As 2024 draws to a close, we are proud to reflect on another incredible year at Loughborough College. From outstanding academic results to exceptional sporting and student achievements, this year has been a testament to the talent, hard work, and dedication of our entire College community.
Academic Excellence
This year, Loughborough College celebrated extraordinary exam success from across our levels and qualifications. Over 2,000 students achieved exceptional results across a range of A Level, T Level, and vocational pathways, followed by fabulous success and a remarkable 99% pass rate for GCSE students.
Degree students also celebrated their success at this year’s Graduation ceremony in September, held at Loughborough Town Hall. More than 300 students graduated from the College this year, with degrees validated by partnerships including Loughborough University, the University of Derby, and Sheffield Hallam University.
These achievements reflect not only the hard work of our students but also the unwavering support and guidance provided by our staff.
Inspiring Student Success
In 2024, our students have continued to demonstrate just how far passion and perseverance can take you as they received recognition for their efforts, including national awards and competition titles.
One standout story was that of Travel and Aviation students Katie Challands, Emma Frearson, Imogen Ratcliffe-Buckley, Lacey-Leigh Pearce, Lucy Triggs, and Imogen Weaver who earnt coveted spots on the elite Customer Cadet programme at East Midlands Airport.
Additionally, three talented Hospitality and Catering learners secured two prestigious awards at the Young Restaurant Team of the Year competition, wowing judges and scooping the Sustainability Award and Highly Commended title for Best Service.
Unparalleled Sporting Success
2024 has been a golden year for our sports alumni. Newly crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Keely Hodgkinson led the charge as she brought home gold in the women’s 800m at the Paris Olympic Games. Elsewhere, other College alumni brought back another six medals from across Athletics, Taekwondo, and Triathlon.
Meanwhile, Paralympic swimmer Will Ellard added to the celebration scooping three of the 11 medals associated with Loughborough College students and alumni.
More recently, DiSE alumna Abbi Pulling was crowned champion of the sophomore F1 Academy season in Qatar, beating out French rival Doriane Pin for an outstanding nine podium finishes and six wins taking her to the championship line.
These achievements highlight the strength of our sports programmes, which continue to nurture the next generation of elite athletes.
Celebrating Our Staff
The exceptional achievements of our staff were recognised at this year’s sparkling RISE awards ceremony. From teaching to support services, individuals from across the College were celebrated for their tireless commitment to the College’s Respectful, Innovative, Successful, and Empowerment (RISE) ethos.
Chef Lecturer and Curriculum Manager for Hospitality and Catering, Darren Creed built on the year’s Olympic spirit by participating in the national British Transplant Games in August, where he scooped two gold medals and a bronze in swimming and volleyball respectively.
Earlier this month, Communications Officer, Hope Cassie-Sheward was awarded Volunteer Coordinator of the Year for her part in the development of a new student accreditation at the Good for Me, Good for FE awards, held at the House of Lords.
State-of-the-Art New Facilities
2024 also saw the ground-breaking of two exciting new developments on our campus, designed to support future learners in an array of subject areas.
In January, construction began on our brand-new East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIoT). Due to be completed in spring 2025, the EMIoT aims to be a hub of innovation, featuring state-of-the-art labs, workrooms, and office spaces to inspire the next generation of science, technology, and engineering professionals.
Simultaneously, work is underway for the much-anticipated sports facility, an exciting addition to the curriculum and campus. Following its ground-breaking in July this year, we marked a significant moment in the College’s history by burying a time capsule, set to be unearthed in 100 years, on the grounds of the new building.
Making a Difference in Our Community
As co-founding members of the national Good for Me, Good for FE campaign, which encourages staff and students at further education institutions to become more involved with charity and community outreach, giving back is a cornerstone of our mission at Loughborough College, and 2024 was no exception.
In March, learners from the Beauty Therapy programme showcased their skills for a good cause, offering leg waxing to staff and students across College to raise an amazing £300 for Red Nose Day.
In May, the Sports department held their annual 24 Hour Sportathon, generating a staggering £3,300 for local charity, Samuel’s Promise. Staff and students came together to share their dedication both on and off the field, taking part in a full 24-hour stint of non-stop sport and activity.
Most recently, students in Caring Services embraced the festive spirit, raising much needed funds, and creating care packages for local homelessness charity, the Falcon Centre. Students dedicated their time to assembling the packages, which will be distributed to service users on Christmas Day.
As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to building on these successes and continuing to provide a supportive, inspiring environment for all. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this remarkable year.