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New £6.6 million STEM Centre at Cadbury
A new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) Centre has opened to its very first students at Cadbury Sixth Form College.
Due to the overwhelming demand for places at Cadbury Sixth Form College, the £6.6 million centre is focused on delivering a new technical curriculum, responding to a growing demand for specialist teaching facilities and learning for students. The centre aims to ensure that Cadbury Sixth Form College can offer students the broadest choice of advanced courses, including A levels, T Levels and vocational qualifications, across Birmingham.
The 1,000 sqm, two storey STEM Centre supports the education of young people looking to enter careers in advanced manufacturing, life sciences and other critical sectors of the economy. It houses dedicated suites for Digital Media, Health, Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Employee Engagement. Digital learning labs and VR suites will offer robotics and coding opportunities for new T Level and A Level courses, alongside a media suite, a practical healthcare learning space, extended classrooms and flexible study and social spaces.
The project marks Phase 2 of Cadbury College’s ambition to position itself to support as many young people as possible who aspire to advanced learning and university; and continues the multi-year investment following the opening of its £3.5 million Science City facilities in 2021. This new facility will support the growing need for new skills and jobs across Birmingham and the West Midlands for both universities and employers.
Julia Stevens, Principal of Cadbury Sixth Form College, commented: “We’re so excited to open the doors to our new STEM Centre, providing local students with even more opportunities to study in state-of-the-art facilities.
“The new building allows students to get hands on and see what their industry looks like, preparing them for life after college – whether that be for university or straight into employment. By providing specialist teaching facilities in growth areas such as advanced manufacturing and life sciences, the new STEM Centre will be a huge benefit to the wider community and the regional economy.”
To find out more about the new STEM Centre at Cadbury College, sign up now for one of our next open days.
Images © Speller Metcalfe
Cadbury 2023 Wrapped!
Excellent Results
We celebrated record results this year at Cadbury and our pass rate went UP for the third year running!
BBC Breakfast visited us ahead of A Level Results Day to film an interview with our student Zeeshan, who was nervously (but confidently!) awaiting his exam grades.
Among our star students were:
• Florida who achieved A*AA and is now at the University of Birmingham studying Biochemistry
• Arun who got AAA and is now studying Law at the University of Nottingham
• Sherika who achieved A*AB and started an apprenticeship with tax, audit and advisory firm Grant Thornton
• T Level students Lucy and Jessica, who both achieved Distinctions. Lucy is now studying Primary Education at Manchester Metropolitan University and Jessica is studying Counselling at Newman University.
New Developments
Our state-of-the-art STEM centre is now complete and students are now beginning their first year of studies in this brand-new £10 million Science City campus.
Perfect Partnerships
Thanks to Old Friends Care Ltd – a local domiciliary care company, our Level 3 Health and Social Care students were able to complete their moving and handling training, and learn more about care assistant and care manager job roles in the healthcare industry.
Criminology students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in mock crime scenes and discover the fascinating world of collecting and analysing evidence at a CSI day with CSI Training Events.
Next-Level Events
• Cadbury Culture Day celebrated the amazing diversity of our college.
• King Charles III’s royal representative Deputy Lieutenant Ian Sargeant OBE was a special guest at the Cadbury Big Coronation Party and tree planting ceremony.
• Creative Arts students wrapped up their studies in style with a striking End of Year Show.
Landmark Visits
• Spanish A Level students put their language skills to effective use in Malaga
• English Language & Literature, French, and Early Modern History students explored the cultural and historic sights of Paris
• 3D Design students got a chance to catch the quirky Arnifurniture exhibition at the Design Museum and the inspirational Herzog & De Meuron exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts
• Science students spent an incredible day at BBC Birmingham where they teamed up with BBC STEM Ambassadors, who are experts in using and communicating science
• Performing Arts students went to see an immersive-style production of Guys & Dolls at the Bridge Theatre in London and had fun interacting with the cast members
• Ex-professional football player Luke Staton and entrepreneurial success David Baldwin hosted an Empowerment Day for Business and Finance students. David shared his story of building up his family business and selling it for £250m!
• Stage star Nic Myers worked with our Performing Arts Students on a Cabaret Masterclass. Nic, who has just returned from a four-mouth residency at the Lido in Paris performing in Cabaret, taught students choreography
• Law students from Cadbury got real-life Crown Court experience in a Bar Mock Trial Competition.
Inspirational Projects
Cadbury’s new Fab Lab was awarded funding from Millennium Point to invest in emerging technologies. The funding has been used to set up a 3D Immersive Learning Lab, introducing innovative STEM-related learning projects, such as virtual reality programming.
Stars of Tomorrow
• One of Cadbury’s Star Alumni Khalid Daley – currently starring in Hamilton – returned from the West End to run a musical theatre masterclass for Performing Arts students
• Science student Zainab Mallah was one of the 2023 finalists for Further Education/Higher Education Student of the Year in the Titan Awards at Aston University.
We’re looking forward to even more in 2024! Join us on our journey 😊
Science Students Sharpen STEM Communication Skills in BBC TV Studios
A Level Science students from Cadbury got a masterclass in sharpening their communication skills at the BBC – winning a film production challenge.
Going behind the scenes of the live lunchtime broadcast of Midlands Today, students got to meet the programme’s regional news presenter and production team. They were also able to use the studio and had the help of the teams and equipment to script, make and perform their own short film clip.
Cadbury emerged winners of the production challenge, outshining two other school sixth form groups.
BBC STEM Ambassadors, who use or communicate Science in their roles, talked students through the skills needed to become brilliant Science communicators, plus the importance of providing researched, factual and evidenced scientific information to a vast range of audiences for many different purposes.
Cadbury Science Team said: “It really was a fantastic day and the students all got a lot out of it. They were incredibly engaged and gave a lot of smart responses to the ambassadors’ questions and asked insightful questions.”
Deputy Principal Ian Vogel said: “The BBC event looked absolutely incredible – and what a great experience for those students. It will have been inspirational for them and something that they will treasure forever.”
Older News & Event Articles
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.
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
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.
