BRADFORD College has developed a student-friendly service, enabling more people to access higher education opportunities, regardless of barriers they may face.

The QUEST Team supports groups of students outlined in the Bradford College Access and Participation Plan (APP) , including care experienced and estranged students. Access and participation plans are national initiative to support students through their education journey, helping them to access, succeed in and progress from Higher Education opportunities.

On track to completing the final year of her degree, one student from an estranged background, who utilised the support of the QUEST Team, shares her experience: “I first heard about The QUEST Team shortly after applying to Bradford college. After finishing at Craven College, I was looking to complete my BA in Media Makeup and Special Effects. I was contacted after I applied by The QUEST Team. They explained what they could offer in terms of support for Estranged Students, and were extremely helpful in answering my queries.

“Once I’d enrolled at Bradford college and had my Student Finance in place, The QUEST Team met me to discuss my circumstances and arrange financial support in the form of applying for grants. This was a simple, stress-free process, which is definitely good when you’re a third year degree student! After filling out the forms and providing the necessary evidence, The QUEST Team quickly provided a plan explaining when payments would be made throughout the year.”

The QUEST Team looks to support students to complete their courses and ease some of the financial barriers that students can face. Bradford is a diverse area and the college is passionate about helping people from different backgrounds overcome any barriers they may face. Amber, who is doing a BA (hons) degree in Make-up with Special Effects, says: “I am receiving the Accommodation Grant as well as the Care Leavers/Estranged Student Grant, which has helped me massively overcome the usual obstacles I have faced as an estranged student. Due to the nature of my course I have even more financial outgoings, such as material and service costs when it comes to promoting myself as a trainee when I finish in May. Without these grants I could not do my course and also juggle the financial issues at home. The QUEST Team are very friendly and provide a safe space for students like myself, which really helps me get the best out of my studies. I would definitely recommend reaching out if you need help from The QUEST Team. They have made my life easier and I have been able to study without as much financial worry.”

For about the support The QUEST Team email quest@bradfordcollege.ac.uk

* BRADFORD School of Art alumnus Ian Hodgson, whose work has been exhibited around the UK has been shortlisted for a national art prize. Ian is one of 55 artists, from over 2,000 entrants worldwide, to be selected for the Derwent Art Prize. His atmospheric images of clouds will form part of the Derwent Art Prize 2022 Exhibition at London's gallery@oxo until March 6.

Says Ian: “I have such fond memories of my art degree at Bradford College, a proper learning experience which changed the course of my life.” Ian graduated from Bradford School of Art, part of Bradford College, in 2000 before progressing to a Fine Art degree. “Bradford School of Art changed my life. I'll always be grateful to them."

Ian’s work has been exhibited in Los Angeles, where movie star Demi Moore bought one of his pictures. Visit ian-hodgson.co.uk and instagram.com/ian.hodgson

* BRADFORD College students have achieved their best ever results after re-sitting exams.

Despite not achieving the grades they'd hoped for last summer, learners used a variety of support tools, including targeted additional provision in English and Maths Success Centres, an artificial intelligence system called Century Tech, and focused targets, known as 'The Three Big Things', to achieve results they needed in November resits. A higher percentage of students achieved grade 4s and above than ever before. Head of Maths and English Adrian Hutchinson said: “We've had an amazing set of results that will make such a huge difference to the students' lives. The students most likely to succeed had at least 80per cent attendance, completed at least two-and-a-half hours per week on Century Tech and attended the Maths and English Success Centre.”

The college began running the Success Centre last year. Of students who attended, 40per cent achieved grade 4s and above in their resits. Adrian said: “This is an amazing achievement, considering they didn’t pass their exams previously and some have had to resit their exam more than once.” Based on the fifth floor of the David Hockney Building, the ground floor of Trinity Green campus, and at Bowling Back Lane and Lister Building, the Success Centres are where students can get support from mentors to develop maths and English skills. Visit bradfordcollege.ac.uk/gcses