Speaking to the College about her successful application to Oxford University, Georgia said, “Truth be told, it still doesn’t feel real! I’m going to spend a night at my future college [Brasenose] this month and I imagine that will help to crystallise my excitement. Still, I remember being excited but daunted at every step of the process.”

The English College of the Future — The College of the Future

“This strategic move supports our ambition to be an inclusive, future-focused college that maximises its impact through strong partnerships and responsible investment. It also reflects our commitment to ensuring that every decision we make contributes to the success of our students, staff, and the wider East Sussex community.

Attendees at the event experienced the College’s new immersive facilities to learn about the plan’s objectives and how it will shape the College’s future. With a strong focus on sustainability, skills development, and student success, the plan is set to make a lasting impact on education in East Sussex.

East Sussex College student Holly Ryan is studying for a UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, and has been given three offers in the space of a week as she looks to make a decision on her future after college.

Henry Ball, Chair of the Sussex Downs Corporation, praised the energy and commitment that Mike has brought to the College. He said: “We are extremely grateful to Mike for the fantastic contribution he has made to the College. He has created a new energy and positive sense of future in the College, and I know how committed he has become to the every aspect of college life.

Future First, supported by college alumni, will be hosting ‘World of Work’, sessions where the focus will be on employability skills. Students will identify their own skills and how to develop a personal brand. They will also be introduced to the notion of networking and how to stand out to future employers.

Start your future at East Sussex College – click here to find out more.

What does the college of the future look like? One which forms strong links with local and regional partners to better meet the needs of people in Sussex and beyond (Ofsted 2022), and has green training embedded into the curriculum to equip students with the knowledge and skills to work with new green technologies. Thanks to East Sussex College’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030, and partnering with OHM Energy to develop an exciting new decarbonisation training programme, the College is already making headway towards becoming a College for the future.

It can be helpful to have an idea of what you'd like to do in the future when choosing your college course, but you don't need to have your whole career planned out at 16.

Students at East Sussex College have revealed that they are eager to play their part in building a greener future once they finish college.

For those considering a new venture in 2025, explore the top five reasons why you should embark on a new learning journey with East Sussex College. Unlock your future!

Every year, the College proudly supports National Apprenticeship Week to highlight the benefits of on-the-job training and help young people make informed choices about their future after school or college.

Minister Michelle Donelan visited East Sussex College recently to meet T-Level students and find out more about their experiences. It was also an opportunity to hear about the decarbonisation training programme set up by the College to train future cohorts in green technologies as part of the Sussex wide Strategic Development Fund. The Minister was joined by Caroline Ansell, MP for Eastbourne and Willingdon, Rebecca Conroy, Principal & CEO, and Mark Wardle, Deputy Principal, of East Sussex College.

“Women hold elected leadership positions as the MP, Police and Crime Commissioner, Hastings Council’s Leader, Mayor, and Deputy Mayor. Organisations led by women include the Borough Council (Chief and Deputy Chief Executive), the County Council, Rother District Council, Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, East Sussex College’s Group, Education Future’s Trust, St Michael’s Hospice, Hastings Commons, Fellowship of St Nicholas, Citizen’s Advice 1066, Hastings Contemporary, Egg Tooth, Little Gate Farm, HEART, Afri-Co Lab, Arts on Prescription, Hastings Advice and Representation Centre, Counselling Plus, the Parchment Trust, Energise Sussex Coast, Hastings Women’s Voice and many more.

East Sussex College’s CEO & Principal, Rebecca Conroy, opened the series of events adding: “East Sussex College was delighted to host the first immersive experience as part of the Festival of Careers. We have had some brilliant feedback from students across Sussex about their experiences. Our speakers were really inspiring and were brought to life by our new technology. We look forward to future events at partner colleges.”

“I would like to continue my studies in the future - either at university or through another apprenticeship,” said Tom. “I really enjoy my current role at Parchment Trust and will continue to work there for the foreseeable future. I should be finished with my full apprenticeship within the next couple months. I would definitely consider doing an NVQ 4 or 5 through an apprenticeship at East Sussex College in the future as it seems like the most logical way to gain more qualifications.”

