, Truffle Mash and Truffle Beurre Blanc as a main course, which she practiced making ahead of the final.

A luxury culinary ingredient, truffle is an edible mushroom with a rich, earthy flavour, often seen on menus at high-end restaurants. “Prior to Truffle Masterchef I’d not had much exposure to working with truffles”, said Emma, “Only limited cooking with truffle oil and truffle pate. However, because the college is able to share the whole range of La Rustichella products with its students, I’m now much more familiar with the fabulous results that can be achieved across a range of sweet and savoury dishes.”

The final took place at the college, with students cooking in front of a panel of esteemed judges, including professional chef Steve Walpole, editor of Chef & Restaurant magazine Claire Bosi, Floriana Canadè respresenting the Italian embassay and the owner of La Rustichella, Rita Brugnoli.

“The most nerve-wracking element of the competition was making sure that the dishes were completed within the allocated timeframe,” Emma said, “but on the big day, I managed to stick to my schedule and finish both my canapé and main course on time.”

As winner of the first prize, Emma enjoyed a visit to Rome and from the moment she arrived, Emma was immersed in the sights, smells, and flavours of Italian gastronomy. A tour of La Rustichella’s spotless factory offered a behind-the-scenes look at how their renowned truffle products are crafted, before she joined the team at La Rustichella’s restaurant, Love Truffles.

“It’s a small team but that didn’t detract from the smooth running of the restaurant and I was impressed by the happy and calm environment” said Emma. “I did some prep for service and as it was my first day, I spent a lot of time watching the chefs and learning how to create some amazing dishes and of course, how to ensure the very best results cooking with truffles.”

The following days were spent mastering mouth-watering Italian classics, assisting in the restaurant, and learning new techniques, including how to make the restaurant’s famous exploding passion fruit dessert and hand-crafted tortellini and focaccia.

“The whole experience at Love Truffles was brilliant. It afforded me an opportunity to learn new techniques and to better understand the nuances associated with pairing truffle with key food,” Emma said. “I got to see whole truffles which was a real treat and had access to an extensive choice of high-quality truffle-based ingredients.”

For Emma, the trip wasn’t just a professional milestone – it was a cultural eye-opener that’s broadened her culinary ambitions for the future. “I loved the fact that the restaurant is next door to the factory that produces these wonderfully clean products, which contain no harsh additives. Having witnessed the production process and cooked in an exclusive professional ‘truffle’ kitchen, I anticipate being more creative in my use of La Rustichella’s superb portfolio of truffle-inspired ingredients”, said Emma.

“I was also able to observe a completely different culture to at home – and had to get my head around the fact that they eat so much later in Italy! Overall, this was an amazing trip. It has even whetted my appetite for a potential job cheffing in Italy. Watch this space!”

Emma’s story of phenomenal success (or should that be fungi-nomenal success?) is a testament to the heights of success and achievement that comes from combining passion, preparation and dedication, and is an inspiration to any junior or aspiring chefs.

Inspired by Emma’s success? Our hospitality and culinary courses will give you the skills, confidence, and industry opportunities to shine on the world stage. From mastering luxury ingredients to competing in prestigious events, our courses are your passport to flavour, finesse, and an exciting future.

Engaging education that can take you from college to Cambridge

Posted on November 17, 2025November 18, 2025 by Erin Johnson

We spoke to Capital City College alumna and current Cambridge student Elysha Smith to find out about her experience doing A Level courses at Capital City College.

Elysha Smith studied A Level courses in History and Philosophy, while also completing an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) at Capital City College (CCC)’s Sixth Form campus in Angel.

Now in her final year studying History at Trinity College at the University of Cambridge, we found out about how studying at CCC helped Elysha prepare for the academic rigours of university life while also allowing her to pursue her creative passions.

What did you like most about your A Level courses at Capital City College?

I loved the teaching on my courses. My philosophy teacher, Dan, was an absolute legend. He made philosophy so engaging and was fantastic at explaining concepts but also encouraging us to challenge the arguments. The course itself was also great – I still refer to concepts that I learned from the philosophy course and use some of its terminology in my essays at university, like the idea of something being necessary but not sufficient and vice versa.

I had three history teachers and they were all great as well – John, Peter, and Henry. They cared a lot about us and about making sure that we learned. You could see their passion for what they were teaching – and part of my decision to choose Capital City College was because of the history course. They used an exam board that went beyond the typical educational parameters of British/European history as we studied India, the US, and the British Empire. Now I’m studying both ancient empires and world empires for my university papers and I’m drawing on things that I learned during my time at CCC.

