It has been two years since The Swindon and Wiltshire Innovative Technology Care Hub (SWITCH) invited the TV Doctor to its facility at New College Swindon’s Queens Drive Campus. SWITCH, the mock-hospital ward, built to NHS specification, housing life-like manikins that can simulate seizures, a heart attack, cry and even give birth, allows students to practice high-risk scenarios in low-pressure environments.

To celebrate two years of these jaw-dropping facilities, New College Swindon invited the Secretary of State for Transport and local Swindon MP, Heidi Alexander, the Mayor of Swindon, and local councillors to show off the facilities and share the positive impact of the training NCS offers its students.

Paula Kimmel [job title] at Prospect Hospice has been an advocate for the training at NCS, saying that it has had a much more positive impact on their staff who are more motivated, confident, and have enjoyed networking with other care staff who are doing the same training.

David Panes,  Programme Leader for SWITCH at New College Swindon, said, “It has been an ever-growing beast these last two years. I practised putting a needle into an orange when I first trained as a nurse, but students can practice on something that looks, feels and sounds like a human; ensuring any mistakes they make in practice aren’t repeated in the real world.”

Since opening in 2023, SWITCH has introduced First Aid and Mandatory Training for all local businesses who need to give their staff a refresher or put them on their first course. Face-to-face training in this area is vital and offers confidence to those who have undertaken the training when an accident or emergency arises. All of this is helping to upskill the local community and support the NHS for years to come.

Of the launch of SWITCH, Heidi Alexander poses the question,  “Has it gone as well as you had hoped for?”, to which David Panes responds, “It has. It has changed so much due to the ever-changing demand from our customers, and we rise to meet that demand. We’re lucky enough to be in the position where our technology adapts. As a practising nurse outside of teaching, my skills are up-to-date and the students are getting the very best industry knowledge alongside their theoretical skills.”

SWITCH can support students of all ages and life stages in unlocking their potential and learn in an industry-leading environment.

Want to check out the SWITCH facilities? We welcome you to our upcoming October Open Day. Keep an eye on our website for further details.

The New College Swindon Media Makeup department hosted its 25^th annual End of Year Show at STEAM Museum, Swindon.

This huge event pulls support across the Creative Media department at the College as Performing Arts students walk the catwalk as models, and Photography and Media students get involved with photographing and filming the event. It’s a whole team effort!

New College Swindon often works collaboratively across all departments, with examples shining from the Construction Team, who have built a set for degree-level Film and TV students. Students from level one to degree-level six presented their costumes, prosthetics, wigs, body paint and makeup down a catwalk. Themes ranged from Circus, Birds, Festival of the Dead, Mythological Creatures and the Magic of Movies.

Media Makeup Lecturer, Elizabeth Corbett said, “We are so lucky to work with the STEAM museum, it’s such a great venue. It provides us and our students twith he support and space to create these live events. Our learners gain valuable experience working backstage and producing looks for a live performance, which is a great addition to their CVs. It also allows them to be creative and pull all of their skills together to create original designs for their portfolios. They have worked so hard over the past three months, and we’re proud of their dedication and commitment.”

The successful Media Makeup course has been running for the last 25 years and has seen students gain successful jobs working on the set of The Lion King, with brands like Burberry, on tv series including House Of The Dragon,  and working for popular names such as The Spice Girls.

Students on this course have access to a large media makeup studio that makes you feel like you’ve stepped backstage at a show, fit with mirror lights and photography studios for those all-important portfolio pictures.

HND Media Makeup student, James Marchant, said, “I chose New College because of the people and the teaching staff who work so hard to teach everyone, and it always shows every year at the end of the year show, when showing what we have learned.”

New College Swindon is proud to announce that it has once again achieved the prestigious Matrix Standard accreditation, a nationally recognised quality standard for organisations that deliver high-quality information, advice, and guidance (IAG) services. This achievement reflects the College’s unwavering commitment to supporting students throughout their educational journey and beyond. 

The Matrix assessment highlighted a positive shift in culture since the last review, with staff and students alike praising the College’s collaborative, transparent, and supportive environment. This aligns with recent Ofsted recognition, which commended the College for the huge progress made since the last inspection, particularly in areas such as adult learning, apprenticeships, and the dedication of staff and students. 

