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Lord Hunt honours Cadbury Sixth Form College’s exceptional learners at prestigious awards ceremony
Learners at Cadbury Sixth Form College, part of The Sandwell Colleges, were celebrated for their outstanding achievements at the Learner of the Month awards, presented by The Rt Hon Lord Hunt of Kings Heath OBE and Minister of State of the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. The prestigious event, attended by Lisa Capper MBE, CEO & Principal of The Sandwell Colleges, was a testament to the hard work and dedication of students who have gone above and beyond in their studies.
The day was filled with inspiration and celebration, starting with a special lunch for the award recipients, followed by an insightful Q&A session with Lord Hunt and Lisa Capper MBE. The session provided learners with a unique opportunity to engage with both leaders, ask thought-provoking questions, and gain valuable insights into leadership, education, and career aspirations. The highlight of the event was the official certificate presentation, where students were recognised for their exceptional academic performance and personal development.
Among the winners was Molly Banks, who stood out for her impressive academic record, securing A grades in all her recent mock exams. Molly’s commitment to her studies and proactive approach to learning earned her well-deserved recognition. Reflecting on her success, Molly said:
“I always make time to work outside of college, whether that’s revising at home or visiting the library. For me, it’s all about staying focused and putting in the effort—it’s good old-fashioned hard work.”
Lisa Capper MBE praised the learners, highlighting their dedication, resilience, and ambition:
“The learners at Cadbury were celebrated for their commitment and dedication to excelling their chosen subjects – this included A levels, T Levels and BTECs. Their futures look very bright as a result of their hard work and I am sure they will go on to forging very successful careers in their chosen field as a result. It was an honour to have Lord Hunt present the certificates today and to share his background and to talk about the opportunities in industry open to them.”
Lord Hunt commended the students for their hard work and aspirations, encouraging them to continue striving for success in their academic and future careers. He also shared his thoughts on the importance of education and lifelong learning, reinforcing the significance of opportunity, perseverance, and ambition.
The Learner of the Month initiative at Cadbury Sixth Form College recognises students who exemplify academic excellence, resilience, and dedication. The event underscores the College’s commitment to nurturing talent and supporting learners in achieving their full potential, whether through higher education or career pathways.
As Cadbury Sixth Form College continues to celebrate student achievements, the College remains dedicated to providing a high-quality learning experience that empowers all students to succeed in their chosen fields and beyond.
Cadbury Sixth Form College Launches High Achievers Programme To Support Ambitious Students
Cadbury Sixth Form College – part of The Sandwell Colleges, has officially launched its High Achievers Programme, a dedicated initiative designed to support students who have made a strong start in their education and are eager to excel in their chosen subjects. The programme includes over 60 students this year and provides tailored opportunities that enhance learning, develop leadership skills, and prepare students for their next steps, whether that’s securing places at top universities, progressing into higher apprenticeships, or moving into employment training.
The launch event welcomed Dr. Ekbal Hussain, a distinguished alumnus of Cadbury Sixth Form College, alongside Lisa Capper MBE, CEO and Principal of The Sandwell Colleges, representatives from local universities, and members of the Cadbury Sixth Form College team. Dr. Hussain, who studied Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge and is now a geoscientist at the British Geological Survey, shared his inspiring journey, demonstrating to students what is possible with ambition, dedication, and the right support.
The High Achievers Programme offers students a comprehensive package of support, including specialist academic tuition to deepen subject knowledge, critical thinking, university preparation workshops covering personal statements and interview support, and guidance for higher apprenticeships and employment opportunities. Students will also benefit from guest lectures by industry leaders, resilience training to help them navigate challenges, and leadership development activities that equip them with the confidence and skills needed to thrive in any path they choose.
Lisa Capper MBE, CEO and Principal of The Sandwell Colleges, said: “The launch of the High Achievers Programme at Cadbury Sixth Form College marks an exciting step in our mission to provide exceptional opportunities for our students. We are dedicated to supporting learners in achieving their full potential, whether that means securing places at the world’s top universities, progressing into higher apprenticeships, or excelling in their chosen careers. Having Dr. Ekbal Hussain return to inspire our students is a testament to the calibre of talent that comes through our College, and we look forward to seeing our next generation of high achievers make their mark on the world.”