What did you like most about the college?

I liked the atmosphere of the college the most. It’s a lovely building in a buzzing part of London. There was a real energy in the air that prepared me for the day and made me ready to learn. But I also loved the calm of the library – it had just the right ambience, not silent but not too distracting either.

What challenges did you face during your A Levels, and how did you overcome them?

During my A Levels I struggled a lot with commuting. It took me about 90 minutes to get to college, and it sometimes meant that I was spending more time travelling than at college. In Year 12 I struggled to build a routine that I was happy with and it got me pretty down because I felt like I wasn’t keeping up with work. But in Year 13 I decided to treat studying like a job and use the library to get all my studying done so at the end of the day I didn’t have to work at home. If I only had one class, I would either get there early or stay afterwards until the library closed to get all my work done. Developing this routine and using the library as a workspace instead of commuting just for my classes seems obvious, but it really helped.

How did the college support you in applying for your university course?

The staff were great in helping me apply for university. Stephen was my tutor and he was incredibly supportive during my whole UCAS application process. When I decided to apply to Cambridge just a few days before their application deadline, he was the one who got me to the careers team and got me sorted. The staff there were also fantastic in telling me what I needed to do and making sure that I had it done by the next day so that my application was completed in time.

How did the college support you in achieving your goals?

During my time at college, I began to consider pursuing a career in video games, and I couldn’t believe it when they offered a video game design competition run by Fusebox Games that involved creating a game design document for your own original concept. I participated twice and ended up winning the Best Narrative category in Year 12 and coming second overall in Year 13. Ever since, I have used the ideas that I came up with for that competition as an anchor to keep pushing and pursue my dream. I’m really thankful to the college for that chance to partake in an opportunity which allowed me to believe in myself and get a taste of what it is like to work with video games.

What are you studying now and what attracted you to this subject?

I’m studying history right now and am currently in my third and final year. I’ve always been interested in it because both my dad and older brother are big history buffs. Neither of them have studied history, they just have a passion for it and I sort of absorbed their love for it. I love storytelling in all forms, and I consider history as a way of learning about stories of humanity from the past. Looking through Cambridge’s choice of subjects, I will admit that I was tempted by Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, and Anglo-Saxon and Norse and Celtic Studies, but their history course offered the greatest range and freedom.

How did your time at Capital City College prepare you for university study?

The self-study that I did during my time at Capital City College definitely helped me transition to life at university. I knew what it was like to have to hunker down in the library to finish some work and treat student life as a 9 to 5. I feel like the relationship that we had with our teachers was also a bit similar with the relationship you can have with lecturers.

How did you find the transition from college to university?

The transition from college to university was hard. The workload increase was immense and I was expected to write an essay on a new topic each week – and this was without being given any guidance on what that essay was supposed to look like. It was also hard being away from home and my parents – though my dad’s frequent visits offset that somewhat. University for me was just a quicker pace of life that I had to adapt to in order to make it through.

What do you like most about studying at Cambridge?

I’ve come to be very appreciative of the opportunities that I get at Cambridge. There’s some sort of seminar every week that you can attend for free just to learn about a new field in history – or whatever subject you’re studying. I attended one on the controversy surrounding Assassin’s Creed: Shadows! There are funds and awards and chances to study or involve yourselves in things that you otherwise would never have the chance to. There is just so much to learn and experience if you want to.

What does a typical day look like for you?

There probably isn’t a typical day for me until Easter term when it’s just library, library, library – revising for exams. And that’s because historians don’t have many contact hours so they have to create their own routine without lots of lectures to shape them around. But my typical Tuesday would look like this: wake up and read my Bible with a cup of tea, check my emails, head to my seminar, study and have lunch and then head to my Mandarin class, head to the University Library to study and then have dinner, hang with my friends and finish off any leftover work for the day before chilling with some video games or a book and going to bed.

What are you working on at the moment?

At the moment I’m working on my dissertation. I’m (trying) to look at the development of Ijaw political thought in Nigeria and the influence that Biafran secessionist thought has had on it. Over the summer I was in Nigeria to see family and I conducted interviews (oral histories) as part of my primary research, and I’ve spent many hours poring over political pamphlets and other primary sources at the University Library. For the historians doing a dissertation, Michaelmas (autumn/winter term) is dedicated to writing it so all of the supervisions for this term are just dissertation ones. That means that the bulk of my work is just dissertation research, and some reading for my coursework subject. On top of that I have a weekly seminar for my coursework subject, and two lectures a week for my exam paper.

