You can view the official announcement here.

In the announcement the Government noted some of Barnfield's outstanding successes by stating:

"Barnfield is a Beacon Further Education college, graded overall Outstanding by Ofsted and an IiP Champion. It sponsors two open Academies: the Barnfield West and Barnfield South Academy, which both opened in September 2007 and have raised results dramatically. Barnfield West was recently judged to be Outstanding by Ofsted."

Mr Wright, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for 14-19 Reform and Apprenticeships, met Chief Executive Pete Birkett who is the Government's Apprenticeship Champion.

He also met several BAAS apprentices to discuss their progress and the pioneering Barnfield scheme.

Pete Birkett, who chairs a national apprenticeship group for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, said: "Barnfield has pioneered a high quality public sector apprenticeship scheme which will equip our young people with the skills and confidence necessary for a good career.

"Our initiative means that Luton will not be hit by a skills shortage when the better economic times return."

The Barnfield Studio School is the first of its kind in the world and will cater for 14-19 year olds from a range of abilities. It builds upon Barnfield College’s national pilot of the Studio Schools concept which saw eighteen young people from Barnfield Federation participate in key elements of the model. The field trial was a success with students gaining an average of nine GCSEs at A* to C.

The school has been informed by extensive research and best practice from Britain and around the world. It has been designed to better suit the needs of local young people who might not otherwise reach their full potential in traditional school environments. Students will participate in a range of enterprise activities, learning the majority of the curriculum through practical multi-disciplinary activities and participating in paid work. On leaving their Studio School, students will have a range of progression routes available to them including the potential to go to university.

The essential elements of Studio Schools are:

Key qualifications

On leaving their Studio School students will have gained at least Level 2 qualifications. They will have a range of progression routes available to them including apprenticeships, paid work, further and higher education.

Personalised curriculum

The Studio Schools curriculum framework allows for a high degree of personalisation. An innovative new staffing structure will ensure that students are supported to tailor the curriculum to their individual needs and aspirations.

Practical learning

Studio Schools will teach the national curriculum but will have a very different style and ethos to most existing schools, with the majority of the curriculum taught through enterprise themed practical activities.

Real Work

To give them a first-hand insight into the working world, all Studio Schools students will spend a significant portion of their weekly time participating in real work. Crucially, students will receive remuneration for their work, with students over 16 earning a proper wage.

Small schools

Studio Schools will be small schools of 300 students. This will allow them to create the small school environment that evidence shows can play an important role in tackling disengagement and raising attainment.

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said,

“Studio Schools offer students the opportunity to get skills and qualifications they need through a more practical approach.  There are lots of students who will learn better through developing their natural interest in business or practical skills rather than spending most of their time sitting in a traditional classroom.”

Pete Birkett, Chief Executive of Barnfield College and Chairman of the Barnfield Academies said:

“Barnfield is proud to be the first Further Education College to break new ground and establish a Studio School.  The Studio School will form a key part of our Federation along with our two other academies.  The Studio School will provide young people aged 14 years upwards, with great opportunities to develop their creative and entrepreneurial flair, in an environment personalised to their abilities and interests”

The Barnfield Studio School will be created within the existing College Campus.

Over 300 staff and Teacher Trainees attended. The focus of the day was to work in subject specialist groups looking at the complexities of Threshold Concepts and to review a lecture on ‘Challenges facing Post-Compulsory Education'.

Barnfield College won the Learning and Skills Council Award for 14-19 Collaboration. The Award recognises exemplary initiatives in 14-19 collaborative arrangements.

The College won the Award for its sponsorship of two under-performing 11-16 secondary schools to form Academies in 2007 in federation with the College. Barnfield's Chief Executive and Principal Pete Birkett, as sponsor of the Academies, sits as Chairman for both institutions. The priority is to raise standards since the former schools had poor GCSE results.

"We are very proud to have won this prestigious award which recognises the hard work of all the staff and students at both academies and the college. As a federation, we will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do, keeping the student centre stage at all times. It was always our vision to inject Barnfield's winning DNA into the Academies and this award has shown us we have done just that. Barnfield has made history with this groundbreaking approach, and we are pleased to see that now many other colleges are now following our lead" said Pete Birkett.

GCSE results at the two academies have tripled from 16% to 55%* (including English and Maths) in the case of West and more than doubled from 17% to 40%* (including English and Maths) at South. 2009 also saw 100%* of West Students achieve 5 or more A* - C grade GCSEs. These outstanding results have been achieved through new senior appointments, the involvement of students, staff and parents in the community, robust partnerships with employers, investment in Information Learning Technology and personalised support for students.

The judges for the award commented:"There is an energy and desire to transfer the culture from the College to the Academies and to inspire all students to raise their expectations and aspirations."

The UK-wide Beacon Awards provide national recognition for excellence and innovation as well as acknowledging the talents of staff at all levels. They highlight the breadth and quality of education in the College sector.

Chair of the AoC Beacon Awards, Dame Patricia Morgan-Webb said: "Beacon winners blaze a trail in finding new ways of doing things; they contribute to social justice and are instrumental in local economic and social re-generation, essential during these turbulent times. Whilst the winners this year are located all across the UK, what they all share are the key traits of innovation, creativity, responsiveness and a collaborative approach. I am delighted on behalf of the AoC Charitable Trust to reward the contribution that these Colleges make; they are the pillars of our communities."

Barnfield College will host a local celebration event in the New Year and will be presented with their Award by the Rt. Hon. Kevin Brennan MP, Minister of State for Further Education, at a national presentation ceremony due to be held at Westminster in February 2010.

*Note GCSE results for 2009 subject to verification.

The Insignia model won the prestigious European Car of the Year award this year.

