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New Chesterfield FC senior management roles announced

21st August 2020

Two key appointments have been made to strengthen the senior management team at Chesterfield FC.

This news follows the recent sale of Chesterfield FC to Chesterfield FC Community Trust.

John Croot, Chief Executive of Chesterfield FC Community Trust, takes up the same role at the club while Andy Fantom has been appointed as chief finance officer.

Commenting on the appointments, Chairman Mike Goodwin said: “John Croot played an important role in the Community Trust’s decision to purchase the football club after previously playing a crucial role in saving the club from folding in the past.”

“Having worked closely with John at the Community Trust, he has done a fantastic job as the Trust’s chief executive and he has the full support of the board to take charge of the day to day running of the club.”

“John has a wealth of experience, having first joined the board in the 1980s and his passion for the club shines through. He was urged by the trustees to remain on the board under the previous ownership as he is well respected in the town and in football. His knowledge and contacts are invaluable.

“It was also important that we brought in someone to closely control the club’s finances and Andy Fantom fits the bill perfectly.”

“Andy will be known to many after helping to set up the CFSS, who rescued the club following Darren Brown’s spell as owner. His commercial experience includes managing banks and building societies and his financial acumen will be vitally important.”

John Croot. Photographer: Gray Hughes

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure

Chesterfield squash courts and 3G football pitches to reopen

21st August 2020

After successfully reopening gyms, swimming pools and fitness classes, Chesterfield Borough Council is pleased to announce that squash courts and 3G pitches will be re-opening to the public from Tuesday 1 September.

Initially those customers who had regular bookings prior to closure will have the opportunity to continue their booking, which will be open to new customers once existing customers have had the opportunity to confirm their bookings. If you are an existing customer, the leisure team will contact you directly.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “Lots of people get their weekly exercise from playing squash or five a side football and it’s really important that we can help people exercise more by restarting these sports at our facilities.”

In order to safely reopen these facilities, the council has followed industry specific advice issued by England Squash and the English Football Association. As part of the restrictions for reopening, you can only play with people in your household or social bubble. You must also bring your own equipment in order to play.

There are several other guidelines in place. Find out more here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/leisure-centres-re-opening (opens in new tab)

Booking can be made by calling Queen’s Park Sports Centre on 01246 345555, emailing qpscenquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk or for squash using the online booking system here (opens in new tab).

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

GCSE students at Chesterfield College celebrate results

20th August 2020

Students at Chesterfield College were celebrating GCSE success today after receiving the grades they need to progress with their studies and their careers.

The college supports students to improve or refresh the English, maths and biology GCSE grades they left school with. Many students study these subjects at the same time as studying vocational courses to boost their qualifications to help open up new career opportunities or options for higher level study.

Classes at college offer different ways of studying to a school environment to help students reach this goal. With smaller class sizes and a more practical approach to learning, students can develop the skills they need in new ways. This year, more students achieved their goal of a grade 4 or above across all three subjects compared to the previous year and 100% of biology students received the grades they needed.

After an anxious wait and an unusual end to the academic year, many students came back to college to collect results. They were eager to find out if their hard work and extra study had given them the results they needed.

Stephanie Bealing, was really happy when she opened her results to find she had the grade 4s she needed in English and maths. She said: “I started crying when I opened the envelope, I just couldn’t believe it! I’ve been getting 2s since I first did my GCSEs in 2017, every year I’ve resat and got 2s, it’s never been different until today. It’s been really hard this year as well so I didn’t expect to get these results, I’m so pleased that I’ve jumped up two grades.”

“The grade 4 in English and maths means that I can finally start my Level 3 plumbing here at college. I had to study an extra year to prove that I was capable of studying at Level 3 so getting these grades today makes me feel so much better. At the start of the pandemic I started giving up a little bit, I was shockingly bad at studying at home on my own, I missed having that social interaction and I was getting stressed when I didn’t understand something but my tutor Edie has been really supportive. We’ve had so many Zoom calls, she’s always been there for me. Now that I’ve passed, it’s given me hope again that I can be the plumber that I want to be. Then eventually I want to become a fully qualified gas engineer.”