What’s next for you?

I don’t know! I don’t want to become a proper adult just yet so I’m thinking of applying for Master’s programmes to delay the inevitable. But I also don’t mind the idea of just working a casual job for a year while I build up my game design portfolio to start applying for entry-level roles in narrative design. I would also just like to graduate and go work on a farm for a few months. So, lots to think about and pray on with no clear answer just yet – but I suppose that’s the exciting bit.

If you’re thinking about getting into Higher Education, we offer an excellent range of A Levels and T Levels as well as other courses which are recognised by universities. We also have a number of college-based Higher Education courses spanning an impressive variety of subjects. Apply now!

Ace apprentice wins Mayor of London award for outstanding progress in Facilities Management

Posted on November 14, 2025November 14, 2025 by Erin Johnson

Keighley Luff, a Facilities management apprentice at Capital City College (CCC) and technical administrator at Chelsea Football Club, has won the prestigious Mayor of London Learning for Good Work award.

The award, organised by the Mayor of London Adult Learning Awards, recognises a Londoner who has achieved exceptional progression into employment or in-work progression due to further education and training, including overcoming barriers or challenges.

For the past two years, Keighley has worked as a technical administrator at Chelsea Football Club in London. She manages maintenance schedules, audit compliance, keeps asset registers up to date, books in financial reviews, general maintenance, and more.

Facilities management is traditionally a male-dominated field, which can present challenges for anyone starting out in their careers. For Keighley, the key was building confidence and proving to herself that she could succeed in the role.

To progress, Keighley knew she needed more experience behind her, which is what attracted her to CCC’s Level 4 apprenticeship in Facilities Management.

Rod Cottrell, Keighley’s tutor at CCC, said: “Keighley’s start to the apprenticeship was slow. She seemed disengaged from the course and it would have been easy to assume she wasn’t interested. But after spending time with her over one-to-one support sessions, it became clear that the real issue was confidence. Keighley didn’t believe she deserved her place on the programme, and that self-doubt held her back.

“Once we broke through that barrier, everything changed. She began to trust herself, ask for help when she needed it, and take real pride in her progress. Her turnaround was extraordinary. Not only did she catch up, but she took on extra responsibilities at Chelsea FC and finished the programme with a triple distinction — a result that speaks volumes about her determination and growth.”

It was this transition and improvement in her self-belief and confidence that signalled to Rod how Keighley was a prime candidate to be nominated for the Mayor of London Learning for Good Work award.

Winner Keighley Luff and her CCC tutor, Rod Cottrell

Keighley said: “The self-confidence that came with the apprenticeship has been absolutely astronomical. it gave me the ability to be in a room and say, I’m gonna give it a go. Now I can have that opinion and not feel like everyone in the room looks at me like what am I talking about — that’s a huge transition for me.”

“Now, there’s stuff I’ve taken on that I never would have done before, and it’s that self-belief that finally came from the course. Before, I would have just stayed in the background, done the sort of admin work, not really done much else. Now my view has totally changed.”

Rod added: “Keighley has now offered to mentor future learners. That generosity and willingness to give back shows just how far she’s come — from doubting her place to becoming a role model for others.”

From ESOL to employment: Two Ukrainian students share their progress and success

Posted on November 12, 2025November 12, 2025 by Erin Johnson

Two students from Ukraine highlight how key skills from Capital City College’s ESOL courses support learners into work.

Moving to a new country and finding work in another language can be a difficult task. Tetiana and Alex, a couple who came to the UK from Ukraine, started their ESOL journey with Capital City College (CCC) at the Tottenham campus in Autumn 2023 and have both successfully progressed into employment.

Alex completed Level 1 ESOL Speaking and Listening, while Tetiana went from ESOL Pathway to Entry 3 courses in Speaking, Listening, and Reading to ESOL Level 1 Skills for Life courses in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing, and also completed a Multiply course.

We caught up with Tetiana and Alex to find out about their ESOL experiences and to discover how their time at the college has opened doors to new opportunities.

Why did you choose to study at Capital City College?

Tetiana: Capital City College has an excellent reputation and top ranking in our local district. From first contact we got professional guidance, and the registration process was smooth, efficient and stress-free. Also, the college has a great location and is not far from my home.

What did you like about the college environment?

Alex: We liked the welcoming atmosphere and the single student account gives easy access to the knowledge base and makes communications between students and tutors practical and effective. Everything you need is in the college library, and the classrooms have some good technical features.

What did you like about your courses?