Lydia Maher, Campus Principal said: “We work with our feeder schools to ensure a tailored pathway for our students. Young people and parents have told us that our personalised approach and enhanced support, trips and visits make a world of difference for our students. We want to capitalise on that and make the most of their time with us at Cadbury and the Sandwell Colleges. As well as this programme we have a number of other initiatives that cater for all our students at Cadbury including specialist clubs, work placements, and great teaching.”
Monica Madriaga, a current Cadbury Sixth Form College student, shared her enthusiasm for the programme: “Being part of the High Achievers Programme is exciting. The additional support and opportunities are really going to help me push my boundaries and aim higher for my future.”
Cadbury Sixth Form College continues to build on its strong reputation for academic and technical excellence, providing students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. The High Achievers Programme will play a pivotal role in empowering students from all study pathways – whether academic, technical, or vocational – to achieve their full potential.
Get more information on the Cadbury High Achievers Programme here
Cadbury Sixth Form College’s SafeHaven project recognised at the National Association for Managers of Student Services Awards
Cadbury Sixth Form College, part of The Sandwell Colleges, has been recognised on a national stage, securing Runner-Up in the Inspirational Project of the Year category at the prestigious National Association of Managers for Student Services (NAMSS) Awards 2025.
The recognition celebrates SafeHaven, a transformative project delivered in partnership with West Midlands Police, which provides a vital safe space for young people in the community. Designed to support local primary and secondary school students, SafeHaven offers a welcoming environment where young people can access guidance, support, and positive role models outside of school hours.
Reflecting on the impact of the initiative, Emma Brannen, Senior Vice Principal, said:
“SafeHaven is a fantastic example of how collaboration can create real change. We know that young people face a variety of pressures, both inside and outside of school, and having a safe and welcoming space where they feel heard, supported, and empowered makes a significant difference. This project is not just about safeguarding—it’s about creating a community where young people can grow in confidence, build positive relationships, and develop the skills they need for a brighter future. We’re proud to work alongside West Midlands Police to provide this invaluable support network for the young people in our region.”
PC Matt Shakespeare of West Midlands Police also praised the initiative, highlighting its role in strengthening community ties:
“SafeHaven is a wonderful initiative that gives young people positive outlets for self-expression and growth. Our collaboration with Cadbury Sixth Form College on this project reinforces our commitment to supporting Birmingham’s youth and fostering a safer, more connected community.”
The award ceremony, which celebrated outstanding student support initiatives across the UK, recognised the project’s commitment to safeguarding and community engagement, reinforcing the college’s role as a trusted pillar of support for young people in the region.
In attendance at the event were Campus Principal Lydia Maher, Project Lead and Director of Student Services Amie Banford, and Madison Shanahan, Senior Student Support and Community Liaison Officer, who have all played a pivotal role in the development and success of SafeHaven.
This recognition highlights Cadbury Sixth Form College’s dedication to fostering safe and inclusive spaces, empowering young people with the resources and support they need to thrive.
Older News & Event Articles
The Titan Award finalists have been announced for 2023 – and one of the nominees for Further Education/Higher Education Student of the Year is from Cadbury Sixth Form College!
Zainab Mallah is an A Level Science student at Cadbury.
Here’s why she was nominated by her personal tutor Emily Broome:
“Zainab is a conscientious, kind-hearted, caring student who holds a real maturity beyond her years and always treats both staff and students with an incredible amount of respect and kindness. Zainab is very well liked and willingly gets involved in group discussions and speaks out appropriately if she has any concerns. She willingly supports those around her and has volunteered for open days as a student tour guide, supported fundraisers and petitions and has been involved with external companies such as SafeUp. She also started her own Medicine and Healthcare Society and always supports her peers with genuine care and enthusiasm.”
Emily added: “Zainab is a genuine delight and always makes me smile and brightens my day! I really hope her nomination will provide her confidence and allow her to see how truly hard-working and special she is! She is a credit to our college and an outstanding role model to our students! Our college truly wishes her the best of luck in her nomination and her future, I have no doubts that she will excel in everything she does!”
The winners will be announced at the upcoming Titan Awards & Charity Dinner in July at Aston University, and each will receive a trophy, framed certificate and Amazon gift voucher.
