Suffolk New College is proud to be supporting a campaign that is celebrating the positive impact that colleges have across the country.
The movement called ‘Colleges Week’ has been backed by Suffolk New College, which has campuses in Ipswich, Otley, Halesworth and Leiston.
It was set up in 2016 by the Association of Colleges and helps showcase the achievements of individuals and organisations working in this sector. (It’s taking place this week between the 2nd and 6th March 2026).
The celebration had an overarching theme of ‘Skills for All’ – helping emphasise the importance of equipping people of all ages and backgrounds with the skills they need to progress and succeed.
As part of these celebrations, Suffolk New College hosted a week of events to champion the work that they do.
Occasions included the launch of a new community partnership scheme where the college pledged to support local businesses and charities in and around the town.
The college supported World Book Day to help shine a light on literacy and the importance of reading, writing and being creative.
Health learners were filmed by ITV taking part in an informational discussion relating to endometriosis.
Budding Gordon Ramsey’s of the future are geared up for a national cooking competition by refining dishes ahead of a regional heat.
And students from various courses took part in a one day maths challenge against three other colleges, with Suffolk New College learners winning all three categories. They will now go forward to a national final taking place in Solihull next month here they will represent the East of England.
(The competition was run by Mathematics in Industry and Education (MEI and was sponsored by Willis Towers Watson and John Grose).
Head of Marketing, Craig Shimmon, said: “Our four campuses support thousands of people and we work with hundreds of businesses and charities every year. It was a real pleasure to give people a glimpse into the positive impact that we have every day across our communities.”
Alfie Whitear, 17, from Ipswich is on a games design course at the college. He said: “I like the college as they include everyone. Here, they give everyone a chance.”