Activate Learning is proud to announce it has been awarded an overall Ofsted rating of 'GOOD' with an Outstanding feature! 🥳
With its colleges across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Surrey, Activate Learning was also identified as making a Strong Contribution to identifying and meeting local, regional and national skills needs – the highest grading possible.
This latest inspection carried out by Ofsted in November 2022, looked at the Overall Effectiveness, Quality of Education, Behaviours and Attitudes, Personal Development and Leadership and Management, receiving Good grades across all areas.
The assessment for the provision of education for learners with high needs has been consistent for the past three Ofsted inspections and was once again assessed by Ofsted as Outstanding.
Activate Learning's Learning Philosophy was also singled out by inspectors, who were impressed by its implementation across the curriculum.
Speaking about the outcome, Gary Headland DL, CEO at Activate Learning, said:
“I am so pleased that the hard work and commitment of the Activate Learning team has been assessed by Ofsted as Good with a Strong Contribution to identifying and meeting local, regional and national skills needs.
This is testament to the work of our dedicated staff who work so hard, day in and day out, to serve our communities through our college campuses in Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey and nationally through Activate Apprenticeships, including our Cycle Academies and the Activate Business School, and our online provision.
It also reflects so well on the terrific students we have across our colleges, our apprentices and our online students, who are working hard to develop themselves for the future in line with our Learning Philosophy.”
Read the full story here: bit.ly/OfstedGoodAL
#GoodAndStrongTogether🤩
🌍🐢Today is Endangered Species Day — a chance to raise awareness of the incredible animals around the world that urgently need our protection. 💚
Here at Merrist Wood College and University Centre, we’re proud to care for a number of endangered and critically endangered species as part of our ongoing commitment to conservation and education.
🔴 Critically Endangered species in our collection:
• Roti Island Snake Neck Turtles
• Indochinese Box Turtles
• Axolotls
🟠 Endangered species in our collection:
• Sulcata Tortoises
• Java Sparrows
• Fly River Turtle
• Hog Island Boa
• African Grey Parrot🦜
Every species plays an important role in our planet’s ecosystems, and days like this remind us why conservation matters more than ever.
This week gave us everything from wellbeing fairs to mindfulness workshops, VR meditation, cycle challenges, creative sessions, yoga, crafts, wellbeing walks and therapy dogs 💭🌿
Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 brought staff and students across Activate Learning together to take positive action for wellbeing, in line with this year’s theme from the Mental Health Foundation: Action.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part, supported events, fundraised for MindGreen, shared conversations and helped create such a positive atmosphere across our campuses and online this week.
Special thank you to MindGreen for supporting this year’s activities through charitable donations!
Together, we’re continuing to make mental health conversations more open, supportive and action-focused. 💚
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #ActivateLearning #Wellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #TakeAction #CollegeCommunity
A huge thank you to everyone who took part in our 12-hour cycling challenge earlier this week at @Official_MerristWood College! 🚴💚
Together, we raised funds for Mind Green, our wellbeing and inclusion fund, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week — and what an incredible day it was.
Thank you to all the staff, students and supporters who helped make the event such a success, and a special thank you to our visitors from @catalyst_support and The @Samaritanscharity for joining us and supporting such an important cause.
And of course, we can’t forget Bailey the Shetland pony, our wonderful college mascot, who kept spirits high throughout the day! 🐴✨
Your support means so much and helps us continue promoting positive wellbeing across our college community. 💚
We asked students across @activatelearn : What does mental health mean to you? 💬
Their answers were thoughtful and honest. Many shared that taking time to look after themselves, spending time with loved ones, and doing hobbies they enjoy all play an important role in supporting positive mental health and wellbeing. 💚
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and taking small actions to look after your wellbeing can make a big difference.
What’s one thing you do to look after your mental health? 👇
We were delighted to see our Professional Culinary Arts students taking part in the recent qualifying heats for our new Culinary Arts competition ❤️👩🍳👨🍳
The competition celebrates creativity, passion and dedication in the kitchen, with students producing an incredible range of dishes across our Level 1 and Level 2 Culinary Arts programmes.