Empowering Learners Through High-Quality Support 

The Matrix report praised New College Swindon’s ethos of “right learner, right course” and its focus on “careers not courses.” This approach ensures that students receive tailored guidance from the moment they engage with the College, through to achievement and progression. The College’s Careers Extra and Support Extra initiatives provide accessible, student-centred resources, while QR codes and digital tools make information readily available. 

Students interviewed during the assessment described the support as “amazing,” with one noting, “The support I’ve had has made me another person—I’m brighter, happier!” These sentiments echo Ofsted’s praise for the welcoming, calm, and purposeful learning environments fostered at the College, where respectful and aspirational attitudes are the norm. 

Meeting Skills Needs and Driving Adult Learning Success 

The Matrix accreditation also recognised the College’s strategic partnerships and investment in facilities. Over the past five years, £42.7 million has been invested in cutting-edge learning environments, including the Swindon & Wiltshire Institute of Technology. This investment supports the College’s mission to meet local and national skills needs, a commitment also highlighted in the recent Ofsted report. 

Adult learners continue to thrive at New College Swindon, with tailored programmes that support career progression and personal development. The Matrix report noted the success of initiatives such as the CSCS courses, which have helped many adults into employment, and the training of learning support volunteers who now play a vital role in classrooms. 

Thriving Apprenticeships and Industry Connections 

The College’s apprenticeship provision remains a standout strength, with attendance rates above 92% and a significant increase in retention. The Matrix assessment praised the use of tools like Cognassist to personalise learning plans and the strong employer partnerships that inform curriculum development and provide real-world opportunities for students. 

These achievements align with Ofsted’s recognition of the College’s strong apprenticeship success and its role in supporting workforce development through industry-ready skills. 

A Journey to Excellence 

Under the leadership of a new Executive Leadership Team, New College Swindon is on a clear “Journey to Excellence.” The Matrix report highlighted the effectiveness of the College’s new leadership structure, improved communication, and the visible presence of senior management. Staff described the transformation as “collaborative”. 

The College’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in its robust quality assurance processes, professional development opportunities for staff, and its trauma-informed approach to student support. These efforts contribute to a culture where both students and staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. 

Principal and CEO of New College Swindon, Leah Palmer, commented, “Achieving the Matrix Standard is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the strength of our student support services. It reflects our mission to deliver ‘Better Lives Through Learning’ and our vision to be known locally as excellent and nationally as one of the best colleges in the South West.” 

As New College Swindon continues to evolve and innovate, this latest accreditation reaffirms its position as a leading provider of inclusive, high-quality education and guidance. 

STEPNELL has completed the core structure of a new communal area that will link two technical and vocational teaching blocks at New College Swindon.

With the reinforced concrete structure now in place and the steel framing on the external facade complete on The Student Welcome Hub the two-storey central hub will integrate the college’s Lyra and Phoenix buildings at the North Star Campus, New College Swindon’s technical and vocational teaching facility.

Secured under the Procure Partnerships Framework (PPF) and due to open in August ahead of the next academic year, the project will incorporate a centralised reception area, as well as upstairs meeting rooms, offices, welfare facilities and a multi-faith room. This will create a new entrance that affords easier traffic flow, room availability, accessibility and security provision.

Rob Speirs, Regional Director at Stepnell, said: “We aim to deliver the new central hub through an approach to construction that, like the design, is harmonious with the existing facilities and meets the needs of students and staff to enhance the on-campus experience.”

Externally, the scope of works will also include landscaping to enhance its visual appeal and a dedicated drop-off zone to optimise pedestrian and traffic flow.

To support its social value commitments to the project, complete construction partner Stepnell has been liaising closely with senior staff in supporting the delivery of its construction related courses at the college, by developing a work experience programme that provides students with site visits and the opportunity to be supervised while gaining valuable experience of working alongside a range of bricklayers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers.

To-date, more than 120 students studying various technical and construction-related disciplines have been provided with visits to the live construction site, and this is scheduled to expand with the start of comprehensive work experience and careers support programme that spans over 13 weeks during the summer months.

Rob added: “Through close collaboration across various construction-related teaching specialisms we are ensuring that the live site is facilitating the opportunity to enhance the learning experience of the technical college students.

