The Association of Colleges has announced the finalists for this year’s Beacon Awards.

The awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK colleges each year, from outstanding examples of colleges’ international work to great examples of careers education and guidance and colleges that have developed high-quality practical teaching and learning approaches.

AoC chief executive David Hughes said: “Congratulations to all of these finalists. The AoC Beacon Awards showcase exactly why colleges are so important to every community and why people value them.

“The awards showcase the amazing educational experiences delivered in colleges and how students are prepared to become active citizens and engage with the world around them.”

AoC Beacon Wards 2020: the shortlist

British Council International Award

• Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education
• Southern Regional College 
• Burton and South Derbyshire College

Careers and Enterprise Company Award for Innovation in Careers and Enterprise

• LTE Group
• Cambridge Regional College
• Barnsley College
• Sunderland College 

Edge Award for Excellence in the Practical Delivery of Technical and Professional Learning

• South East Colleges
• Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education
• Abingdon and Witney College

Pears #iwill award for Social Action and Student Engagement

• East Kent Colleges Group
• South West College

NOCN Group Mental Health and Wellbeing Award

• Barnsley College
• Bridgend College
• College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London
• Hartpury College

Jisc Award for effective use of Digital Technology in Further Education

• Bridgwater and Taunton College
• LTE Group

City and Guilds Award for College Engagement with Employers

• Fareham College
• Exeter College
• Bradford College
• Hugh Baird College

RCU Support for Students Award

• Abingdon and Witney College
• Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education 
• Preston’s College