Skills for the Future launched at East Sussex College last week (Friday 21st June) with Amber Rudd, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, as one of the keynote speakers. The new courses are delivered by Sussex Skills Solutions, the apprenticeship and training arm of the college.

Elaine Remon, Head of Adult and Future Skills at East Sussex College, said: “We are incredibly proud to be working alongside Hastings Voluntary Action to deliver training opportunities for our local communities. These courses are about much more than learning to cook or bake - they are about building confidence, improving wellbeing, developing essential skills, and helping people feel more connected within their community. Partnerships like this play a vital role in creating accessible opportunities for lifelong learning and progression.”

Ready to take the next step towards your career? East Sussex College can help – Your Future Is Closer Than You Think. Take your time, explore your options, and choose the course that feels right for you.

Following the success of the pilot, the initiative will continue to provide future cohorts of East Sussex College students with access to other high-quality work-based learning opportunities.

When you leave school and start college, you might not necessarily know what you want to do in the future. But don’t worry, because college is the place where you’ll start to figure it out.

Reaching the blind auditions is an incredible feat, especially at such a young age. Emily’s dedication, hard work, and passion for music have clearly paid off, and this accomplishment is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future. The entire East Sussex College community is incredibly proud of Emily, and we can't wait to see what she achieves next!

Ofsted praised its strong contribution to meeting local skills needs and highlighted the high expectations tutors have for all students and apprentices. Ofsted considered what it is like to be a student with East Sussex College and found that “Students, apprentices and adult learners learn in an extremely supportive and aspirational college environment that inspires their future achievements.”

With expert tutor support, structured guidance, and access to the latest technology, the Games, Art & Animation course is designed to prepare students for exciting careers in the gaming and creative industries.

Speaking to the College about advice she’d have for future students keen to pursue Beauty Therapy at a high-level, Mya said, “If you’re doubting yourself thinking you won’t be able to do it, just do it because the College is really supportive and they will help you along the whole journey.”

Josh Babarinde OBE, Eastbourne's MP and an East Sussex College alumnus, recently visited construction students at the college, aiming to connect with the future workforce and share his insights on career progression.

This summer is a transition between one chapter and another. You’ll probably never have another summer quite like it - where school is finished, college hasn’t started yet, and the future still feels wide open. So enjoy the freedom a bit.

The College would like to thank all employers, sponsors, staff, governors and guests who attended and contributed to the success of the event. The awards ceremony served as both a celebration of current success and an exciting look ahead to the future of automotive training at East Sussex College.

“I get to have a tour from the professionals of the Royal Opera House and my work will be displayed there for two weeks. I think this will certainly help me in the future, it’s something I can add to my portfolio and show future employers. It’s also great that the College offers this opportunity because I wouldn’t be sitting here as a winner today!”

If you're passionate about supporting young children's learning and development and are interested in studying Early Years at degree level, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch with our University-Level team at helloHE@escg.ac.uk to discuss your options and register your interest in future Early Years programmes at East Sussex College.

The college is equally proud of its talented alumni. Amita’s former teacher, Kerry Smallhorne, says, “When Amita started her journey with us she was a smart, talented, and thoughtful student who had a voracious drive and enthusiasm to be challenged in a wide range of diverse roles. She was always gracious, generous, and experimental and really broke the mould in her approach to acting and performance. Watching her journey from Doctor Who to Inej the complex assassin with a heart of gold has been captivating. We all wish her the best as she goes on to be a ground-breaking actress who is definitely one to watch in future roles.”

Meanwhile RuPaul was full of support and positivity, saying, "You are a young beautiful queen with a bright future ahead”.

Steps towards a more sustainable future

“When we think along the lines of social media and the constantly developing digital industries, students who are currently exploring their GCSE options and are a few years away from FE, may have jobs in the future that don’t even exist yet. Workplace learning like T-Levels helps the employer develop a role and mould a student to suit their workforce.”