Stephanie Bealing

Kieran Marriott, has put so much effort into his studies on the Kickstart programme so he was delighted when he opened his envelope to discover he had achieved a grade 5 in English. He said: “I am overwhelmed to be honest. I started college with a grade 2 in English and after a year at college I have got a grade 5. When I got my results after school I was devastated and I felt like I had let myself down. Now I’ve got it I feel like I can go on to do what I want to do now. I want to be a forensic scientist so I am coming back to college in September to study Public Services.”

Kieran Marriott

Jama Holden was very pleased to find out he had achieved a grade 5 in Maths: “The tutor support throughout my journey so far has been fantastic. With all of their support I’ve finally got there and achieved the grades I need. Next steps for me could well be a GCSE in Biology which I’m excited about. After 20 years in Royal Mail I finished work due to ill health and eventually decided to return to learning on the Access to HE for Health Professionals. Whilst it was daunting at first, that didn’t last long as I quickly realised how wonderful the support is here as well as the facilities and I’ve even become a Rep on the Students’ Union committee. The overall experience has really helped me regain my confidence.”

Jama Holden

David Malone, Deputy Principal officer at Chesterfield College said: “I am incredibly proud of all the students who have worked so hard to develop their maths, English and biology skills, often alongside other studies, juggling work and family life. We know how important these skills are to help people progress and secure a positive future in so many different careers.”

“It is wonderful to hear that so many of our students have been successful. I know many people collecting results here today may have had more than one attempt to get these qualifications and it is a testament to their resilience and determination that they now have the grades they need to progress. I hope it also demonstrates to school leavers, who might not have got the grades they were hoping for today, that they can achieve the grades they need alongside their other studies here at college.”

“Our message to anyone receiving GCSE results today, after the difficult few months and unusual circumstances surrounding exams, is that whatever your results it is vital to start the next stage of your education in September. We want to reiterate that their college place is safe and we are ready to get their learning off to a great start.”

A team of college advisors will be available to help GCSE students work out the best option for them, with a range of ways to access that support including:

over the phone on 01246 500500
via email at advice@chesterfield.ac.uk
via live chat on the college web site (available between 9am-5pm on results day)

The college has also reassured school leavers that applications are still open and there is still time to secure a place to start in September.

For more information visit the chesterfield College website here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Featured, Home

Designer Contracts shortlisted for National Business Award

20th August 2020

Designer Contracts, a nationwide flooring company based in Chesterfield, has been named as a finalist in the prestigious Lloyds Bank Business Awards.

The company has been shortlisted for the bank’s ‘Mid-Market Business of the Year Award’ with the winner being announced in November.

Peter Kelsey, MD of Designer Contracts, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be in the line-up for Mid-Market Business of the Year! We’re up against some tough competition, but to be recognised in such a well-known, high profile event, in what has undoubtably been a challenging year for many, is a credit to our business and its people.

“In the midst of the pandemic, we’ve had a number of success stories and were able to complete our planned move to a larger head office in Chesterfield – almost four times the size of our previous premises. We’ve also welcomed a number of new customers and continued to service our existing clients – thanks to our huge stockholding – which has been a blessing to many!

“We’re looking forward to the next stage of the awards process – which will include a Zoom interview with members of the judging panel in early September, before finding out our fate at the awards ceremony in November!”

Designer Contracts continues to enjoy significant and consistent growth and is on track to deliver an £80 million turnover as part of its five-year plan. It posted a 23 per cent growth at its previous end of year figures for the year to October 31 2019, boosting turnover from £38 million to £46.7 million.

Designer Contracts operates across 15 regional outlets throughout the UK and is now fully compliant with the UK government guidelines on managing the risk of Covid 19 – and has been certified as a ‘Covid Safe’ employer.

Designer Contracts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home

Virtual events provide medal opportunity for Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon runners

19th August 2020

Runners will have an opportunity to claim a 2020 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon medal this year despite the event’s cancellation due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Virtual events have been confirmed for the original event weekend of 16th to 18th October, with participants invited to run a Half Marathon, Five Mile or 10k distance before publishing post-run pictures and/or times on the page’s Virtual Events Facebook page, or tagging the event on Instagram and/or Twitter.

