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Vocational Education
Organisation
Description
Suffolk New College is a multi-award-winning further education institution serving Suffolk with three distinct campuses. The main campus is situated in Ipswich's education quarter, conveniently located near the waterfront and town centre. The college extends its reach through Suffolk Rural Campus, specialising in land-based industry programmes, and coastal centres in Leiston and Halesworth offering specialist vocational teaching.
In the news
College and university launch charity-business platform
Suffolk New College and University of Suffolk brought together over a dozen local charities and businesses in a new event designed to build partnerships beyond traditional fundraising. Organisers plan to make it an annual Christmas fixture.News
Suffolk firms put big decisions on ice as Budget divides confidence
Five days after Rachel Reeves delivered her £26 billion tax-raising Budget, Suffolk businesses remain divided on whether the Chancellor has provided the certainty they need – with most major investment decisions deferred until 2026 as firms weigh painful clarity against missing reforms.Feature
Free business support programme helps Ipswich startups beat survival odds
Over 90% of entrepreneurs in Ipswich backed by Start, Build & Grow, a free business support programme, are still trading after their first year – a survival rate far above national averages.News
Ipswich sisters face off in European final as both claim gold medals
For the first time in their karate careers, 16-year-old twin sisters from Ipswich had to fight each other in a gold medal match at a European tournament – marking an extraordinary moment in their journey from training together at age three to competing at the world stage.News
University and college unite charities for Christmas event
The University of Suffolk and Suffolk New College are hosting a free event where businesses can pledge time, skills or partnerships to nine local charities instead of paying admission.News
Eight paid music roles open to young people as local project tackles 'tough' job hunt
Suffolk Community Libraries is offering eight paid Junior Assistant Producer positions to 18-25 year olds as part of a new project bringing live music gigs to libraries in Ipswich and Haverhill.News
Suffolk careers fair offers youngsters glimpse of opportunities on their doorstep
From the army to zoology, 3,000 local pupils aged 11-14 discovered job prospects across multiple industries at a careers event that showcased the breadth of opportunities available in the region.News
Riverhills spa team shortlisted after £6m fire rebuild
More than two years after a fire damaged Riverhills Health Club & Day Spa, the team behind its £6 million rebuild is now up for a national award.News
Suffolk New College to host careers fair for 3,000 students
Around 3,000 students will explore career opportunities with Suffolk's leading employers next month as Suffolk New College hosts one of the region's largest careers events.News
Ipswich teenager opens flower shop weeks after finishing college
An 18-year-old from Ipswich has launched her own floristry business in Debenham just weeks after completing her college course, commuting three and a half hours daily to pursue her dream.News
College students work on Jimmy Doherty's ITV show
Media students from Suffolk New College have been given the opportunity to work on the set of Jimmy and Shivi's Farmhouse Breakfast thanks to a partnership between the college, Jimmy Doherty and Rock Oyster Media.News
'Stay humble and work hard': Ashley Young's advice to aspiring sports students
Former England international Ashley Young shared career insights and life lessons with 50 Suffolk New College students, telling them his key to success was to "stay humble and work hard" during an inspiring Q&A session at Portman Road.News
Suffolk New College students create mural for police headquarters
A group of art students from Suffolk New College have painted a mural to brighten up the café area at Suffolk Police's Martlesham headquarters.News
Ipswich student James Brown feeling good as adult students prove it's never too late to learn
A 34-year-old baker who improved from F to grade 4 in maths, and a mother who achieved a perfect grade 9 in English, are among the Ipswich adults celebrating their GCSE results at Suffolk New College today.News
Suffolk New College celebrates record GCSE results with 486 passes
An adult learner who passed his GCSEs to pursue his dream of becoming a nurse was among 486 Suffolk New College students celebrating results today, as the college recorded significant improvements in pass rates.News
Almost 60% of Ipswich School GCSE grades awarded at top level