Countless College alumna have gone on to achieve great things. From the world of Accounting to Fashion Design and Engineering. By sponsoring the Women in Business category at the East Sussex Women in Business Awards 2017, we hope to inspire our current, future and former students to work toward their goals.

In January 2023 the Motcombe Pool CIC site stated, “Following its designation in 2022 as an Asset of Community Value the team have been working on proposals that aim to establish a forward-looking and sustainable future for the buildings and the pool, that is to bring both the building and pool itself back to life. Plans have now been initiated to enable part of the building to be reopened as a community space for committee meetings, community projects and fundraising events.”

Now, East Sussex College is using Stress Awareness Month to allow staff and students - present and future - the chance to reset and refocus. This comes at a time when TES reports a surge in anxiety among college support staff, with over 80% feeling anxious in lockdown. Statistics like these show how vital it is for support events.

Vicky Knight, Business and Marketing Lecturer at East Sussex College, said: “Working with local businesses gives our students a really valuable opportunity to put their learning into practice. It was fantastic to see them engaging with Chris and thinking about how they could approach a real marketing brief, rather than simply working on a classroom exercise.”

Lyndsey Armstrong, lecturer in Sport & Public Uniformed Services at ESC, comments, “The College students have done a fantastic job in planning the activities for the children to take part in today. They have been responsible for everything from the promotion leaflets to the invites to the schools.”

The newly constructed rail track, situated at the Lewes campus, stands as a testament to the college's commitment to developing practical skills and preparing students for rewarding careers in rail engineering.

Looking ahead, Arron is ambitious and focused on growing as a coach and making a lasting impact on the players he mentors. “I want to continue making a difference and supporting young players to achieve their dreams. Eventually, I’d like to become an educator of coaches myself, to share the experiences I have had with others, to help shape the future generation of young coaches coming into the game.”

Joe pursued a degree in Sports Journalism at Southampton Solent University, drawn by its innovative approach to multimedia skills and excellent facilities. At the time, it was the only degree of its kind, offering a future-proof entry into the evolving sports media industry.

Mark Allen, International Director at East Sussex College, said, “It has been a pleasure to welcome our guests from the Global College Network. We’ve been able to share lots of great ideas, discuss some key topics, and set up several opportunities to work together in the future.

Nicholas didn't have his whole future mapped out when he first joined East Sussex College. He simply took the next step, then another, and kept building his confidence along the way.

Strengthening the NHS for the future (Friday 7 March)

Meet our friendly staff and students, tour the facilities, and get a real feel for what life is like at East Sussex College.

Craig Ottley, Curriculum Leader for Sport and Public Services at East Sussex College Hastings said, “NHS staff and key workers are doing an incredible job and we want to show our appreciation and support by raising as much money as we can, not only because they are doing a fantastic job at the moment but they have in one way or another helped all of us at some point in our lives or will in the future.

From supporting match day media and promotional content to helping with coaching, fitness, and events, the partnership will give students a chance to apply their skills in a real-world setting while contributing to the growth and success of the club. It also opens up the potential for player development and shared facilities in the future.

The Savoy Educational Trust supports education, training and skills development that help people build successful long-term careers in hospitality. Through its grant-making, the Trust aims to strengthen the future hospitality workforce and support excellence across the sector.

The merger between the two colleges has also created the opportunity for managers to share good practice within their specific specialist areas. For example, careers education programmes have been adopted across the East Sussex College Group, and following a successful pilot in Hastings, My Future Starts Here, an external IAG provider, now delivers impartial IAG provision at Eastbourne and Lewes.

"Breaking ground on this new Green Automotive Centre of Excellence represents far more than the start of a construction project, it signals our commitment to shaping the future of green automotive skills in our region,” said Rebecca Conroy, CEO & Principal of East Sussex College. “This centre will give students an environment that inspires ambition, nurtures innovation and equips them for careers in an industry undergoing profound transformation.

Meeting creative professionals

The partnership also reflects East Sussex College's wider commitment to supporting cultural and educational initiatives that enrich local communities and create positive opportunities for future generations.

East Sussex College offers T-Levels across a range of subject areas including newly launched Marketing and Cybersecurity courses, giving students the chance to develop specialist knowledge and practical skills while exploring their options for the future.