The Redbrik Half was cancelled due to Covid-19 creating safety concerns, with the brand-new Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k replacing the event from 2021.

Entrants into the originally-planned 2020 Redbrik Half Marathon who have deferred their entries to the new Chesterfield 10k will receive a medal free of charge on completion of one of the Redbrik Half Marathon Virtual Events – as will those who have already entered the 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k.

Runners who have not entered either event but want to claim a Virtual Event medal can also enter online for a small fee, with details to be announced soon.

With the Redbrik Half Marathon’s charity partners – Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice – due to miss out on funds pledged by those running this year’s Half Marathon events, organisers have encouraged Virtual Event participants to raise funds for good causes which would ordinarily have received tens of thousands of pounds in donations.

John Timms, Event Director said: “We’re really looking forward to seeing people take to the streets safely for the Redbrik Half Marathon’s Virtual Events weekend.”

“This is a fantastic way for those disappointed at the event’s cancellation to still claim a medal and be rewarded for all the training and efforts they have been putting in over the last few months preparing for the event.”

“It’s also vitally important that we continue to pledge funds for great causes such as Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, which have both missed out on huge chunks of funding following the cancellation of events due to the pandemic.”

“It won’t quite replace the incredible buzz of the Chesterfield Half Marathon, but this is our chance to give back to those who supported the Redbrik Half in the three years since its inception, and those who have already pledged their support for the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k.”

Mark Ross, Managing Director of Redbrik Estate Agents, said: “It’s great that entrants into the 2020 Redbrik Half Marathon still have a chance to claim a medal despite the event’s cancellation – it’s certainly unusual and something I’ve not seen a lot of cancelled events offer to entrants.”

“It’s also a fantastic way in which people can still generate much-needed funds for causes such as Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, two charities which have done unbelievable work during the pandemic and continue to serve local people and communities despite the current circumstances.”

“We’ve been proud to support the Chesterfield Half Marathon since its re-launch in 2017 and look forward to seeing people take part in this year’s virtual events, as we head towards the all-new Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k in 2021.”

The Redbrik Half Marathon’s Virtual Events will be supported by Pronto Paints, a leading regional industrial paint manufacturer.

Pronto Paints Managing Director, David Beckford, said: “We’re delighted to continue supporting the health and wellbeing of the people of Chesterfield and the surrounding areas by pledging our support to the 2020 Redbrik Half Marathon’s Virtual Events.

“We love the idea behind the Redbrik Half Marathon’s Virtual Events and getting behind the event despite the ‘real’ Half Marathon being called off fits within our company ethos of continuing to support the health and wellbeing and physical activity of the community.

“We can’t wait to see medals being awarded for all those who take on the Virtual Redbrik Half Marathon.”

To find out more about the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K, click here.

Image credit: Paul Horton Photography

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

University of Derby invites local businesses to sign up to employee mental health support scheme

19th August 2020

Local businesses are being offered the chance to boost productivity by working with the University of Derby to provide better mental health support for employees.

The Mental Health and Productivity Pilot will see the implementation of new workplace interventions at pilot organisations and the rollout of existing approaches in small, medium and large businesses across the Midlands Engine region.

The programme aims to:

contribute to the reduction of mental health distress
break down the barriers to accessing care faced by people experiencing mental illness
support their continuation in and return to work
make a positive contribution to organisational productivity, in terms of wellbeing and economic outcomes

Dr Paula Holt, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Health and Social Care at the University of Derby, said: “The cost to the economy of mental health across the Midlands could be in excess of £45bn this year. Yet research shows that for every £1 invested in supporting the mental health of employees, the return to the employer in productivity is £5. Those returns are greater still when employers take preventative, rather than reactive steps to help their staff.”

Around 1,900 employers took part in the first phase of project, exploring the issues of how mental health and wellbeing are currently dealt with in the workplace and its impact on performance.

Around a third of those taking part reported sickness absence among staff due to mental health issues, and a similar proportion recorded presenteeism, particularly in the hospitality and business services sectors.