Ipswich School celebrated GCSE results on Thursday, 22 August, with 139 students securing grades, including almost 60% of all grades awarded at 7-9.News
Local student amongst highest early years T Levels achievers in entire country
Esther Pyett from Suffolk New College placed in the top 0.6% nationally for Early Years Education T Level, placing her among just 20 top performers out of 11,909 students, as the college celebrated a 95% pass rate across all level three qualifications.News
College students build wishing well for hospice inspired by staff's family experiences
Two college instructors whose parents were cared for by St Elizabeth Hospice have led a project to handcraft a permanent wishing well tribute for the charity's garden.News
Ipswich spa snaps up college's top beauty therapy graduates
Riverhills Health Club and Day Spa has recruited three 18 and 19-year-old therapists straight from Suffolk New College's Level Three Beauty Therapy programme.News
Major local employers unite behind Northern Bypass in bid to end Ipswich's traffic 'stalemate'
Nine major employers have broken their silence on the town's transport crisis, declaring the current situation "simply not acceptable" for a region of such economic significance as they unite behind an Ipswich Northern Bypass bid.News
Making space: How youth-led culture is changing Ipswich
Whilst Westminster debates youth engagement and councils struggle with consultation fatigue, something different is happening in Ipswich. Here, young people aren't waiting for formal invitations to civic life—they're creating their own spaces, literally and figuratively, through dance, film, design, and community action.Feature
Local students cook up dream jobs at Michelin-starred restaurants
Suffolk New College students from Kesgrave and Ipswich are joining the ranks at some of Britain's most prestigious restaurants after catching the eye of Tom Kerridge's team.News
Claydon High student wins inaugural Suffolk Young Speaker award
A 14-year-old from Claydon High School was crowned Suffolk Young Speaker of the Year 2025 after nearly 70 young people competed in the first competition of its kind at Kesgrave Conference Centre.News
Prime Minister visits Suffolk New College to announce Sizewell C funding
Sir Keir Starmer committed £14.2bn for the Sizewell C power station during a visit to Suffolk New College yesterday, addressing 250 guests, including students and community leaders.News
Suffolk New College students take over Kesgrave restaurant for gala dinner
Around 50 youngsters from Suffolk New College worked alongside professionals at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall to create a three-course meal for over 100 guests.News
Sizewell C announces new post-16 college for Leiston
The nuclear power station developer will build a permanent Further Education college in partnership with Suffolk New College, aiming to open in September 2027.News
Mr Bloom takes root at Suffolk college to grow next generation of teachers
Suffolk New College has become the first further education institution to adopt the Let's Grow programme, created by Ben Faulks, who plays Mr Bloom on CBeebies.News
Ports chief steps up to champion Suffolk's infrastructure needs
A senior figure from the region's ports sector will now lead Suffolk Chamber's efforts to improve the county's transport network and wider infrastructure.News
3,000 visitors already signed up for Suffolk Rural's Big Day Out celebration
The popular mini county show returns for its 20th year with tractor displays, animal handling, and free interactive experiences. Best of all? Free tickets are still available.News
Ipswich May Day Festival returns to Alexandra Park this Sunday
The country's longest-running May Day music festival will take place at Alexandra Park on Sunday, 4 May 2025, from midday.News
Nearly 200 guests attend Suffolk New College industry partner gala
Suffolk New College hosted almost 200 guests at its annual industry partner dinner, celebrating 136 companies who formally work with the educational establishment.News
Suffolk construction committee signs first-ever college partnership
The Suffolk Joint Construction Committee (SJCC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Suffolk New College, marking the first partnership of its kind in the committee's history.News
The Ipswich runners turning pain into power at this year’s London Marathon
Personal stories of loss, gratitude and determination are driving Ipswich locals to tackle the 26-mile London Marathon on April 27.News
College students launch 29 community projects during social action month
Students at Suffolk New College have created 29 social action projects this month, including an anti-knife crime basketball match and a charity thrift shop.News
