Hannah Fenton, Author at Capital City College Group

A-mazing achievements! Jubilant CANDI students celebrate ‘fantastic’ A Level results

Posted on August 17, 2023August 25, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

Thrilled students at City and Islington College (CANDI) cheered and smiled with joy and excitement as they celebrated their success in this year’s A Level exams.

Most students took three A Levels and some also completed an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), a research project worth half an A Level on a subject of their choice and expertise.

Among this year’s top performing students was Laura Forwood, 17, who is heading to the University of Cambridge to study English after achieving three A*s in English Language and Literature, Fine Art and Graphic Communication and an A for her EPQ.

Laura, 17, said: “I’m quite lost for words. I was feeling quite anxious this morning. I was counting down the days and the hours. I thought I’d done well in Fine Art and Graphics but wasn’t sure about English, so it means a lot to get a A*.

“To get into Cambridge is an incredible achievement. I applied on a whim because I had good grades in my mocks and thought I may as well try. It’s a show of all the effort I’ve put into studying

“I’m very happy. It’s my birthday in a couple of weeks, so I’ll hopefully go away somewhere and combine the celebration.”

Sean Voitov, 18, attained A* in Politics and Economics, an A in History and an A in his EPQ, and is heading to the University of Birmingham to study Policy, Politics and Economics.

He said: “I am very pleased with my grades, and relieved that the hard work I have put in has paid off considering the grade boundaries were so high, and excited about going to university and a whole new chapter in my life.

“I am eternally grateful. There have been a lot of opportunities here at CANDI, not just because of the location but also the teachers who have been absolutely amazing. I could not have done it without any of them.”

Ben Stanley, 18 is off to the University of Exeter to study History after gaining As in History and Religious Studies and a B in Psychology and an A in his EPQ.

He said: “I’m really happy and absolutely buzzing. I felt confident in the exams, but not in an arrogant sense, but I was expecting to get grades of that calibre. I revised throughout the year and that helped me to get the grades I needed.

“The teaching at CANDI has been excellent. They give you a good level of independence, so you can complete a lot of work by yourself but also give you the necessary support. The teachers are always open to help you whether it is work-related or not, which was very reassuring throughout the two years.”

*Laura Forwood, Sean Voitov and Ben Stanley were among this year’s top performing students.*

CANDI also saw many students achieve Distinction grades on Level 3 Extended Diploma courses, which are equivalent to three A Levels and accepted by universities.

Deniz Kupeli, is going to Goldsmiths, University of London to study Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience after attaining a D*D*D* on an Extended Level 3 Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Investigation.

She said: “I feel very proud of myself. It wasn’t easy but I put everything aside to focus on my course and my future and it’s one of the best things I’ve achieved throughout my years. I put my all into my assignments and my teachers really encouraged me to aim higher to get my grades.”

Samee Butt, 18, gained a D*D*D* on a Sport and Exercise Science Extended Level 3 Diploma, said: “I put a lot of hard work in and very pleased with my results. There was a lot of coursework involved and the teachers made it easier for us. They showed where we need to develop our knowledge to make sure we progressed and prepared us well for our exams.”

CANDI has one of London’s largest choices of A Levels with more than 30 subjects available to study as well as T Levels, technical and vocational courses such as BTECs, and apprenticeships.

Colleen Marshall, Vice Principal for CANDI, said: “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to our exceptional students on their fantastic A Level results.

“They have worked incredibly hard and shown great commitment throughout their studies and I wish them every success in the next chapter of their lives.

“I would also like to recognise the invaluable role played by our teachers and staff and thank them for the unwavering support and guidance that has been instrumental in shaping their educational journey.”

CANDI is part of Capital City College Group (CCCG), which also comprises Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, and apprenticeship and training provider Capital City College Training.

CANDI saw 57.9 per cent of students achieve A*-C grades in their results with many securing places on degrees at Russell Group universities and other higher education institutions.