Congratulations to Level 1 student, Graz, and Level 2 student, Beth, who claimed first place in the heats and will now progress to the grand finals! 🎉
The overall winner will receive The Talvin Ghag Memorial Award for Culinary Excellence — a special award created in memory of former Oxford College student and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons chef, Talvin Ghag.
Talvin’s passion, resilience and love for the culinary arts inspired everyone around him. This award recognises students who embody those same qualities: perseverance, commitment to growth, and an unwavering passion for their craft.
We can’t wait to see the finalists compete in July! ✨
Huge congratulations to Farnham College photography student Katie Hill, whose photography has been selected for the @sportinmind in Mind Mental Health Awareness Week exhibition in Reading 📸✨
Katie, a passionate @flamesicehockey fan, entered the competition with a striking ice hockey image capturing the energy, focus and emotion of the sport. Her work will now be exhibited at venues across Reading, including Reading Museum, Campus Reading International and The Oracle Shopping Centre.
The competition celebrates photography that explores the positive impact of sport and physical activity on mental health, with themes including connection, pride and calm.
Katie said of her entry: “I captured Ice Hockey players focused in the sport, their movement illustrating the focus and energy to keep going”.
We’re incredibly proud to see Katie’s talent recognised as part of this inspiring campaign — well done, Katie! 👏🏒
🚴💚 Mental Health Awareness Week is in full swing at Farnham College! 💚🚴
Today has been packed with positivity, community spirit and plenty of smiles as students and staff came together for our 12-hour cycle challenge in support of MindGreen, our wellbeing and inclusion fund 🌱
A huge thank you to Activate Learning CEO Gary Headland and Farnham College Group Director Scott Reilly for kicking things off bright and early this morning and a massive thanks to all our amazing staff who've been keeping those peddles moving all day! 👏
Our reception area has been buzzing all day with:
🎨 Face painting
🧁 Delicious cake sales
🤝 Support and advice from @Samaritanscharity and @anytimefitnessfarnham
🐶 Special wellbeing cuddles from Woody, our adorable furry visitor from @petsastherapy_uk
It’s been amazing to see everyone getting involved and supporting mental health and wellbeing across our college community 💚
This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re encouraging students and staff to take time to support their wellbeing and explore the resources available through our Learning Environments. 💚
Don’t forget to visit:
✨ VR Thursdays
✨ Exam prep VR sessions
✨ Immersive Spaces (where available)
You can also access our online reading list, digital BorrowBox shelf, plus physical books and magazines designed to support mental health and wellbeing.
Simply scan the QR codes or visit your local Learning Environment to find out more.
Together, we can help create supportive, inclusive learning spaces where everyone can thrive.
Learn more about activities on your campus this week via the news section of your college website.
@mentalhealthfoundation
Next up in our I have a dream series at The Leys College is John, who is studying Esports.
This programme explores a wide range of topics, from foundational skills in live stream broadcasting, content creation, and basic game design, to advanced studies in esports coaching and psychology, social media marketing, graphic design, and event management.
#activatelearning #theleyscollege #oxfordshire #collegecommunity
This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re recognising the importance of connection, support and wellbeing for everyone in our communities. 💚
At Activate Learning, we believe mental health matters every day. Whether it’s through supportive learning environments, access to wellbeing resources, or simply checking in with one another, small actions can make a big difference.
Supporting wellbeing is central to our commitment to creating inclusive environments where learners, colleagues, employer partners and our local communities can thrive, achieve their goals and feel empowered to succeed.
Let’s continue creating spaces where people feel heard, valued and supported.
@mentalhealthfoundation
Every learner deserves the right support to thrive in education.
That’s why we’re proud to launch our new Level 3 Teaching Assistant with embedded SEND training apprenticeship, helping education professionals build the confidence, practical skills and inclusive approaches needed to support all learners.
Our first cohort of 24 apprentices will develop specialist knowledge to help children and young people with additional needs feel supported, included and empowered in their learning journey.
Alongside core classroom practice, the programme includes dedicated SEND learning designed to strengthen inclusive support across schools and colleges, helping create learning environments where every student can succeed.
Designed around the realities of busy education settings, the programme offers flexible delivery during term time, workplace-based learning, live online sessions, dedicated coaching and levy funding opportunities.
Learn more about the programme on the Activate Apprenticeships website.