“Our commitment to student engagement is testament to the strong relationship we have built with PPF to deliver phenomenal project value in the public sector.”

Matt Butcher, Vice President, Commercial Skill & Partnerships, at New College Swindon said: Students undertaking work experience is vital at New College Swindon, so for them to have this opportunity to work alongside Stepnell and gain a vast range of real-world experience is fantastic.”

Looking to book a match or training session this May? Our 3G football pitch has slots available now – but they won’t last long!

✅ Full and half-pitch options
✅ Evening and weekend availability
✅ Perfect for teams, casual games, or training

To get your slot,
Email: rowan.nicolson@newcollege.ac.uk,
Call 07815828314

Dates & Times

New College Swindon (NCS) is proud to announce a meaningful new partnership with Owen’s World, a local charity dedicated to tackling knife crime and promoting safer, more supportive communities. 

As part of this collaboration, secure Knife Amnesty Bins have been installed on the perimeter of the Queens Drive and North Star Campuses. These bins allow individuals to safely and anonymously dispose of knives and other dangerous weapons, removing them from the streets and potentially saving lives. 

“This initiative reflects the College’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and community well-being,” said Shannon Oakley Safeguarding Manager at New College Swindon. “Our partnership with Owen’s World is not in response to any incidents at NCS, but rather a proactive step towards creating a safer future for everyone.” 

Owen’s World, founded in memory of Owen Dunn, works tirelessly to raise awareness of the devastating impact knife crime can have on individuals, families, and communities. Through educational campaigns, youth outreach, and community partnerships, the organisation empowers young people to make safer, more informed choices. 

“It was an honour to be part of this important initiative alongside New College Swindon. The installation of the knife bins sends a strong and positive message to young people—that their lives matter, and that there are better choices. At Owen’s World, we’re committed to creating safer communities through education, empowerment, and action, and this partnership is a powerful step in that direction.”  Jo Davis, CEO/Founder of Owens World. 

The installation of Knife Amnesty Bins is just one part of a broader campaign to foster open dialogue, increase awareness, and support long-term solutions to youth violence. 

To learn more about Owen’s World and the impactful work they’re doing across the UK, visit: www.owensworldfoundation.co.uk 

The new courses based in the industry-leading SWITCH facilities at the NCS Queens Drive Campus will include: Emergency First Aid at Work, Paediatric First Aid and Manual Handling. Although cost and time-effective, online courses do not have the same impact as an in-person course; it’s more memorable, and you can discuss your concerns, and adjust your methods to the person in receipt of the help.

David Panes, First Aid Lecturer at New College Swindon says, “We are so pleased to be able to upskill local employers in this important area.” David continues, “Additionally we can offer bespoke training to fill any gaps in staff knowledge and work remotely on company sites to bring our services directly to employers”. A recent study found that although 50% of people were willing to perform first aid in an emergency, many were hesitant due to fears of making a mistake or accidentally causing harm to the victim. New courses, aimed at all types of businesses, aim to combat these fears and ensure everyone feels confident leaving the classroom and encountering an emergency.

The National Gallery holds the Articulation Prize for 16-19-year-olds as part of its outreach programme. Participants deliver a 10-minute presentation about any art that means something to them. This can include painting, sculpture, drawing, architecture, fashion, or an artefact.  

NCS’ A-level Historical Art Practice student, Kieran Pyke, went through two stages of the Articulation Prize competition against 1,600 participants from Private Schools, Grammar schools and FE Colleges in the South. After winning the southern regional heat at the New Art Centre, Salisbury, Kieran was selected to go through to the Southern Final at the Ashmolean Museum on Thursday 13th March. This first win made Kieran an “Articulate Alumni”, which means he can do paid talks at the National Gallery and attend their social events. In the second round, Kieran received a certificate from Pascal Matthias signifying his achievements in the competition. 

Kieran said “Everyone was really pleasant. The experience was so rewarding and my classmates and tutors were extremely supportive. After four intense months of preparation, I delivered my presentation about Wish Hounds and the public art in Swindon. My classmates had to give me feedback on my presentation. Everyone, including my family, is proud of my achievements.” 