Kurt Hintz, Executive Principal at CCCG, said: “Congratulations to our exceptional students on their remarkable achievements in their A Level exams. Their unwavering commitment to academic excellence has been truly inspiring and has led them to tremendous success.

“These great results serve as a testament to their relentless hard work and unwavering determination. They should feel immensely proud of their well-deserved accomplishments, and we wish them well for their next steps.”

Find out more about courses and apprenticeships at CANDI and apply here.

Six fantastic reasons to choose college over school next year

Posted on January 18, 2023May 15, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

With the academic year halfway through, many Year 11 students are now knuckling down and revising ahead of their GCSE exams this summer.

Many will also be thinking about their future, and it is important for them to realise that staying on at school sixth form is not the only or always the best option.

Capital City College Group (CCCG) Is London’s largest further education college group and comprises City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London and apprenticeship provider Capital City College Training.

Here’s six fantastic reasons why those leaving school this year should choose CCCG’s colleges over school when it comes to taking the next step in their education.

A bigger choice of qualifications and pathways – Whether you want to take the academic or technical route to university or employment we have the right course for you. Choose from A Levels, T Levels, BTEC and City & Guilds diplomas and certificates or apprenticeships with top employers.
A huge range of subjects – We offer A Levels in many subjects along with courses in accounting and business, IT, creative media, art and design, construction, childcare, engineering, hair and beauty, hospitality and culinary arts, performing arts and music, public services, science and sport.
Students are treated like adults – There’s no ‘Yes Sir’ or ‘Yes Miss’ here. Students are often on first name terms with their teachers and given the personal responsibility for getting their work assignments done. Of course, we will still encourage, motivate and support our students to succeed.
Make new friends – A chance to widen your social circle and get to know more people. The more you broaden your horizons, the more opportunities that are presented to you in work and life.
Industry experienced teachers – Many of our lecturers and tutors have worked in the fields they teach and are able to share first-hand knowledge and experience to give students the professional skills and realistic expectations of their future careers.
Fantastic enrichment and support – Students benefit from a more rounded education including trips at home and abroad, talks from industry experts, debates and workshops, competitions, community projects, sports, clubs and societies, careers advice and support with UCAS applications.

Don’t forget our Open Days

Attend one of our Open Days or drop in sessions where you will get to:

Hear from our students and teachers
Find out more about our courses
Find out about student life
Visit our outstanding teaching areas, featuring industry-standard equipment
Get information about the support we offer

Book a place at our Open Days here and apply for our courses and apprenticeships here.

Want to go to university? Don’t miss the UCAS application deadline

Posted on January 16, 2023January 16, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

The deadline for students to submit applications to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is fast approaching for courses starting in September.

Last year more than 2,300 students from across Capital City College Group (CCCG) progressed to higher education including university and degree apprenticeships.

CCCG comprises City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, and apprenticeship and training provider Capital City College Training.

The deadline for applications to Oxford or Cambridge, or veterinary, medicine and dentistry courses was in October, but for all other university undergraduate courses it is 25 January at 6pm.

Applications made through schools and colleges must be made by this date to give teachers and careers teams enough time to review them and provide references before they are sent to UCAS.

Students can apply after this date, but their chosen course might be full and their application will not be given priority by UCAS.

Key UCAS dates in 2023

23 February 2023

UCAS Extra opens. Extra is another chance for students to gain a place at university between 23 February and 4 July. Students who have used all five of their choices in their application but not received an offer or have declined a place can add another choice.

Students who have not used all five of their choices can sign in to their original application and add another choice by 30 June as long as they have not accepted or declined any offers.

Students who do not have any offers by 5 July will be able to add an additional choice during Clearing.

30 June 2023

UCAS will send all applications received by 6pm on this date to students’ chosen universities or colleges. Applications received after this date will automatically be entered into Clearing.

5 July 2023

Clearing opens. Students can apply for a course through Clearing if they have not received or met the conditions of an offer or declined a place.