More than 70 Barnfield students will train on the 5-door 2.0-litre diesel model to gain an insight into why the Insignia is one of the most technologically advanced cars on the market today. The model is worth about £23,000 on the road.

"Vauxhall is pleased to be able to help students in our local community," said Bill Parfitt, Chairman and Managing Director, GM UK. "The Insignia has become the biggest selling car in its class since launch, and we hope that the vehicle we've donated will be a great learning asset to Barnfield's engineering and technology students."

Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive, said: "We are very grateful to Vauxhall for its continued support. The donation of this ultra modern vehicle will provide our students, apprentices and technicians with the opportunity to learn the higher level skills that are needed when working on today's motor vehicles."

Vauxhall has donated a number of Insignias to other universities and colleges across the country.

After an inspection of a complementary therapy facility at BBP manned by Barnfield foundation degree students, officials from the International Federation of Aromatherapists decided to make a donation to the charity.

The cheque was handed to Alison Cooper, the course leader, at a recent federation conference. The donation will be used to buy extra supplies and equipment for the therapy facility.

A large part of the foundation degree is work-based learning with 10 Barnfield students working in local charities.

The Barnfield degree is one of the few in the country which combines theory with work-based learning. Call BBP on 01582 485448 or email bbpositive@btconnect.com to make a donation or for further information.

Two talented young singers from the Academy will be appearing live before Simon Cowell and the other judges in London while a third student, a dancer, is waiting for a date.

Naomie Mpanu Mpanu, 12, will be auditioning on November 23 as part of a group, Independent Four. Part of a singing family, she admits to having butterflies in her stomach about the audition. "I love singing; a teacher asked me to sing in class the other day, it was great. Whatever happens, I want to continue singing and get more experience."

Natasha Chanda, 14, will audition as a solo act on November 20. Natasha, a regular singer at weddings, parties and at church in Luton, said: "I want to try the X Factor when I am 16. This is just the beginning for me." She is also nervous about the big day.

Kerrilee Bird, 15, who has been dancing since she was three, will be auditioning with a partner in a disco-free style act. "We practice three nights a week. I love dancing and have entered competitions and appeared in concerts."

Kerrilee is part of a dancing family, often performing in public with her mother and sister.

Creative cultural industries is a specialism at Barnfield West, which was the first school in Luton this summer to achieve 100 per cent 5 A*-C in the GCSE results.

The exhibition will feature colourful batiks from Year 7s, a ceramics workshop from Year 7s and 8s, a mitten competition, the sale of mitten Christmas decorations made by students and mince pies and shortbread made by students.

The public is invited to the launch on Thursday, November 26 from 5pm. Contact 01582 577 333, ex 111.

The exhibition will also be open to the public by appointment.

The Academy in Cutenhoe Road set up a Prince's Trust xl club last year. Under the eagle eyes of Academy staff Tony Bowes and Jim Betts, the students ran an after-school DVD/cinema club, planned an allotment area for use by foundation students and wrote a profile about themselves and their lives.

The gold winners, Serdar Kilic and Shannon Theobald, led the allotment project and also set up a recycling scheme, donating cans and plastic bottles to a local disability charity. The two achieved the award in a single year, instead of the usual two years.

Craig Robbins and Yasser Majid received Silver Awards, taking part in the allotment and recycling projects as well as preparing a report on their work experience activities.

Another four Barnfield South students won Bronze Awards earlier in the year.

A total of 246 Barnfield students progressed to local and national higher education courses this year.

This is an impressive increase of 32 per cent on last year and is the highest that Barnfield College, the largest college in Bedfordshire, has achieved since UCAS statistical reporting began.

In 2005, the figure was 177 students.

Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive, said: "It is very pleasing to see an increasing number of students from Barnfield taking the vocational route to further study.

Students now realise that degrees, either vocational or academic, will equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills for when the economy picks up.

Barnfield is proud to be helping young people further their careers and securing their future."

The qualification is designed to improve health and safety, safe and efficient driving, customer service, dealing with difficult passengers, emergencies and incidents, the service for those who need help and safe transport for young people.

The Mayor, Cllr Mohammed Riaz, presented certificates for the course which was developed by the Learning and Skills Council and Go Skills.

Barnfield College, Luton Council and ABA Training, a specialist training organisation, launched the course in Luton.

Courses continue at Barnfield College where drivers with numeracy or literacy difficulties are offered extra tuition.

Kirstie, who lives in Stotfold, is studying health and social care and hopes to go to university and study occupational therapy.

Awarded by the Matrix accreditation body, it recognises the top quality information, advice and guidance services provided by the college's Guidance Department.

Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive, said: "This is a tremendous achievement for Barnfield and underlines the calibre of our hard-working staff.

"Our top priority is to provide the best facilities and services for our students and our rapidly expanding commercial business activities"

Hugo Landau, a network student at the College, represented Britain in the hard-fought four-day ICT Network Support competition.

The 19-year-old achieved Britain’s highest score ever in this section and he received the highest point score of any of the British medallion winners.

Pete Birkett, Chief Executive of Barnfield College, said: “This is a great achievement for Barnfield College and Luton. It underlines the talent in our Computing and IT Department.
“Hugo is an exceptional network student and was ably supported by our staff at the competition.”

Three other members of Barnfield College attended the competition. John O’Neill, deputy head of Computing and IT, was training manager for the UK team. Kevin Large, a network tutor, was assistant team leader and Toby Henness, a foundation degree student, was an official observer.

More than 900 international competitors from more than 40 countries competed in 45 skill categories during the competition.

Barnfield College has been appointed the Eastern Region Ambassador for WorldSkills 2011 in London.

Read about Team UK here.

UPDATE: To read about Barnfield College's Medal Winner see here.

The two Barnfield academies have today enjoyed dazzling success in their GCSE results with Barnfield West achieving 100% in their 5 A* - C grades (excluding Maths and English).