Kieran chose to talk about the Wish Hounds, located in Swindon’s Croft Woods, designed by Lou Hamilton which are described as “ghostly black dogs”. The mythical creature derives from folklore late sixteenth century. 

The judicator, Pascal Matthias, Associate Vice-President for EDI and Social Justice at the University of Southampton, described Kieran’s presentation as “emotional and personal.” He added that “we so rarely talk about public art; that he had loved Kieran’s personal story and that it had been really good to hear his voice in his analysis of the work and that he should be proud of that voice.” He also said, “that the sense of community and meaning of the work in Swindon had come through well, at a time when we need this more than ever.” He praised Kieran for his originality, for his connectivity and analysis and for how he had answered the question he had posed.

New College Swindon is the only local provider in the South West, to offer the A-level Historical Art Practice course, which is fantastic for the town. Kieran’s Lecturer, Julie Smith  says, “Students not only get to look at the history of paintings and architectures through their studies but get to understand the context of them and what ‘makes arts connect to the times they were made” 

Julie continues, “We are dead proud. We’ve built up a good relationship with the National Gallery. These experiences help the students grow their confidence, which is so important to us all. We look forward to continuing to challenge our students with this exciting partnership which is on top of delivering the curriculum”.

Friday 28^th February, marked the beginning of Ramadan, a very important time in the Islamic calendar for many of our students and staff. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and represents the month the Qur’an (the Muslim holy book) was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The exact dates change every year, because Islam uses a calendar based on the cycles of the Moon. This year, Ramadan began on Friday 28th February and will end on Sunday 30th March.

During this time, Muslims observe a strict fast during the daytime, having one meal (known as the suhoor), just before dawn and another (known as the iftar), directly after sunset. It is also a time for increased prayer, reflection, and doing good deeps, culminating in the festival of Eid ul-Fitr (the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast).

During Eid ul-Fitr, Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting, but thanking Allah for the strength he gave them throughout the previous month. Mosques hold special services and a special meal is eaten during daytime (the first daytime meal for a month).

We caught up with students, Ali and Abdul, who are currently observing Ramadan, to find out more about what this means to them and the impact on their day-to-day lives.

What does Ramadan mean to you personally?

It is a way for me to get closer to my god Allah, we worship more than usual, it’s a chance to take the time out being busy with life to worship. We pray five times a day and continue this throughout the month of Ramadan.

How does Ramadan impact you daily routine and mindset?

The time of Ramadan is a pure month, my routine doesn’t really change but I try to keep in a peaceful state of mind. Something that does change is when we eat, we eat before dawn meaning that we have to wake up a bit early, but day-to-day my routine doesn’t really change. We both still go to college and study as we normally would.

Are there any common misconceptions about Ramadan?

I personally would say that people always seem shocked when I tell them we don’t drink water when we fast. When I tell them this, people often say “oh if I were you, I wouldn’t be able to do that”. Some people think that Ramadan is similar to Christian fasting, but during Muslim fasting you don’t eat or drink anything at all. We fast in the winter but for a shorter time, but in the summer it’s longer. People are generally shocked when they find what exactly happens during Ramadan.

Do you and/or your family do any good deeds and/or give to charity during Ramadan?

My family do good deeds by being in constant worship of Allah, we give to the needy and help the poor, avoid sins and read the Holy Quran.

Do you face any challenges with managing your studies during Ramadan?

Not really, we still come into college and study. Then go home and break our fast, this is a time for us to relax and take a step back from our day-to-day lives.

How does the College and your lecturers support you during Ramadan?

College lecturers and staff are very mindful during this time. They always ask if we are comfortable with people eating in the same room as us during our fast. People eating in front of us doesn’t really bother us, but we are grateful that they ask if it’s ok. They are all understanding and supportive which is good. We have the multi-faith room which we can use to pray in between lessons and if we would like to be excused from a lesson 20 minutes to do this staff are understanding and will let us.

How do you plan to celebrate the end of Ramadan, during Eid ul-Fitr?

I plan to celebrate Eid ul- Fitr with a big celebration and meal. But first I will go to pray the Eid prayer in the morning and then celebrate the rest day with my family.

To our students, staff and wider community observing Ramadan “Ramadan Mubarak” from everyone at New College Swindon.