Alex: ESOL courses are a great opportunity for people of different ages who have just come to the UK to get English skills. We really liked the high proficiency level of tutors, and there was a nice planned structure and enough interactive parts to the programme.

Tetiana: The flexible schedule made it easy to work while studying. Also, the real-life focus of the teaching helped me to become more confident, especially for situations like interviews and negotiations.

What was the highlight of your college experience?

Tetiana: I liked learning in a multicultural environment, as it helped me to understand and appreciate different accents. The Reading Ahead Challenge was really helpful, and was an interesting and engaging way to improve my reading skills.

What did you find challenging about the course?

Tetiana: The exams were the most challenging for me, but they are a necessary stage of studying.

How did the teachers and other college staff support you during your course?

Alex: The teachers are true professionals. They delivered the course material clearly and effectively, and they prepared us thoroughly for the exams. It’s a huge plus that organisational issues can be resolved quickly with the college staff and management, who are always willing to help. Special appreciation goes to Kamila, an exceptional instructor and an effective manager.

What are you doing now?

Tetiana: I’m working in the Finance Department of a Secondary School as a Finance Assistant. Alex: I initially started work as a manager at a leisure centre but I am now working for DCK Construction as an Estimating and Quantity Surveyor Assistant.

How did completing your course support you in getting your current role?

Tetiana: The communication and language skills we picked up were key. They helped us complete our interviews and get jobs, and now they’re helping us successfully handle all our responsibilities in an English-speaking workplace. We’re now looking forward to developing our skills and growing in our chosen fields.

Diwali lights up CCC campuses with music, dancing and community spirit

Posted on November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 by Erin Johnson

Colleagues joining in the fun at CCC's Diwali celebration — Colleagues joining in the fun at CCC’s Diwali celebration

Last month, we celebrated Diwali at Capital City College with events full of creativity, learning, and community spirit.

On 20 October, students and colleagues at our Angel and King’s Cross campuses came together to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with inclusive events that showcased student creativity, encouraged learning about other cultures and communities.

At our Angel Campus, enrichment officers Saranya Jeyarajah, Fiona Small, and Aleena Sharif organised a celebration in the Sixth Form canteen to promote cultural awareness and foster unity among students.

Students took part in a variety of creative and educational activities, including decorating lanterns, mandalas, and bookmarks, which were later displayed together as part of a vibrant visual showcase.

In addition, an informative display board was created featuring posters that explained the origins and significance of Diwali across Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. This helped students understand the different meanings and customs associated with the festival, encouraging interfaith appreciation and respect.

Around 40 students took part in the activities, contributing to the decorations and engaging with the educational materials. A standout moment was the enthusiasm and collaboration shown by students, who embraced the opportunity to learn from one another and celebrate shared values of light, knowledge, and community.

“This event has allowed me to become more informed about cultural celebrations outside my own, which I can use as a way to connect with other people in the college who are outside my culture.”

Clay Nyambikiwe, a student studying A level English Literature, History, Sociology at CCC, said: “I was quite confused about the event due to having no prior knowledge on the celebration of Diwali. However, that quickly changed as I started to speak to the students about the activities they were participating in, and the wonderful displays set up showing the Diwali culture for all students to see. This event has allowed me to become more informed about cultural celebrations outside my own, which I can use as a way to connect with other people in the college who are outside my culture.”

Music and dancing at CCC's Diwali celebration — Music and dancing at CCC’s Diwali celebration

Getting henna done at CCC's Diwali celebration — Getting henna done at CCC’s Diwali celebration

An exciting dance at CCC's Diwali celebration — An exciting dance at CCC’s Diwali celebration

Stunning saris and gowns on display for CCC's Diwali celebration — Stunning saris and gowns on display for CCC’s Diwali celebration

CCC students and colleagues with beautiful henna designs

Jasbir Sondhi, Group Principal for Young People, English, Mathematics and SEND at CCC

EDI Manager Bimmy Rai and CCC CEO Angela Joyce

Meanwhile, our King’s Cross Campus marked Diwali and Bandi Chor Divas with a lively celebration featuring live drumming and dance performances, stalls showcasing fashion garments, henna art, and delicious food. The event brought together students and staff in a joyful atmosphere of cultural exchange.

The day also saw the launch of the Asian Staff Support Network (ASSN), a new initiative for CCC colleagues aimed at fostering community, visibility, and support for Asian staff across the college.

As part of the celebrations, Bimmy Rai MBE, FRSA and EDI Manager at CCC, presented charming themed gift bags to colleagues, including our CEO Angela Joyce, Chief People Officer Trovene Hartley and School Governor Graham Drummond.