On 5 A*-C including Maths and English, Barnfield West more than tripled its rate to 55% from 16% two years ago.

Barnfield South has more than doubled its 5 A*-C (including Maths and English) to 40% from 17% whilst seeing almost a three-fold increase from 19% to 56% in 5 A* - C grades (excluding Maths and English).

Barnfield West's 100% rate has never been achieved in Luton before.

Barnfield West's 3 A*-A rate jumped from 2% to 60% in the two years and its 5 A*-A rate from 0% to 22%.

Both academies have been judged by Ofsted as making "outstanding" progress from being in special measures two years ago.

Pete Birkett, Chief Executive of Barnfield College and Chairman of Barnfield Academies, said: "Rachel de Souza, Principal Barnfield West, Patrick Hannaway, Principal Barnfield South, and I are delighted at what has been achieved in less than two years.

"It is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of the senior management teams, teaching staff, directors and students.

"We are the first FE College in the UK to sponsor academies and our results show what can be achieved in a short time. The College is graded outstanding and we are now very proud to have two successful schools as part of our Federation."

The official verified ranking tables will be announced towards the end of the year.

The project will only cost the school the materials involved.

Pete Birkett, Chief Executive of Barnfield College, said: "Barnfield is committed to supporting the community and this is simply one example of how we intend to increase our help over the coming years.

"Warden Hill School needed a proper access path for its adventure playground. And helping out the school means that our students get valuable on-site experience and a true understanding of how it feels to help people and the community.

"We are always pleased to help with community projects whenever we can and we have a series of others planned in the future".

Under the eagle eye of tutors Danny Standard and Carlton Hyde, the 11 brickwork students designed the path, cut the trench, put in the edging, laid the base and stepping stone slabs and put in a hopscotch rubber tyre area.

The display - which has run annually for 14 years - showcased the many essential firefighting skills learnt by the public services students in preparation for careers in the fire and rescue service.

The students put on energetic displays of hose running, hydrant connection, water pumping, ladder work, fitness, basic drills and rescue from buildings.

Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Graeme Smith said: "Working with young people is one of the key aims of our Fire and Recue Service.

"We hope the Fire and Rescue Service brand and the reputation of its firefighters will be an inspiration to young people and that they will consider joining us in their future careers."

A number of fire stations in Bedfordshire employ firefighters who have graduated from the well-regarded Barnfield public services courses.

Barnfield is the only college in the area and one of 12 in Britain to receive the prestigious award.

The college's modern hair salons are staffed by supervised students and are open to the public, allowing students to gain extensive experience in dealing with customers and develop the professional skills for the hair and beauty industry.

The sought-after award acknowledges the high standards of the Barnfield salons and the excellence of its teaching.

Diana, who teaches business studies at Barnfield College, said: "I kept putting it aside. Three years ago, I decided to go part-time and write on my days off."

Riduna, the Roman name for Alderney in the Channel Islands, is an historical romance set in the 19th century.

"As a child, we spent summers on the island which has a family connection. My great-grandmother lived there. The novel is not about her rather she was the inspiration for my writing.

"I didn't go about writing the novel in a formal way. I had an idea about a pattern of life and the story. The characters just appeared out of my head.

"Even with the ending there were several possibilities."
Diana spent a summer in Alderney researching the book.

"It is a beautiful, inspiring place to write. It is so inaccessible with the weather very unpredictable."

The new author is busy researching a sequel at the moment.

Run by the Learning and Skills Council with BBC Three Counties, the Big Skill Awards recognise people who have improved their life or the lives of others in the community through learning.

Pete Birkett, Chief Executive of Barnfield College, said: "This is a brilliant achievement for Barnfield, recognising the high calibre of our staff and students and our extensive role in working with the local community. My sincere congratulations to those involved."

Janet Vickers, who won the Learner's Champion Award, is Barnfield course team leader for Access to Health Studies which fast-tracks students to degree courses. She said: "To be part of the learning experience that allows people to make their dreams a reality is a privilege."

Her first group of Access students recently graduated from the University of Bedfordshire with one achieving first-class honours.

The nomination for Janet Vickers, who has been teaching for 25 years, said: "Her drive to deliver a high quality learning experience is truly inspirational."

Other successes were: Kerry Rowley, hairdressing apprentice who won the Apprentice Award; Isabelle Pike, beauty student, highly commended for the 14-16 Learner Award.

Student Governor Tracy McFadden, sports therapy, won the Family Learning Award; Jefferson George, exercise and fitness, highly commended for Adult Learner Award
Mark Beddow, Barnfield tutor and Bedfordshire Police coordinator, won the Learning through Partnership Award, Rashida Bouchada, health and social care, won the Skills for Work Award, Tina Hollingworth, child, health and social care, highly commended for Tutor of the Year, Liz Hasdell, care assessor, highly commended for Learner's Champion.

Majid Asghar, ESOL, IT and Basic Skills, won the Adult Learner Award and Claudia Mendonca, ESOL, won the 17-19 Learner Award.

The awards were presented by the BBC's Ray Stubbs at a ceremony in Bedford after a day-long showcase event.

The College, the largest in Bedfordshire, decided on the innovative approach to better illustrate to school-leavers and other potential students the life-changing benefits of qualifications.

The student can follow The Great Barnfield Road Trip to discover what happens at College and the potential for personal success and achievement. Several successful Barnfield graduates tell their own stories about how they are making their way in the world.

The imaginative campaign, Barnfield's biggest to date, is running across TV, radio, newspapers, buses and street furniture.

It is being supported by a series of exciting roadshows with plenty of free gifts for visitors and a competition offering an iphone and other top prizes.

The campaign, which is also running on Facebook and Twitter, is being organised by leading agencies Adessi and Publicasity.