Factors negatively affecting mental health of employees include:

Lone or remote working
Client expectations on time, quality and cost
Job insecurity
Recruitment practices

Dr Holt added: “A healthy and inclusive workplace is essential for all businesses, so providing appropriate support for employees, creating a culture of openness and tackling discrimination and stigma, will help to remove some of the barriers to growth and development for firms.”

“The research we have carried out shows that employers recognise that understanding how to address mental health issues effectively can boost morale, engagement and motivation, but also reveals that they are not always sure where to obtain the help they need.”

The pilot will link employers directly to initiatives such as Every Mind Matters, This is Me and Mental Health First Aid, which all provide expert guidance.

Once embedded into an organisation, the guidance aims to help reduce the prevalence of mental health difficulties and increase productivity among the workforce.

The University is now offering businesses of all sizes and from all sectors in Derbyshire and the surrounding areas with the opportunity to work with them integrate effective mental health provision into their organisation.

Training courses which not only help to raise awareness but could be used to support continuing professional development (CPD) are also available.

Businesses taking part will be asked to commit to an initial meeting to discuss how the programme would work for their company, creating a roadmap for its success, and promoting their commitment to the pilot in the workplace.

To find out more about the pilot, click here.

The University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

The University of Derby’s Chesterfield campus, St Helena

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home

Groups invited to apply for Youth Activity Grants

18th August 2020

Community groups, clubs and charities that work with young people are being invited to apply for a share of £220,000 by Derbyshire County Council.

Grants are available for projects for young people aged from birth up to 19, or up to 25 if they have a disability. There’s no set amount of money that can be applied for.

Successful applicants, who will need to be a properly constituted group, will need to show that they can meet all or some of the following:

Support young people’s physical, mental and emotional development
Help young people to understand how to protect themselves from harm and neglect
Help young people to get more personal satisfaction out of their education, training and recreation time
Enable young people to make a contribution to society through volunteering programmes
Help young people to become socially responsible and economically independent adults.

Councillor Alex Dale, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Young People, said: “We are keen to hear from groups across the county about their plans to help young people this summer.”

“If you’re involved with a community group, club or charity in Derbyshire an Youth Activity Grant could be just the helping hand you need.”

“The process is quick and simple and if you apply now we’ll aim to give you a decision within three weeks, or within six weeks if you apply for £10,000 or more.”

The Youth Activity Grants are available until the end of the year, or until all the money has been allocated.

This image was taken prior to the coronavirus pandemic

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home

UKATA announces first Corporate Associate

18th August 2020

A brand-new Corporate Associate partnership with the UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) means that thirty thousand SMAS Worksafe members now have access to industry-leading asbestos training.

SMAS Worksafe, a leading health and safety assessment company, is UKATA’s first Corporate Associate following the launch of the strictly invitation-only scheme last year. It is open to like-minded associations, charities and not-for-profit organisations, professional and industry registers.

The partnership recognises the aligned aims of both organisations and comes at a critical period for the UK construction industry. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, workers in the sector are having to play catch-up with asbestos training that they were unable to complete during lockdown.

Commenting on the new partnership Craig Evans, UKATA Chief Operating Officer explained: “It made absolute sense to invite SMAS Worksafe to become a Corporate Associate. Like us, they have a commitment and support to continued improvements and developments within the asbestos industry, in particular training.”

As well as upskilling SMAS Worksafe members, the partnership will also see members of each organisation benefit from an ongoing information share between UKATA and SMAS Worksafe of best practice in their respective fields.

The partnership will also enable members of SMAS Worksafe to respond to growing demand from construction companies for contractors to demonstrate their compliance with Environmental and Quality Management.

Trish Meyer, Business Development Manager at SMAS Worksafe, said of the partnership: “The aim of this partnership is to raise standards in asbestos across the industry. I look forward to working with the team at UKATA to ensure that our members are kept up to date with all the relevant asbestos information and know how to identify relevant and accredited training.”

Craig added: “Our collaboration recognises the quality standards of both organisations and aims to assist members and the wider industry alike to demonstrate their commitment to workplace safety.”

With around 5,000 deaths per year as a result of exposure to asbestos, it is imperative that the relevant workers have the appropriate level of asbestos training to help prevent putting themselves or others at risk in the course of their work.