Ipswich teen's marathon bid to repay charity that helped him adapt to UK life
Osman Abdullah, 19, will tackle the 26-mile course on 27 April to raise money for the charity that supported him since moving to the UK from Sudan.News
Award-winning local artist's work transformed into massive Waterfront display
Ipswich's Waterfront has a striking new landmark after Sammi Wong's World Illustration Award-winning design was unveiled as a giant installation on Paul's silo building.News
Meet the organisation empowering Ipswich's entrepreneurs to start, build and grow their business
In a time when small businesses face unprecedented challenges, the Start, Build & Grow programme is proving that with the right support, local entrepreneurs can not only survive but thrive.Feature
Thousands flock to "baarilliant" family farm day in Otley
Suffolk Rural College welcomed around 2,000 visitors to its popular spring family farm day on Sunday, 30 March, as the college celebrates 55 years of farming education.News
Ipswich students cook up a storm to reach national hospitality finals
A talented trio from Suffolk New College has secured a place in the prestigious UK Young Restaurant Team of the Year finals, competing against the country's best hospitality students.News
College students don top hats in bid for Monopoly board inclusion
Performing arts students at Suffolk New College are backing a campaign to secure the institution a place on the new Ipswich edition of the classic board game.News
Suffolk New College sets out strategy to 'solve skills dilemma' for local businesses
The college is taking a "brave, ambitious and innovative" approach with its five-year plan to support students and solve the "skills dilemma" in Suffolk.News
"I went in, cracked on and came out on top" – Suffolk apprentices head to national finals
Two determined Suffolk New College students have won regional construction competitions and are now setting their sights on becoming the best in the country.News
A journalist's return to roots
After spending four decades chronicling the lives of others, journalist Jenny Taylor has decided to write her own remarkable new chapter. At 69, she has swapped her notebook for gardening tools and enrolled at Suffolk Rural college to study landscaping and gardening.Feature
'You shook the hand that shook the world': Ipswich boxing ref's encounter with Lennox Lewis
An Ipswich boxing referee pursuing Olympic dreams received words of encouragement from former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis at an international tournament.News
Suffolk college backs scrapping English and maths tests for adult apprentices
Suffolk New College is supporting new government changes that remove mandatory English and maths qualifications for apprentices over 19, affecting 47 current adult learners at the institution.News
Nine apprentices celebrated at Suffolk New College as National Apprenticeships Week kicks off
Suffolk New College has honoured its top-performing apprentices at an awards ceremony held at Ipswich's Chefs' Whites restaurant.News
Former college student follows teacher's footsteps to save lives in Suffolk
Cassidy Beeton turned inspiration into action, joining her former tutor as a Community First Responder while pursuing her paramedic dreams.News
Suffolk New College celebrates 100th industry partnership
Suffolk New College has reached a milestone in its industry partnership programme, with local financial advisory firm Becketts becoming the 100th company to join the scheme.News
College staff receive national recognition at House of Lords
Two Suffolk New College tutors have been recognised for their community work at a prestigious awards ceremony in the House of Lords, earning plaudits for initiatives ranging from arts funding awareness to supporting local charities.News
Suffolk New College joins Chartered Institution of Further Education
Suffolk New College has become a member of the Chartered Institution of Further Education, the voice for technical and professional education in the UK.News
College clothing donation inspired by staff member's lived experience
A Suffolk New College staff member who once relied on food banks has helped coordinate a donation of 15 bags of clothes to an Ipswich homeless charity, saying the organisation's work is "incredible".News
Farmer Christmas swaps sleigh for tractor in Witnesham school visit
For ten years, Suffolk Rural College lecturer John Attridge has been bringing festive cheer to Witnesham Primary School as Farmer Christmas, creating lasting memories for generations of pupils.News
'Beautiful friendship' forms between students and care home residents
A heartwarming partnership between young students and elderly residents at a Framlingham care home is helping break down barriers and create lasting connections across generations.News