 Barnfield West Academy was awarded:

• The school or academy with the most improved GCSE results 5A*- C from 2005-2008
• The school or academy with the most improved 5A*- C results from 2007-2008
• Most improved school or academy in the East region
• The Mathletics Gold Medal

 Both Barnfield West and Barnfield South were also awarded the SSAT Consultant School Award

Pete Birkett, Chief Executive of Barnfield College and Chairman of Barnfield Academies, said: "This is a marvellous achievement for the Barnfield Federation. Staff, students, parents and directors have all worked tremendously hard to place our Academies firmly on the road to excellence."

West Principal Rachel de Souza said: "Well done to all my fabulous staff and students and many thanks to our sponsor Barnfield College and everyone who has worked with us and helped make a difference. What a great end to the year."

 In its first monitoring visits, Ofsted said that both Barnfield West and South Academies had made outstanding progress since opening in September 2007.

One of four key partners chosen to pilot the scheme, Barnfield is already well ahead of the game having sponsored two Academy Schools since 2007.  Barnfield West was named as the most improved academy in the country whilst Barnfield South more than doubled the number of students achieving five A* - C grades.  Both academies are forecasting another year of exceptional results this August.

The new White Paper proposes system reforms including Accredited School Groups - chains of schools, directly run by the best education providers and giving schools new freedoms to drive up teaching standard and introduce innovative approaches.

A £20million fund will be set up to develop the capacity of accredited providers to take on underperforming schools, and local authorities will be obliged to consider using these groups in cases of failure.

"Barnfield's vision is to build Britain's highest performing federation where all students are happy, successful and reach their full potential.  We already have two exceptional academies within our Federation and I am very happy to widen this.  Our focus is always to keep the learner at the heart of everything we do and the results achieved by our students speak for themselves" said Pete Birkett, Chief Executive of Barnfield College and Chairman of the Barnfield Academies.

July's issue is packed full of our student's sporting and academic successes on both a regional and national level. We've also got the low-down on why OFSTED thinks Barnfield College is ‘Outstanding'

In this issue:

• See what OFSTED said about our ‘Outstanding' Academies
• Barnfield leads £680,000 campaign to train the long-term unemployed, ready for work
• Former Barnfield student's Great British Menu
• News on Barnfield's pioneering training facility at London Luton Airport
• And much, much more.

Download July's issue of One Voice.

The initiative will see up to 30 full-time volunteers recruited over the next two years, backed by a skilled support worker to run the programme.

The scheme is funded by a £280,000 grant from v, The National Young Volunteers' Service, and follows research showing that 1 in 3 young people would consider full-time volunteering.

The volunteers, aged 16-25, will work in learner support services. Barnfield is one of a small number of colleges in England chosen for this national programme.

Pete Birkett, Chief Executive of Barnfield College, said: "We're delighted to be launching this innovative scheme, which will help volunteers develop skills while making a meaningful difference to the environment of Luton. This is a crucial part of our strategy to help young people develop new confidence and skills while giving something back to the community of Luton."

The participants will complete 30 hours of volunteering a week during the 44-week placement. They will be recruited locally with 40 per cent of places for young people not employed, in education or training. 

Volunteers will also work towards a level 2 qualification. At the end of their placement, they can apply for a Personal Development Grant of up to £1,500. With their experience and qualification, volunteers will be well-placed for further training or employment.

The v talent year programme is part of v's wider full-time volunteering campaign, which has created 20,000 positions across England.

For details of Barnfield's volunteer openings, contact Kay Rodger on 01582 569584.

Colleen Kennedy, 17, won the qualifying round held at Barnfield College against 35 other competitors.

Colleen, a student at the college, had to create a special make-up look with the theme of "Countries". She chose the Chinese look with her model, Amy Beirne, 16, of Houghton Regis.

Bianca McEvoy, 17, of Bedford, came second in the contest and Olivia Bunyan, 18, of Dunstable, was placed third. Carley Wilson 20, of Dunstable, was highly commended. The winners received prizes of cosmetics from SBC cosmetics.
The day-long round was judged by Lorraine Winslade, director of SBC cosmetics, Leanne Seeley, ex-Barnfield student and tattooist at the Terrapin, Arndale Centre, and Kathrine Fisher, Barnfield make-up degree course lecturer.

Stephen Hall ran the food business, which sold across the EU, for 15 years, later moving to Dairy Crest as regional training manager.

His most recent appointment was head of business and commercial development at the College of North-West London in Brent where he broadened training into retail and food manufacturing and established an innovation department.

Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive, said: "The experience, skills, and knowledge that Stephen brings to the college are welcomed as we extend into new markets, and focus on meeting the demands of local employers. I am delighted that Stephen has joined the Barnfield group at a time of excitement, challenge and change."

At Barnfield, Stephen Hall is aiming to achieve a better balance between traditional FE courses and workplace training. "We are putting the employer at the centre of our operations alongside the learner. It is a seismic shift for Barnfield. But the college is up for the challenge - it was rated outstanding by Ofsted.
"Initially, I am mapping local employer needs against our resources and adjusting what we can offer accordingly."

Emma Lawlor, 28, a business and management student at Barnfield College, scored top marks out of about 3,000 students in countries around the world in the prestigious Chartered Institute of Marketing's (CIM) Professional Diploma in Marketing.

She also achieved the top mark world-wide in her marketing planning paper.
She said:"I'm so pleased. We worked really hard but I had a great tutor who was passionate about the course and had so much energy. She supported and encouraged us to get the grade she thought we deserved."

Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive, said: "This is fantastic news for Luton. It underlines the quality of education in our town. This is a great feather in the cap for our Business and Management Department."