Asbestos-related health issues, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma, are not identified immediately after exposure to asbestos as it takes a minimum of 15 years and up to 60 years, before deadly asbestos-related diseases present themselves.

A majority of UKATA-approved training providers are now fully operational and either delivering training courses by video conference, e-learning or within the classroom whilst observing social distancing guidelines.

UKATA supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home

Local man to run length of Chesterfield canal and back in 24 hours

14th August 2020

On 29 August, local runner David Smith intends to run 92 miles in under 24 hours to raise money for the Chesterfield Canal Trust.

The canal runs for 46 miles from Chesterfield to the River Trent and he will run there and back in a day, the equivalent of 3 and a half marathons.

David is a Life Member of the Trust and will be raising money for its 2027 Appeal Fund. This aims to complete the restoration of the canal by 2027 which will be the 250th Anniversary of its opening.

He will set off from Chesterfield in the afternoon of Saturday 29th August. Having run through the night, he will be aiming to get back early on the Sunday afternoon.

David is no stranger to long distance running, nor to raising money for good causes.

Already a keen runner, when he moved to Chesterfield in 1994 he began looking for running routes and it wasn’t long before he came across the canal. Back then it was just a grassy track, but over the years he has seen what a great job the Trust has done helping to restore the canal.

After a while, various family events led him into fundraising and he started running to raise money for a variety of causes, most notably Ashgate Hospicecare and the MS Society; David’s wife has MS. In 2014, David’s grandson was stillborn and this pushed him to a new level, raising money for two babies’ charities – SANDS and Tommy’s.

David often runs in fancy dress carrying a collection bucket (see below) and has competed in events from 5K to 400K, raising over £100,000 in the process. Weather permitting, he will run in full Scooby Doo attire.

during the coronavirus pandemic. David carried on running in his back garden and later round Derbyshire but not raising much money. He had always wanted to tackle the Cuckoo Way – the official name for the canal towpath.

David said: “Over the weeks of lockdown the Canal has become a vital resource allowing walkers and cyclists to experience its beauty as they exercise. It’s important we ensure the brilliant efforts of the Trust volunteers are allowed to continue so the canal can be fully restored for even more people to enjoy.”

Rod Auton, Chesterfield Canal Trust Publicity Officer, said: “We were blown away when David got in touch with this incredible proposal. A few people have walked the full length of the canal in about 16 hours, but to run it there and back in a day is mind-boggling.”

He added: “We hope that the public will get behind David and contribute to our 2027 Appeal. It would be fantastic to see boats sailing into Chesterfield having come all the way from the river Trent. We’d certainly like to see David on the first boat – hopefully it will have been an easier, but slower, passage!”

If you would like to support David or the Canal Trust, you can visit the Chesterfield Canal Trust website or visit David’s Crowdfunder page. Alternatively, you can send a cheque to the Chesterfield Canal Trust, Hollingwood Hub, 22 Works Road, Chesterfield, S43 2PF.

Chesterfield Canal Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer

New appointment for Bridge Help

14th August 2020

Chesterfield-based short-term commercial finance company, Bridge Help, has expanded further with the appointment of David Fielding.

David joins the business as an underwriter bringing nearly 30 years’ experience in the banking sector to his new role. He began his career in banking as a clerk before moving to a customer adviser role and then onto mortgage administration and credit reports, before progressing to a relationship manager position with RBS in 2001.

A self-confessed ‘number cruncher’, David commented: “I like working with maths and numbers and particularly enjoy the analytical side of credit.”

Within the newly created role at Bridge, David will be responsible for preparing the credit reports for the initial assessment of loan applicants with the Bridge Help loans committee.

He added: “I am delighted to join the company. Bridge Help very much has a can-do attitude making it particularly agile within the market. It’s tremendously exciting to part of the company’s growth and decision-making process.”

David, who lives in Rotherham, joins at a time of growth for the business which was established just 18 months ago by former solicitor Chris Sellars who welcomed David to the Bridge Help team. He said: “I am delighted to welcome David onboard. He represents a significant step forward for the business and our plans to grow our market share.

