Strode College in Street has won a national award for a Higher Apprenticeship it offers in partnership with Historic England.

The college has picked up the Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Edge Award for Excellence in Real World Learning, which is sponsored by the Edge Foundation.

Achieving this national recognition was based on Strode's unique partnership with Historic England and the delivery of the Historic Environment Advice Assistant Higher Apprenticeship.

This award was presented at the AoC Annual Conference held online yesterday (February 8). The AoC's Beacon Awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK colleges each year.

This award is sponsored by the Edge Foundation, an independent education charity dedicated to shaping the future of education to meet the demands of the 21st century global economy and ensure opportunity for all.

It celebrates colleges which have developed high quality practical teaching and learning approaches that give students experiences that are real, meaningful, challenging, stretching and life changing.

Katy Quinn, principal and CEO of Strode College, said: "We are thrilled to have won the Beacon Edge Award for Excellence in Real World Learning.

"We already have a growing national reputation for excellence in academic learning and being selected as a winner for this prestigious award is evidence of this and our outstanding work in providing technical and vocational education.

"I'm am so pleased for the hard work of the team who impressed the judges with the quality of what they saw supported by the excellent feedback from our students."

Adrian Ash, head of higher education and international at the college, said: "I am so proud of my team at Strode College for their work in developing the Historic Environment Advice Assistant Higher Apprenticeship in partnership with Historic England.

"This programme is the first of its kind aimed specifically at the heritage sector.

"The initial group of apprentices have enjoyed a vibrant and high quality experience and we are now actively looking for enthusiastic new recruits. Winning this award is a great accolade for this important work."

David Hughes, chief executive of the AoC, said: "This award showcases exactly why colleges are so important to every community and why people value them.

"Colleges are inspirational because the teaching delivered is accessible and students get to experience education in a relatable way.

"Having a curriculum that students can identify with is hugely important for developing skills that will be used long after they have left and gone onto the next stages in life."