Emma, who works in marketing for GE Healthcare, said: "I took the marketing course because it was very relevant to my work. We have a great team here who were very supportive in my studies."

Emma, who attended Barnfield College several years ago, said: "I liked the place and thought I would go back to Barnfield when I decided to take the CIM course."

Barnfield College has been appointed the eastern region champion for the WorldSkills Championships being held in London in 2011.

The forum considered the strategy for the championships and the eastern region's role in the lead-up and during the competition
The colleges attending were South East Essex, West Anglia, City College Norwich, New College Stamford, Huntingdon Regional, Cambridge Regional, Otley, Epping Forest, Writtle, Dunstable, West Herts and North Herts.The forum was also attended by Patrick Gormley, UK Skills' regional partnerships manager.

Pictured: Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive, addresses the forum.

Watched by about 40,000 spectators, 400 competitors from 29 countries competed in 25 different competitions covering 49 different vocational skills. 
The UK team swept the board at the contest, collecting eight gold medals.  
The Barnfield College students, who made up the Office ICT team, competed against nine other European countries in the three-day competition, winning the special Medallion of Excellence.

John O'Neill, the Barnfield training manager, said: "They have shown high levels of commitment, determination and technical expertise. They have shown to prospective employers the value of vocational training and are a credit to Barnfield."

Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive, said: "Barnfield's entry in the first Euroskills is part of our preparation for the 2011 WorldSkills in London in which we hope to play a major role. Involving our students in top-level international competitions improves their skills for future employers."

The walk was fully subscribed with 1,000 women taking part.

Volunteers from Barnfield's Sport, Leisure and Fitness Department organised complimentary pre-walk massages and warm-up exercises for the walkers. The event started and finished at Barnfield's New Bedford Road campus.

Michelle Rogers, from the college's Guidance and Learner Support service, said: "My friend Wendy Rampley who used to work at Barnfield and I completed the course in about 3 hours. It was hard going especially up the hills and it was pouring with rain. The Pasque organisers handed out plastic ponchos. Everyone was in good spirits.

"It was worth every effort to help Pasque. Two of my neighbours and Wendy's grandfather passed away there. Pasque is a fantastic organisation."

The two women raised £300 for the charity.

Pete Birkett, the college Chief Executive, said: "Barnfield is very committed to helping our community. I can't praise our hardworking staff enough for their efforts, especially in the heavy rain. Pasque is a very worthy charity that deserves our full support."

Other Barnfield staff taking part were Geraldine Carol 2 hours 40 and Lynda Jeakings and Diane Valentine, three hours and £330 together and Tracey Hancock.
For more information visit www.pasque.org/midnightwalk or call 01582 497849.

Barnfield College, rated "outstanding" by Ofsted, was chosen by the Government in 2007 out of hundreds of applicants to run a studio school field trial. The bold educational experiment has the backing of Ed Balls, the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families.

The studio school project, presently for 14-16 year-olds, is supported by the Young Foundation.

Ed Balls said in a letter to Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive: "We intend to ask the Young Foundation to work with you on this next stage of development and are match funding their feasibility study. My officials will also continue to support the work required to enable the implementation of studio schools."
The field trial students, selected from Barnfield's two academies, are taught hand's-on business skills in a real-life business environment.
Pete Birkett said: "Each student will develop a personal curriculum plan supported by their own tutor and business mentor. Rather than traditional hour-long periods, we will use flexible blocks of time for the business projects. Traditional learning will be weaved through these blocks.

"The studio school will benefit enormously from the College's business training expertise and well established industry relationships across Luton and Bedfordshire."

Mr Balls, who asked for a full report on the success of Barnfield's field trial, suggested that further work be done on developing links between studio schools and business partners and on provision and funding for over 18 year olds.
The Government's plan envisages studio schools, with up to 300 14- to 19-year-olds, setting up real businesses and linked to a particular industry, such as fashion or hospitality.
Mr Balls said: "I look forward to seeing the first Studio Schools become a reality in the near future."

Seven local educational authorities across England are considering setting up studio schools on the Barnfield model.

The Barnfield studio school has also won praise from the Minister for East of England, Barbara Follett. Citing the school as an example of great public service, she said: "Public service works in the East of England play a vital role in all aspects of our everyday lives. It is important that the services they deliver respond effectively and swiftly to the needs of the communities they serve. The success of Barnfield being chosen as Britain's first studio school shows the real difference that improved information and feedback can make to the way in which public services are delivered."

The talented students, aged 14 and 15, from the Studio School at New Bedford Road, took on The Pasque's School Charity Challenge to raise much-needed funds.

After four weeks of careful planning and marketing, the students organised successful car washes, a cake sale, face-painting and other fund-raisers.
Barnfield College is running Britain's first Studio School with students chosen from Barnfield South and West Academies, studying business start-up and vocational courses.

Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive, said: "This was the perfect opportunity for our budding entrepreneurs to showcase their many talents and knowledge. Developing entrepreneurial skills is so important for creating jobs and securing Britain's economic future. Our students are tomorrow's businesspeople , able to successfully rise to any challenge."

The teachers' course is run by the college's Department of Professional Development, Teaching and Learning in conjunction with the University of Bedfordshire.

The certificates were awarded at a special ceremony held at St Mary's Church, Luton.

The software programme, based on Second Life technology, centres around a virtual world, called Barnfield Island. It features a college, schools, theatre and sports facilities including a ski slope.

Students create their own avatar who can walk, fly, build objects and join in events. Avatars are customised to taste.

Peter Arnold, Barnfield College's Deputy Head of e-Learning who leads the project, said: "You are only limited by your imagination. There are so many applications - construction, engineering, multi-media, sport. A huge inventory of materials is available."

"We have created video walls where students can watch live and pre-recorded video streams. Students can communicate by text and voice with each other. We are presently improving functionality."