Local brothers make history at national trade skills finals
In what's believed to be a first for any UK college, two brothers have both reached the podium in different disciplines at the prestigious SkillBuild national finals.News
College's zoo dream inspires student conservation mission to Africa
Students at Suffolk Rural College are working to turn their wildlife conservation dreams into reality, launching an innovative adoption scheme to fund a life-changing trip to South Africa. The initiative comes as the college pursues its ambition to become a licensed zoo.News
Suffolk employers unite to showcase career opportunities to more than 3,000 students
Some of the county's largest employers partnered with Suffolk New College to help bridge the gap between education and industry at the first FutureSkills Fair on 04 November.News
Meet the Suffolk family who can't stay out of the kitchen
A 16-year-old aspiring chef is training at Suffolk New College, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather and continuing a family tradition that spans half a century.Feature
Suffolk New College receives £50,000 boost for student facilities
Ipswich Borough Council has provided a £50,000 funding boost to Suffolk New College to create new computer facilities and learning spaces, including specialist equipment for games design students.News
Sizewell C pledges 500 jobs for Ipswich residents
Sizewell C has committed to creating 500 jobs for Ipswich residents during the construction of the new nuclear power plant, as part of an agreement with Ipswich MP Jack Abbott.News
Thousands of young people to attend FutureSkills Fair in Ipswich
A major careers event aimed at inspiring 14-16 year olds is set to take place at Suffolk New College on 4 November, with 3,000 youngsters already signed up to attend.News
Two teens arrested after knife incident at Suffolk New College
Police have arrested two teenage boys following reports of individuals brandishing knives outside Suffolk New College in Ipswich last week.News
Freeport East invests nearly £1m to boost local businesses and skills
Freeport East is injecting almost £1 million into East of England businesses and education organisations through two new funds to support small businesses and strengthen opportunities in high-growth sectors like clean energy.News
To infinity and beyond: College welcomes new alpaca Fuzz Lightyear
Suffolk New College's Rural campus has welcomed an adorable new arrival, with a baby alpaca making his debut just in time for the new term.News
73-year-old great-grandad accepts creative writing holiday after GCSE success
73-year-old Danny Davey has been offered a creative writing and walking holiday in the Peak District after passing his English GCSE, 59 years after leaving school at 14.News
Terry Baxter to step down as Ipswich Central chair
Terry Baxter has announced he will leave his role as Chair of Ipswich Central, the town's Business Improvement District, at the end of 2024.News
Mother and daughter both say 'hello' to college life this term
A 52-year-old mum and her 16-year-old daughter are starting new courses at Suffolk New College this week, marking an exciting journey for both.News
From Instagram to Italian: Suffolk New College unveils affordable new leisure learning courses
Suffolk New College is launching a new autumn programme of short and affordable "leisure learning" courses, ranging from Italian to Instagram.News
Suffolk heart attack survivor conquers 879-mile cycle challenge
A 50-year-old Suffolk man who took up cycling after surviving a heart attack has completed an epic 879-mile journey from Land's End to John o'Groats in just four and a half days.News
Local students score gaming industry experience with Ipswich games studio
Over twenty Suffolk New College students have gained valuable experience through month-long internships at Alarming Ladder, an indie games studio based in Ipswich.News
Ipswich kickboxer aims to reclaim world title
Martin Dimitrov, 19, will compete in the WKO Open World Championships in Barnsley next week, aiming to reclaim his 82kg world title.News
Ipswich apprentices reach prestigious national skills competition finals
Two apprentices from Suffolk New College have qualified for the national finals of WorldSkills, a prestigious vocational competition.News
Ipswich lecturer's Olympic boxing protégé sends emotional thank you from Paris
An Ipswich college lecturer received a heartfelt message from the Olympic boxer he's trained since childhood as the athlete prepares to compete in Paris.News
Ipswich Town Deal projects progress with £25m investment
A £25 million government investment is driving forward ten major projects to regenerate Ipswich town centre.News
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