Hartpury College is a finalist in the 2020-21 Association of Colleges Beacon Awards for demonstrating best practice and innovation in its students' careers programmes.

The Association of Colleges' (AoC) Beacon Awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK colleges each year. The awards provide recognition for excellence and innovation, acknowledging the talents of staff at all levels, and highlighting the breadth and quality of education in the college sector.

Hartpury College, an Ofsted Outstanding institution offering a range of A-levels and diplomas, has been shortlisted for the Careers and Enterprise Company Award for Innovation in Careers and Enterprise.

The category celebrates careers programmes that demonstrate examples of innovative practice when engaging with schools, employers and other agencies, to provide students with excellent impartial careers education, advice and guidance.

Simon Spooner, head of innovation and careers at Hartpury, said: "We're extremely proud to be a finalist in the Association of Colleges Beacon Awards for the careers advice, guidance and support that we offer our students.

"Our Innovation, Careers and Enterprise Centre (ICE) enables our students to take control of their career development right from their first day at Hartpury. Our experienced ICE team provides professional, work and skills-based courses, careers advice and guidance, employability and enterprise opportunities as well as enrichment activities and placement support.

"We pride ourselves on preparing our students for work or further training, as well as developing them as well-rounded, resilient and independent individuals.

"Therefore, we're also pleased to offer the unique Hartpury Certificate, which allows students to gain real-life experience in addition to the skills and knowledge they receive in the classroom.

The winners of the 2020-21 Association of Colleges Beacon Awards will be announced next spring.