The £60,000 programme, which has taken a year to develop, is being trialled in Barnfield College's two academies while key college staff have already been trained on it. It is being used for e-citizenship courses and other lessons where an art gallery, charity event and multi-cultural wedding have been created.

Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive, said: "We are constantly exploring new ways to accelerate and enhance learning, and this technology supports this thinking. In the longer-term, we hope to share our knowledge of this product with other organisations that may also benefit from the use of it."

Peter Arnold said: "A lot of work has gone into guaranteeing our programme's security. Only students and authorised staff can access it."

The programme was developed in partnership with Case West University in Ohio, the Serious Games Institute, Cisco and the Eden Project.

Twenty-two members of its workforce have received prestigious Awards in First Line Management from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).
The ILM courses were run at Barnfield's 24/7 airport training facility, one of the few on-site airport training centres in the country.

Certificates were presented by Glynn Jones, the London Luton Airport Managing Director, and Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive and Chairman of Barnfield Academies, at a special event held at the pioneering training facility.
The award winners were: Jackie Bowry, Chad Doherty, Lynda Edwards, Gerard Francois, Ian Garratt, Pablo Gomez, Mark Graves, Del Hart, Karen Hartigan, Martyn Hooton, Melanie Horwood, Kirstien Howard, Matt Lee, Melanie Mattinson, Pete Meehan, Rose Muscella, Kamal Patel, Patrick Sammon, Stuart Sinclair, Stephen Stewart, Mick West, Sam Woodfield.

Barnfield College is a Centre of Vocational Excellence for Airport Operations.
Staff from easyJet, Monarch, Menzies, Servisair and the airport fire service have also trained at the Barnfield facility.

The 24/7 centre provides bespoke and nationally-recognised training courses for airport and airline employees and other staff working at the large airport site.
Staff from the airport, easyJet, Monarch Airlines, Servisair, Menzies and the Airport Fire Service have been trained at the facility.

Thirty-six airport staff are presently undertaking an advanced management course with an audit training course also planned for airport staff. Airport and easyJet managers are learning new IT skills at the facility.

Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive, said: "Working with employers to provide the training they need for today and tomorrow is our Number 1 priority. Our 24/7 facility offers quality training that airport employers need at times to suit shift patterns. It is on site, so travel is not an issue.

"Our airport facility is part of our programme to improve training opportunities in Luton, particularly in the present circumstances where developing individual skills is so important."

EMSI, the economic modelling specialists, said:"Clearly the college can be described as an engine of economic growth."

The report also said the college was a great investment for taxpayers, returning £1.70 on every pound of taxpayer financial support. This is calculated on higher tax receipts and avoided social costs.

Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive, said: "As Bedfordshire's largest college, we take our responsibilities to the community very seriously. With nearly 1,000 staff, we are one of the largest employers in the area.

"Our £160 million group new build, due for completion in 2011, will provide a huge boost for the local economy, particularly through the creation of new jobs."

Other highlights of the EMSI report were:

The Bedfordshire economy directly benefits to the tune of £17.1 million from Barnfield's payroll and operational spending.

About nine per cent of Barnfield's students commute or have relocated to Bedfordshire, bringing extra money into the local economy.

Taxpayers enjoy an eight per cent return on their support for Barnfield which compares well with private sector long-term investments.

Average earnings of a student with a Level 2 qualification are £17,700, 22 per cent more than a worker without a formal qualification. The average income for a Level 3 student is £20,000, 38 per cent more than an unqualified worker.

The average Barnfield student's lifetime earnings (future values expressed in present value terms) will increase £1.30 for every pound invested in tuition fees and foregone wages.

It is the first time that Barnfield has sponsored a major sports team. The College has previously supported the club with stadium advertising while academy students have trained with and played for club teams. The College's sport, leisure and fitness department has also enjoyed strong links with the club.

"As a leading Luton institution, I felt it was Barnfield's duty to back the Hatters all the way. The team is the very spirit of Luton," said Pete Birkett, Chief Executive of Barnfield College and Chairman of Barnfield Academies.

"I know the whole town will be on tenterhooks on the day. I and many others from the Federation will be at Wembley cheering on our great side."
The local rock band, Imperial Vipers, have donated 20 tickets for the match to students at Barnfield South Academy. Escorted by Academy teachers, members of Luton North Rotary Club and members of Eminence Leisure, the band's management, the students will be coached to Wembley and seated within Club Wembley.

The Imperial Vipers, whose latest single "Check This" reached number 2 in the Radio 1 Rock Chart are long-time Luton Town supporters.

Under the scheme, the Barnfield Federation (the college and two academies) will create 10-12 apprenticeships and the University of Bedfordshire a further five apprenticeships. They will mainly be in support areas such as IT, business, administration and marketing.

Recruitment for these positions will start in the next few months.
Pete Birkett, Chief Executive of Barnfield College and Chairman of Barnfield Academies, said: "If we possibly can, we will create even more public sector apprenticeships. We have been working hard on this initiative for some time and are delighted to see it come to fruition.

"Given the current economic climate, we felt that Barnfield needed to take the lead and develop a high quality public sector apprenticeship scheme that would ensure our young people are equipped with the confidence and skills necessary for a sustained career. This initiative will also ensure that Luton will not suffer from a skills shortage when the boom times return."

Hanna Warr, who works for the Fashion and Design Department at Barnfield College, takes her son, James, to the Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy Centre at Flitwick every Saturday and also for several intensive block sessions each year.
"He's making real improvement. At first we were worried about him surviving; now they are talking about him having a little job when he is older.

"He's started sign language and his wrists are now strong enough for him to press buttons. He enjoys his PlayStation and has started on a computer."
Recently, friends and staff at Barnfield College organised a disco at Stopsley Working Men's Club which donated its premises for free. It raised nearly £1,000 and the College donated an additional £200.

