Parent Newsletter – Term 2 – 2025/26
It genuinely only feels like five minutes since Christmas, and yet here we are at the end of the second term, with Easter just round the corner. It is probably a good sign that the time seems to have flown by so quickly, with so many fabulous achievements by our students, ably supported by our first-rate staff. I am sure that all of you will be just as proud as I am of your children.
Many of our courses will have some form of assessment throughout the academic year, but the final term of the year remains crucial in ensuring that our students complete their programmes of study successfully. I know that you will work with us to ensure that the right support is in place to allow this to happen.
This newsletter contains many examples of the things that we do throughout the year to provide an excellent level of education and support in a caring environment. I hope you find the content both interesting and informative, and please let us know if you have any questions or comments. If there is anything you think it would be useful for us to include in future editions, again please let us know.
HEADLINE NEWS
Preston College is First Choice
Preston College marked Colleges Week 2026 by celebrating its growing impact across Lancashire, with thousands of students choosing the college as their first choice for technical education every year.
Combined Studies offers more choice
NEW FOR SEPTEMBER 2026! Combined Studies is a collection of curriculum subjects which combine complementary subjects to broaden a student’s skills, knowledge, and opportunities.
National Apprenticeship Week 2026
Preston College celebrated National Apprenticeship Week from 7 to 13 February with an array of stories from our staff, our apprentices and their employers .
Aspiration
Colleges Week Celebrated
Colleges Week was held from 2-6 March. This is a national campaign that brings together colleges from across the country to celebrate the transformative power of Further Education, Higher Education and apprenticeships across our communities.
Preston College’s Colleges Week posts showcased a range of student success stories and gave a little insight into life at the College.
Annual Careers Fair
Over 40 employers, universities and community organisations came together to offer Preston College students the opportunity to discover lots of exciting opportunities.
Preston College has a structured and targeted careers programme delivered through tutorials with regular input from external organisations.
RAF Pilot delivers strong message
RAF pilot, Flt Lt Ian Ferguson, shared his remarkable life story, explaining how he pursued his dream of becoming an RAF pilot despite early exam setbacks and people doubting his potential.
His core message to students was clear and powerful: never, ever give up on your dreams — and embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and move forward.
Achievement
24-hour dance-a-thon for Nicole
Our performing arts students and staff held a 24-hour dance-a-thon as fundraiser for North Lancashire Down Syndrome Support Group in memory of Nicole Parker who unexpectedly passed away. The fundraiser was absolutely fantastic with music, laughter and memories. The total raised surpassed it’s original target and had to be increased twice. The final total raised currently stands at £3,719! There’s still time to donate, click the link below!
Lancashire Skills Competition Wins
Preston College have been competing in the Lancashire Colleges Skills Competitions in a range of areas. key highlights from the competition were the Travel & Tourism Team winning their competition for the second year running and our hair and beauty students won their competition with additional achievements including first place in barbering, media make-up, hairdressing, second place in media make-up and third place in hairdressing.
Preston College Competes in the Inclusion Cup
In March 2026, nine students from Foundation programmes at Preston College travelled to Manchester to compete in the CPCÂ Inclusion Cup 2026, hosted at the historic training ground at The Cliff by the Manchester United Foundation.Â
There were some fantastic goals scored, moments of real teamwork and a clear sense of enjoyment from the group. We will certainly be returning next year!Â
Attitude
Motorcycle project ready to hit the track!
The IML Level 1 Automotive Technologies Iona Racing motorcycle project is now ready to hit the track this April. To mark the completion of the project, students signed the top of the petrol tank during a small signing ceremony.
Inaugural Student Voice Conference 2026
Our first Student Voice Conference at Preston College brought together student representatives from across college to share their views and ideas on the College and how we can improve the student experience for everyone.
Guest Speaker Matt addresses misogyny
Guest Speaker – Matt Pinkett co-author of the bestselling book Boys Don’t Try? and the author of Boys Do Cry delivered a session to over 500 students. The session’s objectives were to challenge common assumptions and share strategies to address misogyny.
Accountability
Health & Wellbeing Week
In January the College’s annual health and wellbeing week took place. Staff and students were able to take part in a range of activities designed to support and promote positive health and wellbeing.
From a petting zoo , glow in the dark sports and forest school sessions – there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Week
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Week included a range of external speakers covering a range of topics including mental health, overcoming challenges and social integration. A big thank you to our guest speakers Charlie Aky, The Compassion Project, Lancashire Police, and Make Life Kind, as well as everyone involved in making the week a success!
T Level students get sustainable
Students from year 1 and 2 of the T Level in Professional Construction had a guest speaker, Lucy Boulton, Solar Manager from Thompsons Solar. After a short presentation from Lucy, the students took part in a Q&A session and develop a deeper understanding of sustainability and renewable energy, which will support their coursework and exam preparation.
Attendance
Reporting Absence
If a student is going to be absent they must contact the College using one of these methods:
Absence hotline: 01772 225959
Email: absencehotline@preston.ac.uk
Term Dates
Remember, every lesson matters and students and parents should not book holidays during term-time. Plan your holidays out of term using the link below.
Parents Evening
Parents Evening was held in February and was an excellent opportunity for parents to visit the campus and speak to tutors about attendance and progress made so far this year.
Upcoming events
Apprenticeship & T Level Open Event
Join Preston College on Wednesday 29 April from 4 till 6:30pm for the Apprenticeship and T Level Event, a fantastic opportunity to explore your next steps after school or college.
GCSE Exam Dates
In May, many of our students will start re-taking their GCSE exams in English and Maths. The dates are as follows:
Maths (Paper 1) – Thursday 14 May 2026
English (Paper 1) – Thursday 21 May 2026
Maths (Paper 2) – Wednesday 3 June 2026
English (Paper 2) – Friday 5 June 2026
Maths (Paper 3) – Wednesday 10 June 2026
Easter Break
The spring terms ends on Thursday 26 March. The summer term will begin on Monday 13 April. The College will be closed for the bank holidays – Good Friday, Friday 3 April and Easter Monday, Monday 6 April.
Useful links
Parent Portal Accounts
Parent Letters & Notices
