Motivating and inspiring students who have previously failed to make the grade in GCSE English and maths is no easy feat.

But with hard work and commitment, from both staff and students, the team at Stockton Riverside College has found they can make a change.

Now their efforts have been recognised on the national stage.  The college’s GCSE English teaching staff have been shortlisted for the 2021 Tes FE Awards, in the Outstanding GCSE Resits Provision category.

Programme area Lead Leanne Hill, who nominated the team, said: “At Stockton Riverside College the approach to improving results for learners in GCSE English centres around empowering the staff. This has been achieved through investment, focused professional development and an acknowledgement that we can’t always do it alone.”

Always striving to improve, and not afraid to learn from other schools and colleges, she said: “A common phrase among the team has become, “Okay, what can we do next?”.”

The Tes FE Awards shine a spotlight on the most outstanding individuals and institutions that the further education sector has to offer.

Stockton Riverside College’s assistant principal and head of department for English and maths, Rebecca Matthews said: “We are ecstatic that we have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award and I am so pleased that the hard work and effort of such an exceptional team is being recognised.  They go above and beyond to ensure our learners reach their full potential and this is well deserved!”

Winners of the Tes FE Awards 2021 will be announced at an online ceremony on Friday May 28.

Stockton Riverside College Principal Lesley Graham said: “We know that all of our teachers do an amazing job and their commitment to our students knows no bounds, but it is fantastic to see their contribution recognised by the wider industry at a national level. We are so proud.”

Tes Head of FE Julia Belgutay said: “Further education providers have excelled in what has been a truly challenging year, and the amazing individuals, teams and institutions on our Tes FE Awards shortlist showcase that. Our judges were highly impressed with the calibre of entries and I want to congratulate everyone who has made the shortlist – it is a brilliant achievement.”

To see the full list of who is in the running and to reserve your free place, visit: www.tesfeawards.co.uk