"James loved the disco. He responds to music and enjoys interacting with people," said Hanna, who lives at Ambleside, Luton. "People are so kind. Greg Mullins, our technician, did the disco for free and June Tearle, our receptionist, sold copies of her poems and donated the money towards the food.

"And our Chief Executive even kindly organised a cheque for us."
Pete Birkett, Chief Executive of Barnfield College, said: "I am very proud of our staff who always rally round someone in need. Despite the difficult economic circumstances, I am very pleased the College was able to make a donation to a very worthwhile cause."

Next on the fund-raising agenda for James, who attends Lady Zia Wernher Special School in Stopsley, is a sponsored bungee jump by a friend of the family. A function in Dunstable is also on the cards.

To make a donation to James' physiotherapy costs, contact Hanna at hanna.warr@barnfield.ac.uk

The pilot scheme could be applied to colleges and other institutions across the country. Already preliminary discussions have been held between Barnfield College and the Association of Colleges.

The plan involves switching the college's vehicle fleet to energy-efficient smart cars. The move will make the college more responsive to employers' needs:

• The college's 500 apprentices are assessed in the workplace three times a year. The annual travel of about 25,000 miles will be effectively halved with smart cars' fuel efficiency double that of an ordinary car.
• Like most tertiary institutions, Barnfield College has several campuses. Hundreds of miles are driven each week on inter-campus deliveries. In effect, this will be halved.

Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive, said: "This is a key plann to our employer and environmental responsiveness agenda.

"In one move, we are halving our carbon footprint and our fuel bills. We are also creating jobs by investing in new smart cars. It is a win-win situation.
"I've put forward a scheme to the Association of Colleges that it acts as a central broker for buying smart cars for colleges across Britain. It will encourage their use and obtain volume discounts from the manufacturer. That's more value for the taxpayer.

"I am hoping this win-win scheme will be launched nationally at the Association of Colleges' annual conference in November."

The kitchen kings, who both honed their skills at Barnfield College, work for fine dining restaurants just awarded a Michelin star each for culinary excellence.
Mark Rainbow, who lives in Luton, is head pastry chef at Auberge du Lac at Brocket Hall, Welwyn Garden City. He also looks after patisserie for the main hall, golf club and the group's London restaurant.

Mark, who studied at Barnfield College from 1999-2002, said: "We're responsible for baking fresh bread every day, all desserts, chocolate decorations and garnishes, handmade truffles and so on. I work closely with head chef Phil Thompson who is very encouraging.
"I start at 8am and finish at midnight most days, but I love it. I've worked here for more than five years which shows how much I enjoy it."

Chris Underwood, who studied at Barnfield from 1997-2000, was head pastry chef at La Be´casse in Shropshire, run by famous chef and author Alan Murchison, when it was awarded its Michelin star. He has just joined Hibiscus in Mayfair, run by famous chef Claude Bosi.

Chris, who worked at both Murchison restaurants, said: "It's very busy with 35 covers - long hours and hard work, but I enjoy it. I love having the opportunity to be creative. I discuss a new dish with head chef and we try it on the menu. It's great."

Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive, said: "These are outstanding successes for our former students, underlining the quality of our tuition. Barnfield's greatest asset is our highly qualified staff."

Two other Barnfield graduates have won Michelin stars. Stephen Terry, a restaurateur in South Wales, has won two stars and Adam Simmonds, maitre de cuisine at the Oak Room, Danesfield House in Buckinghamshire, won a star at a restaurant near Aberystwyth.

Ernie Martin, a part-time plumbing tutor, received the CIPHE Gold Award for 40 years' service to the Luton branch including spells as secretary and treasurer.
The student awards were: Simon Billington (Level 2 Year 1), Daniel Tearle (Level 2 Year 2), Kyle James (Level 3), Craig Simner (Endeavour Prize) and Jack Graham (Student of the Year).

Megan Geraghty, 17, was the first person in the UK to complete her NVQ in Public Services.

The citation reads: "Throughout her service she has maintained 100 per cent attendance and carried out in excess of 100 hours of voluntary duties over the year alongside undertaking an NVQ programme."

The award was presented by the Mayor of Luton, Councillor Lakhbir Singh, at a special ceremony held at Barnfield College.

Inspector James Goldsmith of Luton Police and other police cadets were also present.

Kerry Sykes, who graduated from Barnfield College with a National Certificate in Floristry, was asked to build a four-foot Red Arrow taking off.
Mrs Sykes has been awarded a Medal of Excellence by City & Guilds for the quality of her work during the course.

"The gentleman had been a pilot with the Red Arrows and his family wanted to remember him in an appropriate way," she said. "I love flowers, they are incredible. They are beautiful in their natural state rather than colouring them."
Mrs Sykes has always enjoyed cake decorating, making sugar craft flowers and arranging flowers for her local church. "When I decided to set up my own company, Parfait Cakes and Flowers, I thought I should take a full-time course. I had already completed two evening courses at Barnfield."

The Medal of Excellence sets a new record for her floristry tutor Caroline Bracey and Barnfield College. It is the eighth medal won by Barnfield. Caroline Bracey received a medal herself and taught the seven winning students.
Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive, said: "This is a fantastic achievement - we are all very proud of Kerry. This is also a great testament to the excellent training the floristry staff in the College provide.

"About 450,000 students are nominated each year and 115 medals of excellence are awarded. Kerry is a very talented and professional student who has worked very hard."

Mrs Sykes will receive her record-setting medal at a gala evening in London in April.

Launching National Colleges Week at Barnfield College, Lord Young, the Skills Minister, said businesses were two-and-a-half times more likely to fail in the present climate if they stopped training employees. "Employers must not abandon training," he said.