17 August

A Level Results Day. Students receive their exam results and can apply for a place through Clearing.

17 October

The deadline for making a final choice through Clearing. UCAS must receive applications by 6pm.

Find our more information about UCAS applications here.

Apply for our Higher Education courses here.

Want to be a doctor? Here’s our top 10 tips for medical work experience

Posted on January 10, 2023January 10, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

Many of our students taking A Levels in Biology and Chemistry at City and Islington College and Westminster Kingsway College have ambitions to work as doctors or in medicine.

According to the British Medical Association (BMA), work placements are an essential step to securing a place at any UK medical school with institutions looking for students with a range of healthcare experience.

Here’s our top 10 tips on how to gain work placements and make the most of the experience:

You can get placements in a range of healthcare settings from GP practices to hospitals and even internationally. Bear in mind a lot of people will be looking to gain similar experience, so apply early for as many opportunities as possible to make sure you get a good placement.
Get in touch with GP practice managers and explain who you are and ask them about placements and how they can help you gain experience. If you can’t shadow a doctor, look to other healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists and physiotherapists.
Make the most of your contacts, such as relatives, friends and neighbours, who work in hospitals or other parts of the healthcare sector.
Speak to your teachers and careers advisers who can help you find placements. At CCCG, we work with dozens of employers in healthcare to provide opportunities for our students to gain experience and learn from those working in the sector, as well as support with UCAS applications.
Look at opportunities for experience at medical schools like Brighton and Sussex Medical School, which offers a six-week virtual work experience programme. While not designed to completely replace in-person placements in the real world, this course gives an insight into medicine and being a doctor. The course introduces students to the NHS and different medical roles including the key skills needed to work in those areas and challenges they face.
The BMA does not encourage healthcare professionals to charge students for placements, although there may be instances where you could be asked to cover costs such as administration. Don’t be afraid to ask if there are any costs you need to pay.
Dress smartly when on your placement, explain what you would like to gain from the experience and what you would like to learn while you are there. Ask questions with enthusiasm to a diverse mix of staff to give you a great insight into healthcare.
Talk politely to patients and remember that confidentiality is important and under no circumstances discuss their issues outside the organisation where you are on placement. Don’t take it personally if a patient wishes to be seen without a student present.
Keep a diary of what you did and saw each day, which can help solidify what you learn and be an important reference tool when you come to writing your UCAS personal statement and preparing for medical school interviews.
Finally, here’s a list of other organisations that can help with finding work placements:

National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)

Kissing it Better

St John Ambulance

Royal College of General Practitioners

Apply now for A Levels at City and Islington College here and Westminster Kingsway College here.

Tech savvy students volunteer at PC Pals community project

Posted on January 9, 2023January 9, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

IT students from City and Islington College (CANDI) have been volunteering at a community project helping people learn and develop their digital skills.

A group of nine students have been sharing their tech knowledge at PC Pals sessions held at St Luke’s Community Centre in Central Street in south Islington.

The project started in 2009 and provides free weekly access to PCs and wi-fi and offers support and advice on using computers, tablets and mobile phones.

Students have been helping people to use Windows, Microsoft applications, social media, email, online shopping, mobile phone apps and other technical support.

Their voluntary work will form part of the work experience they are required to complete on their IT Level 2 Certificate and IT Level 3 Diploma courses.

John Garces, Business Engagement Manager at St Luke’s Community Centre, said: “The involvement and support from City and Islington College’s students has been amazing and so valuable.

“We have seen tangible changes in people who have come to us. After a few classes with the students, they feel more confident and are not afraid of using a computer. It’s learning basic things many of us take for granted that can make a huge difference to someone’s life.”

PC Pals runs every Wednesday from noon to 1pm.

Find out more about Computing and IT courses at CANDI and apply here.

CONEL’s Basketball and Netball Academies net place at Association of Colleges National Championships

Posted on January 6, 2023January 6, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

Young sports stars at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) are celebrating after qualifying for the Association of Colleges Sport National Championships.