Nigel Ryan, Creative Partnerships and Schools Liaison Officer at East Sussex College, said, "We are incredibly proud of the creative talent that has developed through the College over the past decade. This event is not only a celebration of our past successes but also a testament to the boundless potential of our current and future students."

“It is extraordinary to have every leader in every general further education college in the country collaborate like this. But then these are extraordinary times. These college leaders are uniquely placed at the heart of their communities, working closely with local, national and international business, supporting individuals to get on in life, and driving the social mobility agenda. The government needs to listen to them if they’ve got any chance of tackling the major issues this country faces, now and in the future.”

If you’re a student interested in how brands grow, how campaigns are built, or how businesses connect with people, this new T-Level is the starting point for your future career.

“We are about to embark on a consultation exercise to develop our new strategic plan, with the target of being completed by the end of March 2021. I look forward to working with our broad range of stakeholders on that to shape our future together.”

“This must be the decade where we start tackling the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced. Our own behaviour. This needs to be a decade of opportunity where we start retrofitting our homes and buildings. This decade must be transformative and with your help and your work, we can get to 2030 and look back on this decade with pride. And look to the future with confidence. Good luck to you all, and good luck to the East Sussex College Training Hub!”

“It was great to see the fantastic educational facilities we have in Hastings,” she said. “With the development of technology, it was really interesting to hear about the courses available and to think about how we could use those to help our staff now and in the future, especially with local government reorganisation in the next couple of years.”

Rebecca Conroy, CEO & Principal at East Sussex College, said: “We are delighted to have secured Wave 7 funding to expand our Skills Bootcamp offer with the introduction of Engineering, alongside continuing our Teaching Assistant and Catering programmes. These flexible courses are designed around the needs of local employers and provide adults with the practical, industry-relevant skills needed to move directly into work or apprenticeships. It’s an important investment in both people and the future workforce of East Sussex.”

“Our students benefit from high-quality English language teaching while also having opportunities to participate in enrichment activities and build meaningful connections with students from the UK and around the world. This creates a much richer and more immersive experience that prepares them for future study and life beyond the classroom.”

The College’s Eastbourne, Lewes and Hastings campuses welcomed future students to help finalise a decision on their futures ahead of the 2022/23 academic year.

East Sussex College Open Events concluded in Eastbourne on Thursday 30 March. Rebecca Conroy, Principal & CEO at East Sussex College, said, “I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who came along to our Open Events throughout the 2022/23 academic year! These events provide future students with an excellent opportunity to come and find out more, talk to our expert tutors, and see why joining East Sussex College is right for you.

After his diagnosis, Nathan found eye research charity Fight for Sight and he has completed a number of fundraising events to raise money for the charity over the past three years. Nathan said: “I raise money for eye research because I think it’s so important to give back. I also want to encourage more young people to get involved in their communities. It’s our future we’re helping.”

“Whether they are progressing to university, apprenticeships or employment, we know they are leaving the College with the skills, confidence and experience they need to take their next steps and succeed. We are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved and look forward to seeing all they go on to accomplish in the future.”

Rebecca Conroy, CEO & Principal of East Sussex College, said, “We are so proud of all of our students for achieving such fantastic results! Our students’ passion, grit and determination has certainly paid off. As they move on to the next stage of their journey, whether it be further education, entering the workforce, or pursuing apprenticeship routes, we wish them every success in the future and will be rooting for them!”

Rebecca Conroy, CEO & Principal of East Sussex College, said, “We are incredibly proud of all of our students who are celebrating some excellent results having worked so hard and with such dedication. As they move on we wish them the very best and a future filled with success.”

Laura added, “This win is a huge moment, but it’s also just one step in their journey. All our students are developing the skills, resilience and confidence they’ll need for a future in the performance industry, and we’re excited to see where it takes them.”

Their involvement demonstrates how students at East Sussex College are gaining access to real-world industry experiences while still in training, building strong foundations for future careers in the creative industries.

