West Thames College is delighted to have been named as a commended college in two categories of the 2025/26 Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Awards. The college has been recognised for its outstanding work in both Careers and Enterprise and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). Finalists will be announced at the AoC Annual Conference on 18 November.
The AoC Beacon Awards celebrate the most innovative and impactful work taking place in further education across the UK. Managed by the AoC Charitable Trust, the awards shine a spotlight on colleges that are transforming lives, strengthening communities and shaping the future of education.
CEO and Principal Marta Gajewska proudly stated: “I am incredibly proud that West Thames College has been recognised in two categories at the AoC Beacon Awards – for Careers and Enterprise and for our ESOL provision. This recognition reflects the outstanding work of our staff, the determination of our students, and the invaluable support of our partners and employers who help our learners build their futures every day.
“Our excellent ESOL and Careers teams play a vital role in transforming lives, opening opportunities and championing inclusion, ensuring every learner feels valued and empowered. Our ESOL provision supports young people newly arrived in the UK to develop language, confidence and a sense of belonging, while our Careers and Enterprise work ensures every learner is equipped with the skills, guidance and connections to progress successfully into further study or employment.”
ESOL: Transforming Lives Through Language, Inclusion and Opportunity
West Thames College’s ESOL provision impressed judges for its life-changing support for young people newly arrived in the UK. The college offers a unique full-time ESOL programme for 14–19-year-olds who have little or no English and may have faced disrupted education. Students study a wide curriculum that includes ESOL, Maths, Digital Skills, Science, Sport and Personal Development, with opportunities to progress into vocational pathways such as Business, ICT, Travel, Health, Childcare and Science.
A strong focus on wellbeing, inclusion and innovation helps learners settle quickly, build confidence and succeed. Approaches include trauma-informed teaching, adapted phonics for those with no previous literacy, and enrichment activities such as cultural projects, careers events and an annual Culture Day celebrating the college’s diversity. The programme achieves excellent outcomes, with consistently high attendance, achievement and progression into further study or employment.
“I am absolutely thrilled and immensely proud to see our dedicated ESOL students recognised with The Bell Foundation Award for Excellence,” said Director of Core Skills, Reman Swidan.
“Their passion, courage, and resilience—combined with the unwavering commitment of our staff—truly embody the spirit of West Thames College. Together, we’re transforming challenges into extraordinary achievements.”
Leading the Way in Careers and Enterprise
The Careers and Enterprise commendation recognises the college’s inclusive and forward-thinking careers programme, which ensures every student receives high-quality advice, guidance and opportunities. Careers education is embedded into college life through dedicated induction activities, staff training and links with employers and the West London Careers Hub. Students benefit from a range of engaging careers experiences on campus and online, including student-led media projects, social media guidance and the popular Aspire Careers Fair, which connects learners with employers and often leads to job offers and placements.
A strong commitment to equality means that priority learners, including care-experienced young people and those facing personal or financial barriers, receive personalised support to help them progress. The college’s approach has been recognised through an Ofsted Outstanding rating in 2024 and Matrix reaccreditation in 2025.
“I am incredibly proud to see the West Thames College Careers Team nominated for this recognition,” said Lead Careers Advisor, Dionne Bailey.
“Our team is deeply committed to inspiring ambition, expanding access to opportunities, and empowering every student to aim higher and realise their full potential.”
West Thames College is proud of the teams, students and partners who contributed to this achievement and looks forward to celebrating alongside other commended colleges at the AoC Annual Conference.
Gajewska concluded: “I want to thank everyone who contributes to this shared success, and to congratulate all the other fantastic colleges recognised this year. The Beacon Awards remind us of the strength, innovation and purpose across the FE sector, and of the life-changing difference that colleges make to their communities.”
