Parent Newsletter – Term 1 2025/26
It really is hard to believe that we are already at the end of the first term of this academic year. The speed with which it seems to have happened is undoubtedly a sign that the year is going well, and you should be proud of your sons and daughters, and all of the hard work that they have done so far. When I have spoken to our staff, they are incredibly positive about everything that has been achieved this term, and I look forward to this continuing in January and beyond.
Our aim is always to provide an excellent level of education and support in a caring environment. This newsletter contains many examples of the things we are doing to achieve that aim. 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
Fresher’s Fair 2025
A fantastic range of businesses and organisations from across Preston made our Fresher’s Fair a huge success! Students were able to connect with local organisations and enjoy plenty of freebies. Thank you to everyone that attended.
T Levels Celebration Week
During T Level Celebration week we shared some of the amazing results and destinations of our students. Find out more by visiting our T Level Celebration page.
10 Year partnership celebrated
Preston College and the Eric Wright Group celebrated ten years of a dynamic and impactful partnership that has redefined education in construction for young people across Lancashire.
Safeguarding Week 2025
Safeguarding Week saw our students take part in a series of sessions designed to help them stay safe, make informed choices, and understand the world around them. Topics covered driving, homelessness, e-safety and self-defence sessions.
Remembrance Day
Principal & Chief Executive Simon Nixon led a service of remembrance at Preston College. The service included a performance by students from the Musical Theatre Training Academy and a parade from the Public Services students.
Skills Competition Week 2025
Held at the start of December, our Skills Competition Week gives students a platform to showcase the skills that they have learnt during the first term and provides an opportunity to experience a skills competition.
Aspiration
Students look to an entrepreneurial future
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students were visited by Julian – a management consultant keen to share his experience and inspire the students to think about the future. Students were challenged to find a gap in the market and use their resilience and multi lingual skills to launch their own business.
Industry Expert inspires students
Level 2 and 3 Hairdressing students had an incredible opportunity to spend the day with Dean Alexander, Senior Make-up Artist, at the renowned Peaches & Cream Liverpool studio. Dean shared expert insights, tips, and tricks that inspired everyone to think outside the box and elevate their artistry. Students gained valuable experience and left feeling motivated and ready to showcase their skills.
Students visit the UK’s new cricket pitch
Eric Wright Learning Foundation students got the chance of a lifetime to see the first professional cricket pitch to be built in the UK for more than 20 years. The facility being delivered by the Eric Wright Group gave the students a chance to see the industry in action, speak to the project team and ask questions about the design, materials, groundwork and the scale of the build.
Achievement
Skillbuild Success
Congratulations to Preston College apprentices Sam Durham and Ryan Holt! Both represented ABD Ceramics Ltd at the SkillBuild UK National Final, competing among the top talent from over 1,500 entrants nationwide. Whilst Ryan narrowly missed out on a top three spot, Sam took FIRST PLACE in Wall & Floor Tiling – an incredible achievement and a testament to his hard work, ABD’s support, and the outstanding training at Preston College.
Challenge accepted!
Our first year T Level Engineering (Design & Development) students are taking on the challenge to build and assembly a radio. Provided with electronic drawings and instructions they are conducting some very fine soldering work and achieving a high standard of finish.
Well done everyone – keep up the good work!
Tutor of the Year
Steve Catterall, our Carpentry and Joinery Lecturer, has won the prestigious ‘Construction Apprenticeship Tutor of the Year’ at the 2025 Construction Apprenticeship Awards, in Manchester.
A testament to Steve’s hard work, commitment and the positive influence he has on his students and the wider Preston College community.
Congratulations, Steve!
Attitude
T Level students get inside look at Chester Zoo
T Level Accounting and Level 2 & 3 Business students visited Chester Zoo for an engaging workshop. The workshop explored the behind the scenes strategies that drive the zoo’s marketing and financial operations. Students refreshed and deepened their understanding of key topics including branding, sustainability, the Marketing Mix, target markets and segmentation.
Students explore family friendly activities
A group of our Early Years students visited the Harris Museum to discover what community facilities are available to children and their families. The students enjoyed experiencing a day out in Preston and seeing things from a child’s point of view, taking in the new Wallace & Gromit Exhibit, and trying out some of the museum’s interactive features.
Supersport Bike Restoration Project Begins
Our Level 1 Automotive students are taking on an exciting hands-on challenge – restoring a non-running 1994 Honda CBR600F2 and transforming it into a competitive supersport bike. With the aim to compete in the CRMC Championships in 2026. Projects like this offer real-world experience, combining education, engineering, and motorsport to ignite students’ passion and prepare them for future careers.
Accountability
Construction Ambassadors Programme Launches
A huge congratulations to the first ever recipients of the Barratt Redrow Sustainable Housing Bursary at Preston College. Launched by Barratt and David Wilson Homes, part of Barratt Redrow, this brand-new bursary supports construction students with financial assistance, mentoring, and potential work placements, helping these passionate young people take their first steps into the industry.
Life-saving first aid for students
Public Service students had the exciting opportunity to attend a special event hosted by the North West Ambulance Service at Crossgate Church. The day offered a deep dive into the world of emergency services and inspired students to explore future career pathways. A huge thank you to the North West Ambulance Service for inspiring our students and encouraging them to consider their future prospects and potential journeys within the emergency services.
Raising money for charity
This term Preston College has raised money for Children in Need, Macmillan Cancer Research, the RSPCA and Save the Children. The Student Council have also organised a donation drive for the Foxton Centre to bring Christmas support to those who need help to provide for their families.
Thank you to all the staff and students who take the time to make these events happen and for donating to these worthy causes.
Attendance
100% club
This term Preston College have launched the 100% club. Being part of the 100% club means that you have maintained 100% attendance throughout the first term. This is a sign of an excellent attitude to learning! Very well done to all our members and keep up the good work.
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.
Upcoming events
Parents Evening
Our Parent & Progression Evening will take place on Wednesday 11 February between 4.30 and 7pm. Students are required to make appointments with their subject tutors.
Half-Term
Autumn Term finishes on Wednesday 17 December 2025. The College will reopen after the Christmas break on Monday 5 January 2026. Half-term is Monday 16 to Friday 20 February 2026.
Careers Fair
The College’s Annual Careers Fair is booked for Thursday 26 February. Held in the Sports Hall the Careers Fair is a great opportunity for students to explore their next steps.
Useful links
Parent Portal Accounts
Parent Letters & Notices