Teams from the college’s Basketball Academy and Netball Academy will represent the capital after winning in the regional finals at Redbridge Sports Centre in Ilford on 8 December.

The basketball team won all their opening round matches to reach the knockout stages and beat Newham College in the final, while the netball team beat all teams in their competition.

Both teams are now preparing for the national tournament at the University of Nottingham in April under the training and guidance of their coaches AJ Roberts and Yamini Bist.

CONEL’s Basketball Academy and Netball Academy, along with the Football Academy, Martial Arts Academy, Athletics Academy and Esports Academy are based at the college’s Enfield Centre.

The academies are open to all students aged 16-18 at the college and include professional coaching, personal fitness, physiotherapy, nutrition and tactical analysis.

Jonathan Silman, Head of School for Sport, Public Services and KS4, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our Basketball and Netball Academies. The teams and their coaches have worked exceptionally hard and shown great commitment to develop and improve their skills and performance, which has resulted in them qualifying for the National Championships.

“Our Sports Academies at CONEL continue to go from strength to strength and I am hugely proud that the college will be representing London. The basketball and netball teams and their coaches should be proud of what they have accomplished in their sports, especially the team from the Netball Academy, which only started up at the college recently.

“The National Finals will be an even bigger challenge, but if they continue to apply themselves and show the same dedication then they will give themselves every chance of success.”

The AoC Sport National Championships has been running for more than 40 years and is one of the UK’s largest student sporting events with nearly 1,800 students taking part each year.

Ten regional tournaments are held across England and Wales during the autumn term with the top teams in 13 sports qualifying for the National Championships.

Students compete in boccia, badminton, basketball, cross-country running, football, disability football, hockey, indoor cricket, netball, rugby, table tennis, tennis and volleyball.

CONEL’s sports facilities include a floodlit 3G football pitch, grass pitches, sports centre with sports hall, fully equipped gym and changing rooms, which are also available for hire.

Find out more about CONEL’s Sports Academies here.

WestKing’s Deputy Director for SEND awarded MBE in New Year Honours

Posted on January 5, 2023January 5, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

Westminster Kingsway College’s Deputy Director for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) has been awarded an MBE in the 2023 New Year Honours.

Paul Nee, who has worked for the college for nearly a decade, was recognised for services to further education in the first honours bestowed by His Majesty King Charles III.

He said: “When I learnt I was being awarded an MBE, I thought it was a wind-up. It was just a feeling of disbelief. But of course, I’m extremely proud. It’s one of the highest honours you can get.”

Paul joined WestKing as Head of Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LDD) and High Needs in September 2013 and was promoted to Deputy Director for SEND in December 2020.

He oversees around 120 specialist SEND staff across all WestKing’s sites including those looking after students with more complex needs at the college’s King’s Cross Centre, Alexandra Centre and Kennet West Skills Centre.

During his time at WestKing, Paul oversaw the transformation of the Alexandra Centre into an outstanding service, which had been deemed inadequate while under a different provider.

Among his other career highlights was a SEND student who progressed into mainstream education at the college and is now studying for a degree at UAL: London College of Fashion.

Paul, who lives in Coventry and commutes to the college most days, said: “When you look at special needs, I’ve almost done the full circuit of what you can work in from senior management in specialist colleges to working in a special school and a number of SEND roles for FE colleges.

“It’s just so meaningful. It’s a bit of a cliché, but you are truly making a difference to the lives of young people with learning disabilities. It’s often about tiny steps that may seem quite trivial, but for them are momentous moments. That’s what I love about it, and it’s fun.

“I am proud of what we’ve achieved in SEND and privileged to work with some fantastic managers and staff. It’s not just down to one person, you’re only as good as the team around you.”

Former Secretary of State for Education, Nadhim Zahawi MP, recommended Paul for an MBE after being impressed on a visit to the Alexandra Centre when he was Minister for Children and Families.