Describing Barnfield College as "a very interesting and achieving college", he said colleges must take a more proactive role in providing skills training.

He said the Government had a three-point plan to help small businesses.

1) A £100 million package to encourage skills training.
2) A £350 million package to help small businesses.

3) The creation of a 400-strong national field force to help companies take on more apprentices.

Pete Birkett, Chief Executive of Barnfield College, said: "The national launch of Colleges Week at Barnfield is a real feather in Luton's cap. The Government clearly recognises our importance as a leading skills training organisation."

The College organised a week of skills challenges, staff recognition and other events to mark Colleges Week which celebrated the FE sector's achievements.

Already up and running is a 24/7 airport training facility based at London Luton Airport, one of a few on-site training facilities at any British airport. The popular facility provides quality skills training for airport employers, including Monarch, Servisair and the airport itself.

The next project is a groundbreaking Dental Academy, the first collaboration between a local Primary Care Trust and an FE college in England. The academy with several brand new clinics will provide on-the-spot training for dental nurses and much needed dental facilities for the local community.

Planning is well underway for a £100 million state-of-the-art new campus which will combine three of the college's campuses into one. The new campus will offer the latest technology and teaching facilities.

Pete Birkett, the College's Chief Executive, said: "We are constructing the new innovative campus to meet employer and community needs, offering an exciting range of demand-led courses to foundation degree level.

"Our expansion plans will provide many new local jobs as well as boosting skills and training opportunities in Luton and the surrounding areas."
New builds are also being planned for the college's two academies ? Barnfield was the first FE college in the country to sponsor the government-backed academies. Costing £30 million each, the new academies are also due for completion in 2011.
Barnfield is one of very few colleges in Britain to have been awarded six Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs), drawing students from all over Bedfordshire and surrounding counties.

When Barnfield's three-year expansion programme is complete, Luton will be well-placed in the east of England as a major skills centre.

Elaine Thornton, who completed a jewellery design course at Barnfield College two years ago, designs her masterpieces in her workshop, attached to the garage at the bottom of her garden.

She said: "I began designing jewellery about 15 years ago for family and friends and then selling items. Colour is crucial in my designs, I love Line, Shapes and Organic images and influences. I enjoy non-uniformity or asymmetrical styles and the need to balance my jewellery using this style is sometimes challenging."
Initially, Elaine taught herself from books and catalogues. "I don't know where my design skills come from. Perhaps it was my Dad's love of painting and art and my Mum's sewing and needlecraft skills."

Elaine specialises in wirework and bead jewellery which includes wedding tiaras.
Her latest passion is lampwork bead making, setting up a specialist torch in her workshop. She would like her own kiln to anneal beads and fuse glass, presently sending her work to friends with kilns. She has become involved in a new beadwork group setting up in Leighton Buzzard where she will be holding wirework workshops for novice beadmakers.

Elaine's jewellery designs with step-by-step instructions are published in Beads and Beyond magazine, making this month's cover.

Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive, said: "We are all very proud of our student achievements and really enjoy celebrating their success with them, on great occasions such as this. Our student achievements continue to improve, and at 91 per cent place us among the highest performers in the country."

A highlight of the evening was a colourful fashion show and a spectacular dance routine put on by the students. The High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Nazir Jessa, presented the awards to the Barnfield students.

More than 30 national and local employer and other groups sponsored the evening.

British veterinarians and animal care professionals are in short supply.
The College has just signed a partnership agreement with the National Lifelong Learning Network for Veterinary and Allied Professionals (VETNETLLN).
The College will use special funding under the scheme to develop new foundation degree courses in veterinary science and animal care.

Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive, said: "This is a big step forward in putting Luton on the national skills map. The demand-led higher education courses that we are developing will provide students with the right skills needed by employers.

"The courses will also allow students to progress to further academic studies."
The College has taught BTEC courses in animal care for many years.

This national competition has several categories in which Barnfield Floristry students have often been successful.

Laura Humphrey won first prize in the designer contest, The Crystal Competition, which is open to everyone including professionals.
Kim Coker won second prize in the student competition, the Kathleen Bretherick Shield.

Both students are studying the Advance National Certificate in Floristry Level 3 having completed the Level 2 at Barnfield College last year.

Adam Simmonds, 37, maitre de cuisine at the Oak Room, Danesfield House Hotel and Spa at Marlow-on-Thames, Buckinghamshire, has been awarded four Red Rosettes by the AA Restaurant Guide 2009.

The AA guide describes his work as, "top quality, innovative cooking using top-notch seasonal produce and some serious technical skill".
Adam studied for his City and Guilds in cooking and patisserie at Barnfield College in the late 1980s.

The Good Food Guide 2009 says his work "showed elements of pure genius".
Adam won his Michelin Star at a restaurant near Aberystwyth.
"I have always loved cooking. But I got my start at Barnfield College for which I am very grateful," he said.

"As head chef, you have to be an all-rounder, but my real love is cooking fish."
Apart from stints at other top restaurants, Adam worked under controversial chef Marco Pierre White, arch-rival of Gordon Ramsay.

The Barnfield team, organised by the college's learning support department, was 11 points clear at the top of the table, remaining undefeated after 24 matches. Eleven teams from Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire contested the league.
The competition, which ran from May, comprised 18 matches. The league was played at Leighton United FC.

The players were presented with a medal and plaque and the team with a trophy by Darren Lawrence, regional development manager from the Football Association, who said he was very impressed with the league and praised the standard of play and the excellent sportsmanship of players, officials and spectators.

Pete Birkett, Barnfield's Chief Executive, said: "We are very proud of our team. They trained and played very hard and deserved to win."

Barnfield hopes to enter two teams in next year's summer league. Contact les.dedman@bedfordshirefa.com for more information.