Good luck Zainab!
We were delighted to host Group Captain Deputy Lieutenant Ian Sargeant OBE today for our Big Coronation Party and tree planting ceremony.
Many of our staff and students have been making big preparations for this event to commemorate the historic Coronation of King Charles III.
Creating colourful bunting and learning about the significance and history of the Monarchy, students also enjoyed Coronation-inspired cakes and games and sang celebratory songs live on stage.
Royal representative Group Captain Sargeant, who is also a Queen’s Honorary Surgeon, joined in with the celebrations and met members of staff and students, before helping Head of Curriculum Ian Vogel to plant a commemorative tree in the campus grounds.
The Lord-Lieutenant, Sir John Crabtree OBE, who attended the Coronation on Saturday, is appointed by the King to represent him in the region and attend events and activities on his behalf.
He said: “The Coronation is really bringing people together to celebrate and get involved in some amazing projects. You can feel the excitement mounting across the region and there is a wonderful community spirit with many people volunteering for the first time to support their community.”
The West Midlands is the second largest Lieutenancy in England and Wales supporting nearly 3 million people across seven local authorities of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
The Lieutenancy is active across the community supporting projects and initiatives that benefit the community and it helps recognise people through the Honours awards. It also coordinates Royal Visits and acts as a connection between the civic, military, religious, armed forces and emergency services.
The Lieutenancy is involved in a number of events that will be held across the region for the Coronation.
We asked our Digital Design and Production T Level students what they were enjoying most about their course so far, and to tell us a bit about themselves. Here’s what they had to say:
Abas – The reason why I have chosen this T Level course is because I believe it teaches me everything to send me in the right direction to become a software developer. Since the start of college, we have learnt a lot such as python, HTML and SQL. The teachers are also pushing us to work hard in building websites during our lessons and to do research at home. The course offers us the opportunity of a work placement to learn first-hand how the work environment is. My hobbies include playing basketball, reading and spending quality time with family.
Haneef – My experience of the new T Level Digital Production course I am taking has been excellent. I have expanded my knowledge of Computer Science and understanding of the Digital World, additionally I have learnt many core skills such as using tools from the Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office. I would highly recommend this course for anyone looking to go into any computer related career such as Web Design, Software Engineering and Cyber Security. It is a great environment and I couldn’t ask for more. The amazing support I get from my lecturers has really helped prepare me for any future industry placements.
Hassan – I have chosen this course as it will help me achieve my ultimate career goal of becoming a software engineer at Google, Facebook and TESLA. I have already learned a lot, like how to use CMS software Drupal. I have also learned a lot of different coding languages including python, JavaScript, HTML, SQL, CSS and PHP. My teachers are good and have real-world experience in the field of STEM and building websites for clients. We have learned how to use applications like Photoshop and InDesign to create the front end of a website. This course will help me achieve my future career goals because it offers me the opportunity of a work placement to learn first-hand what it is like to work in the software industry and how it operates. I’m enjoying this course because it’s helping me to understand how games, websites and apps are built. It also teaches us how to create and maintain databases with advanced security, plus how to build a really well functioning website and how to add good security features to prevent it crashing and breaking down. My hobbies are going to the gym, gaming and helping my brother build computers.
Shahzeb – Since this course became part of my schedule, I’ve come to understand how committed and enthusiastic I am about this subject. This T Level is excellent because it opens doors to careers in the digital industries, including web design, programming, game design, data analytics, software engineering, cybersecurity and many more. Outstanding instructors that have real-world expertise teach the course, which makes it easier and more entertaining. Amazing web design instructor Stuart has expertise creating websites for paying customers. I’ve learned how to design a website front end using Photoshop and InDesign. My career goal is to learn how to operate the (CMS software) Drupal and also learn the different computer languages such as python, JavaScript, SQL, CSS, HTML and PHP. I am already very good with computers and how they operate, but this course offers more challenges which is what makes it so attractive and fun. I always wanted to understand and learn how to build/design different games and software, which this course allows me to do. Studying this T Level course opens up a lot of opportunities for me and allows me to work on actual digital projects. This is one of the best courses in Birmingham, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in computers.
If you’d like to find out more about our T Level or Digital courses, register here now for our next Talk & Tours event or Open Day.