Jasbir Sondhi, Vice Principal at WestKing, said: “Paul has been unwavering in his commitment to supporting students with learning disabilities and additional needs. He and his team were instrumental in turning around the Alexandra Centre into a high-quality provision to improve their independence and everyday lives.

“I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to Paul on his MBE. This is a huge achievement and one I am sure he will agree is not just testament to his own success, but also recognition of the work of his fantastic team.”

Find out more about Foundation and Supported Learning at WestKing here.

Institution of Civil Engineers London chair praises ‘excellent’ teaching at Capital City College Group

Posted on December 21, 2022April 27, 2023 by Hannah Fenton

One of the UK’s most influential women in Engineering and Construction has praised the high standard of teaching after studying with Capital City College Group (CCCG).

Phebe Mann, who is Chair of the Institution of Civil Engineers London for 2022-23, achieved an overall Distinction on a Plumbing Level 2 Diploma at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London. She also took a short course in Home Repair and Maintenance for Women at Westminster Kingsway College.

Phebe studied both courses having already established an illustrious engineering and legal career spanning more than three decades and gaining a PhD and four Master’s Degrees.

She is a chartered engineer, chartered surveyor, chartered construction manager and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. She was named in the Women in Engineering Society’s Top 50 Women in Engineering 2018.

She has a PhD Collaborative Design, MSc Bridge Engineering, MSc Construction Management, MA (Cantab) Computer Science, LLM Construction Law and is a qualified barrister.

Phebe has worked as a Specialist Judge for the Upper Tribunal and General Regulatory Chamber and has completed engineering projects for Westminster City Council and Cambridge County Council, as well as being a Senior Lecturer at the University of Westminster, University of Reading, University of East London and Open University.

Phebe decided to enrol on both courses to develop her practical construction skills and increase her awareness of the trades to enable her to better address a national shortage of workers in the UK.

She said: “The students were very enthusiastic in their learning. The lecturers were excellent and devoted to sharing the skills of their professions and we learnt a great deal from the exercises and the feedback they gave us. They also provided high-quality videos of each topic, which we could view repeatedly until we understood the requirements of the course.

“My lecturer for the practical class, John Nosworthy, was very patient and empathetic to his students as he explained the steps we needed to take and health and safety requirements for each of our tasks. He had a genuine understanding of his students and adapted his teaching to meet their individual needs.”

Phebe is passionate about encouraging and inspiring more women to follow in her footsteps and pursue engineering and construction careers.

She said: “Girls tend to do better than boys in GCSE and A Level results including science, mathematics and computing. These are all important skills for engineers and construction. Women excel in skills such as good communication, innovation, creativity and analysis. They should not be intimidated by working in a male-dominated industry.”

According to Engineering UK, there is a shortfall of 173,000 workers in the STEM sector, while the Construction Skills Network says 266,000 new workers are needed by 2026

“If you are passionate about engineering, discover your potential, seek opportunities, equip yourself, develop a positive learning attitude and be determined to be successful,” said Phebe.

“Don’t be discouraged by failures. Every success is built on many failures. Don’t give up if you believe you can do it.”

Apply now for Engineering courses here and Construction courses here.

Nikita Pathakji praises ‘fantastic’ WestKing apprenticeship after winning Masterchef: The Professionals

Posted on December 12, 2022December 12, 2022 by Hannah Fenton

Masterchef: The Professionals champion Nikita Pathakji has told how her apprenticeship at Westminster Kingsway College gave her the skills and experience for culinary success.

Nikita, 25, from Clapham, became the second former apprentice from the college to win the grand final of the BBC TV series following Alex Webb’s triumph in the competition in 2020.

She said: “This is incredible. I can’t put it into words. This surpasses every achievement of my life. I don’t know how I’m going to top this. This is it, this is the peak, I think I’ve reached it!”