“Despite the challenges presented by Covid-19, loan applications remain strong as people look to invest in the UK commercial property market. Our loan book remains unaffected by the crisis and we are moving ahead with further recruitment in 2020.”

David is one of three new appointments made recently by Bridge Help to push forward the company’s growth ambitions within the bridging finance market. Further recruitment, and also a move to new premises, is planned for later this year.

Bridge Help supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chris Sellars

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home

Chesterfield College students celebrate A Level and Vocational course results

13th August 2020

Chesterfield College students had plenty to celebrate when they collected their final A Level and Vocational results today.

After an unusual academic year and a nervous wait, students opened envelopes to find out how they had been graded without sitting exams. The college’s achievement and pass rates across academic and vocational courses mean the majority of students were delighted to find out they had the results they needed to progress on to further study or into employment.

With a 100% A Level pass rate and 76% of students receiving A*to C grades, along with a record number of the highest grades of A* to B, many students have secured their first choice university places.

A Level students returned to the college’s Sixth Form hub, in the former grammar school on Sheffield Road, for the first time since the college closed its doors at the beginning of lockdown to collect results. Students on vocational courses were also invited back to the college to collect results. This was the perfect opportunity to see familiar faces after several month of virtual learning, albeit with social distancing and safety measures in place.

Megan Ward, was delighted when she opened her results to discover she had an A in Psychology, an A in English and a C in Criminology. She said: “My psychology grade is what I expected and I’m so happy with the A in English, it’s great to see my hard work over the last two years has meant that I’ve shot up two grades. I wasn’t too stressed until last night, I couldn’t sleep until 2am but I just kept trying to tell myself not to worry about it because I can’t change what’s on the paper. I’m now going to study Psychology at the University of Brighton and eventually I want to pursue a career in the subject because I really enjoy it. I’m looking forward to going out for a meal with my family tonight to celebrate.”

Megan Ward

History and Philosophy student Olivia Laiken said: “I am so excited! I didn’t sleep at all last night. Getting an A and a B means I can go my first choice university and get where I want to be. I’ve got a place at Durham University to study History which is exactly where I want to be! It has been a nerve-racking wait. When you do an exam you can tell how it goes on the day but without that we didn’t really know how it was going to go. After my mocks I put so much extra work in and got lots of support from my tutor so I am glad that has paid off.”

Olivia Laiken

Students who collected vocational results across a range of subjects from media and digital technologies to construction and vehicle technology. They explained how it felt to finally know their results and what is next for them.

William Hughes, who received a Triple distinction* in Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT (Games, Application and Web Development) said: “I wasn’t too anxious about getting the results today because I knew I had a confirmed place at university but I am still happy to know that I did get my expected grades. I am going to Sheffield Hallam to study games programming next year. I had finished most of my work before lockdown and I only had a few things to left to do so it hasn’t been too difficult but I was wondering how our two years of work would be graded. I look forward to celebrating and relaxing now I know.”

William Hughes

Sophie Gribbin-Gabitas got an A* in NCFE CACHE Level 3 Technical certificate in Childcare and Education. She said: “It’s a nice relief getting these results after working through lockdown. All that extra effort has definitely paid off. Getting this grade means I can start my university place at Sheffield Hallam to study teaching. I didn’t quite get the A Level grades I needed from school last year so they deferred my place and asked me to get some more UCAS points. I came to college to do a top up year and I really wanted to do well. I have tried my best this year and I am pleased it shows in my grade.”

Sophie Gribbin-Gabitas

Jo Kershaw, Director of Business Professional and Service Industries at Chesterfield College said:
“Congratulations to all our students who have worked incredibly hard this year, before and after lockdown. They should be very proud of their results. The hard work and commitment they have put into their studies throughout the year will help many of them move onto university-level study or into their chosen careers. I also want to thank our tutors for supporting students to achieve in challenging circumstances.”

“We know it has been a very different end to the academic year than any of us had planned but it is important we celebrate what our students have achieved over the entirety of their course and focus on the opportunities that this brings for them. It was good to have students back in college to celebrate with them today. Our priority now is to ensure we support students with their next steps and get the new academic year off to a great start with quality teaching in a safe space. We are looking forward to welcoming new and returning students in September. ”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Featured, Home