Bimmy said: “I would like to express our sincere thanks to our senior leaders for their leadership, continued support and commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging across the college. Their leadership empowers and enables EDI initiatives like the launch of the Asian Staff Support Network during Diwali and Bandi Chor Divas celebrations—creating space for our diverse communities to be seen, valued, and celebrated.

“Through their example, the college is demonstrating that inclusion is not simply a policy but in practice—one that encourages understanding, unity, and respect across all levels of our organisation. Thank you for leading with integrity and compassion, which makes it possible for staff and students to take pride in their diverse identities and to feel valued, represented, inspiring an organisational culture where every voice and tradition can shine brighter together.”

Funding Futures: new report calls for VAT reform to unlock investment in Further Education

Posted on November 6, 2025November 6, 2025 by Erin Johnson

Trends in Vocational, and General Secondary Education The Case for VAT Exemption for FE Colleges Providing Education to 16-18-Year-Olds — Trends in Vocational, and General Secondary Education: The Case for VAT Exemption for FE Colleges Providing Education to 16-18-Year-Olds

A new report by the London School of Economics (LSE) and seven leading college groups is calling for urgent VAT reform to unlock investment in skills, opportunity and growth across Further Education (FE).

In the UK today, FE colleges educate more 16–18 year olds than school sixth forms, with 693,000 students currently enrolled. These students are more likely to come from disadvantaged backgrounds, making colleges central to the government’s mission to improve opportunity and drive economic growth.

Despite their public sector status, colleges cannot reclaim VAT on most education-related purchases, unlike schools and academies. This creates a funding gap that effectively values a college student 20% less than their school counterpart. The Association of Colleges estimates this costs the sector £250 million annually, funds that could be reinvested in students, staff and facilities.

A report was commissioned by seven large college groups including Capital City College, New City College, LTE Group, Activate Learning, Chichester College Group, Luminate Education Group and NCG to examine the financial and operational impact of the current VAT regime on FE colleges. With research conducted by academics from LSE, the report concludes that aligning VAT arrangements with schools would be fiscally neutral for the Treasury, while unlocking millions of pounds for reinvestment in skills, technology and community growth.

Report launch at LSE

The report, “Trends in Vocational, and General Secondary Education: The Case for VAT Exemption for FE Colleges Providing Education to 16-18-Year-Olds”, was launched on Tuesday 4 November at the London School of Economics. The event brought together sector leaders, economists and policymakers.

CCC CEO Angela Joyce with representatives from LTE Group, New City College and more

Robert Peston, award winning political editor, journalist, author and founder of Speakers for Schools, delivered the keynote address and spoke about the current economic context and challenges, and how further education and skills are an absolutely key part of the solution:

“The single most important task for the government is to increase growth, productivity and living standards. Further education colleges can be such an important contributor. Ministers rightly highlight the scandal of a million young people not in education, employment or training. And when I talk to employers they tell me there are not enough people in this country with the skills that they need. Further education colleges should be front and centre in resolving these.”

“It matters that the future of further education is a confident future. The country depends on it. You deserve the nation’s support. You need proper resources.”

Why VAT reform matters

Half of all 16–18 year olds in England are educated in colleges
Almost a quarter of college students were eligible for free school meals at age 15, compared to 13% in schools
VAT Reform would be fiscally neutral and release vital resources for reinvestment in facilities, staffing and student support

Lost potential: what colleges could do with VAT Reform

Capital City College could have invested £1.6 million in industry-standard digital equipment
LTE Group could create 400 additional student places or close the pay gap between college and school teachers
New City College could have built three new science labs instead of paying £800,000 in VAT on a single teaching block

A call for reform

The report sets out a clear case: VAT reform for FE is fair, economically sound and fiscally neutral. Aligning colleges with schools would:

Remove an unfair financial burden on the FE sector
Strengthen colleges’ capacity to deliver the Government’s skills agenda
Improve regional growth, social mobility and productivity
Demonstrate a genuine commitment to equitable public funding in education

Angela Joyce, Chief Executive Officer of Capital City College, said:

“Further education is a powerful vehicle to address social inequalities and support economic growth. The financial pressures facing colleges must be addressed with a longer-term change in policy to provide better financial stability and enable sustainable investment in resources for students. The ability to reclaim VAT like other public bodies is a forward-thinking route for the Government to demonstrate that those studying technical and vocational qualifications are valued the same as those studying A levels in schools.”