Her winning menu featured a starter of seabass cured in citrus dressing with smoked aubergine and spiced red pepper purées, followed by a main of crispy chicken thighs, tortellini filled with chicken, mushrooms and coriander topped with a coconut curry sauce, and for dessert a cardamom custard tart with poached apricots and a honey tuile.

Masterchef presenter Gregg Wallace said: “Nikita opened up the larder of the world and brought us dish after stunning dish after stunning dish.”

Michelin-star chef Marcus Wareing said “She’s a chef that has grown right in front of our eyes. Her food has been sublime,” while fellow judge, chef and restauranteur Anna Haugh, added: “Nikita is on the road to creating a very unique cuisine. And that is why she’s our champion.”

Nikita, who works as a Junior Sous Chef at Michelin-star restaurant Kitchen W8 in Kensington, trained at the college’s School for Hospitality and Culinary Arts in Victoria from 2016-19.

She undertook Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships, sponsored by The Worshipful Company of Cooks, at The Lanesborough in Knightsbridge and Claude Bosi at Bibendum in Kensington.

Nikita said: “My apprenticeship at Westminster Kingsway was a fantastic way to gain important foundational knowledge and skills, which compounded with real experience working in restaurant kitchens, set me up with both the skills and qualifications I needed to work in top Michelin-starred restaurants.

“I’m so glad I started my career on this apprenticeship. The guidance and extra support that made the job a little less daunting when I first started out.”

Nikita grew up in Derby and lived in India with her family for two years from the age of nine. As a child she would prepare meals with her mum, which inspired her love of Asian cooking.

After her apprenticeship at WestKing, she travelled for nine months around South East Asia, which further deepened her passion and appreciation for the region’s flavours and culinary styles.

Sharon Barry, Head of School for Hospitality and Culinary Arts Apprenticeships, said: “Nikita was a dedicated, passionate and highly motivated learner during her time at WestKing. It comes as no surprise that she has continued to grow and thrive within her culinary career.

“Winning Masterchef: The Professionals is a fantastic achievement, and we are all incredibly proud of her. She is a huge inspiration to all our current learners who has shown anything is possible if you believe in yourself and follow your dreams.”

Find out more and apply for Hospitality and Culinary Arts courses here and apprenticeships here.

WestKing and Central District Alliance host Careers and Enterprise Day

Posted on December 5, 2022December 5, 2022 by Hannah Fenton

Jobseekers had the chance to find out more about new employment opportunities and gaining work skills when they attended a Careers and Enterprise Day at Westminster Kingsway College.

The event was run with the Central District Alliance (CDA) business improvement district, which is partnering the college’s Mayor of London Digital and Hospitality Academy Hubs that launched earlier this year.

The CDA represents more than 400 businesses in central London and has backed the hubs to help its members upskill their staff and recruit new talent in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic.

Mayor of Camden Cllr Nasim Ali was the special guest at the event at the college’s King’s Cross Centre, which was held to coincide with Global Entrepreneurship Week last month.

CCCG’s apprenticeship and training provider Capital City College Training and entrepreneurship programme Visionnaires, a subsidiary of CCCG, were also present at the event.

Among the other organisations that attended were Transport for London, Camden Council, Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, DHL, Cutlass Security Group, Bidvest Noonan, London Communications Agency and Digital Influx.

There were also stands from several hospitality and entertainment businesses including Pret, Shaftesbury Theatre, Travelodge, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Imperial London Hotels, Kimpton Fitzroy London and Strand Palace.

Visitors had the opportunity to attend employability sessions with Samsung, LinkedIn and Edwardian Hotels, and have free professional headshots taken for their LinkedIn profiles.

Fashion and Communication Level 3 Diploma students modelled outfits for a fashion show sponsored by Dress for Success and Burton, which included advice on how to dress for a job interview.

There were also live demonstrations from students from the college’s School for Hospitality and Culinary Arts in Victoria.

Attendees also had chance to win a tablet or one of several mobile phones in a prize draw.