“Over the years we’ve had a lot of success in competitions generally, whether it’s regional or national, even down to WorldSkills. Opportunities such as the Guild of Bricklayers competition is one of many reasons why future students should look to study Brickwork at East Sussex College.”

“Whether it is green skills, construction, engineering or digital, thousands more people can now gain the skills they need to secure good jobs closer to home. These are long-term plans that will ensure every area can have a brighter future.”

She added: “Achieving the highest regional scores for another year demonstrates the continued commitment of our Higher Education team to delivering an outstanding student experience. Our courses combine academic excellence with practical learning, industry links and personalised support, helping students develop the confidence and skills they need for their future careers. This focus on preparing students for their next steps is reflected in a recent Office for Students report, which found that students studying higher education courses in further education felt more prepared for what comes next than those studying at universities (69% compared with 50%).

Some of the best advice we’ve ever heard is to plan backwards. If you jump ten years into the future, what sort of job would you like to have? What industry would you like to work in? Where is your career taking you?

East Sussex College's end-of-year shows have gone virtual! The college events calendar, which is usually packed this time of year, with student exhibitions, film screenings, dance performance and music gigs, has turned to digital platforms to showcase student work for 2020.

What does this mean for you?

Young people developing vocational and academic skills, building confidence and working towards their future goals

As for what's next, Kailun’s future is packed with exciting opportunities. He is currently performing in the SpongeBob musical with Nickelodeon and preparing for his first headlining show in East Sussex this winter. Looking ahead, he hopes to embark on a tour with his agency next year.

The College wishes Oksana every success in her studies at the University of Sussex and looks forward to hearing about all her future achievements.

Cllr Penny di Cara, lead member for economy at East Sussex County Council, said: “Local roofing businesses are essential to our economy, but many are struggling to find the skilled workers they need due to lack of locally available training and a low profile of roofing as a career option for young people. We’re delighted to get this apprenticeship up and running so we can give employers a practical way to grow their workforce, invest in skills, and plan for the future. It is a strong example of what can be achieved when employers, education and local partners work together around a shared goal.”

Rebecca Conroy, CEO and Principal of East Sussex College, welcomed delegates to the Training Hub at Hampden Retail Park in Eastbourne. The event was an opportunity for the College to showcase the Training Hub to an international audience, sharing best practice and information on its inception.

Cheree Cornford is studying a Level 2 Health and Social Care course and says that college has given her confidence and helped her to decide what she wants to do in the future.

The hard work begins now, and we wish him well in his footballing career. We're looking forward to welcoming him back to the Academy to speak to our young aspiring footballers sometime in the near future."

Rebecca Conroy, CEO and Principal at East Sussex College, said: “Open Events at East Sussex College give you the chance to really get a feel for our college and what studying with us would be like. You can also talk to some of our brilliant students and expert tutors as well as see our excellent industry-standard facilities.”

For students who may be uncertain about their future or feel pressure to have their lives mapped out, Anupa’s message is simple: they don’t need to have everything figured out.

“I'm looking at going to Uni, maybe taking a gap year then going. I want to figure out a bit more about art and solidify what I want to do - a specific thing I want to take on in the future.”

East Sussex College is a member of the Association of Colleges (AoC). The AOC wants to see colleges and funding for them prioritised nationally and locally, to aid the recovery from the pandemic, that will be vital to the future success of the country.

This year, Robert Stevens, Director of Sussex Vegan, has set his hopes on his new venture into the market aiming to ‘inspire, educate and inform future generations’ with the relaunch of UK’s first college-based vegan festival in Lewes.

“I’ve always had a creative side,” said Eloise. “When I was growing up I was encouraged to explore art, and I carried that interest with me into secondary school. But it was when I came to college that I really realised what I was capable of and that I could turn my creativity into a future career.”

Francoise Cumming, Supported Learning lecturer at East Sussex College, said, “The shared goal of planting local varieties of plum, apple, pear and Mulberry trees created a supportive atmosphere where the students further practised communication and teamwork in a real work context. We have been invited to come back to the site to plant urban micro woods later in the year!”

We wish all our students the very best of luck for exam results day and every success in their future endeavours.