HE/FE NEWS
Gateshead College students shape national toolkit tackling misogyny
Concerns about the normalisation of misogynistic language in schools and online have prompted students at Gateshead College to help shape a national toolkit now being rolled out across the further education sector. National research shows 92% of girls and 74% of boys report sexist name-calling in school, while fewer than a quarter of female pupils believe schools take sexism seriously enough. Those figures formed the backdrop to classroom discussions that led A Level sociology students to develop the ‘Flag !t’ campaign.
Cheshire College named number one for apprenticeships
Cheshire College - South & West has been recognised as the number one further education provider for apprenticeships across Cheshire & Warrington, following the publication of the latest Department for Education (DfE) National Achievement Rate Tables in March 2026, based on achievement data for the 2024/25 academic year.
The College is the largest provider of post-16 education in the region and currently supports over 1,000 apprentices working alongside more than 500 employers, from local businesses to global organisations. With apprenticeships in a wide range of sectors, including engineering, construction, health, digital, business, and more, the College provides students with practical, hands-on experience that equips them with the skills and confidence to progress in their careers.
Jasbir Dhesi OBE, Principal and CEO of Cheshire College commented: “Being named the number one provider of apprenticeships in Cheshire & Warrington is a huge achievement for the College. We have worked extremely hard to build strong partnerships with over 500 employers across the region, ensuring that our apprentices gain the practical skills, experience, and opportunities they need to succeed.”
The College is also leading the way in preparing businesses for a sustainable future with the launch of new “green” apprenticeships. These programmes help develop essential sustainability skills and give employers the chance to upskill staff or bring in new talent to meet sustainability goals and drive innovation. By working closely with employers, Cheshire College ensures apprentices gain the skills most in demand, helping to close skills gaps across the region and create a workforce capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly evolving economy. This includes technical knowledge in their specialism alongside universal skills for life such as communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills. Apprenticeships combine working at an organisation and studying for a nationally recognised qualification, and can be undertaken by anyone over 16 years old. From students taking the next step in their careers to businesses upskilling their workforce, an apprenticeship can be a great route into sustainable employment.
What began as a curriculum project has since been launched at the Association of Colleges national conference and incorporated into a Relationship and Sex Education toolkit championed through the Department for Education’s FE Student Support network. The resource is now available for colleges across England to adapt and has been translated into Welsh. Laura Morris, Curriculum Leader for Personal and Social Development at Gateshead College, said the initiative was driven entirely by student voice. She said: “Students were reflecting on what they see online and in their day-to-day lives. When we looked at national data alongside those conversations, it was clear this was a wider societal issue. They wanted to create something practical that could help others recognise harmful behaviours and respond constructively.
“The students have presented to sector leaders and contributed to a resource that other colleges can now use. That process has built confidence, public speaking skills and critical thinking in a way that goes far beyond a traditional assignment.”
Rather than focusing solely on extreme cases, the campaign identifies everyday ‘red flag’ behaviours that often go unchallenged, alongside ‘green flag’ behaviours that model respect and healthy relationships. It includes structured activities and a reporting framework that institutions can tailor to their own settings.
Students refined their ideas through a sector roundtable before working with designer Alex Lockey to develop materials that could be used nationally while retaining their original intent. The group later presented the campaign to more than 100 delegates at a national student services conference. Matthew Sweet, one of the students involved, said the experience demonstrated that young people can influence wider conversations. He said: “It started as a discussion in class. Taking it to a national audience showed us that our perspectives matter. It’s made us more aware of how everyday language shapes attitudes and has built our confidence in speaking about it.
“Standing up in front of professionals from across the country was challenging, but it showed us that young people’s perspectives are taken seriously. It has given us confidence in speaking about issues that matter and experience we would not normally get at our age.” Interest in the campaign is extending beyond further education, with local authority representatives exploring how elements of the approach could inform work in schools and community settings. Nadine Hudspeth, Director Brand and Learner Experience at Gateshead College, said the project reflects the college’s broader approach to education.
“We want students to leave with qualifications and with the confidence to engage critically with the world around them. This campaign shows how young people can contribute thoughtfully to complex issues while developing the communication and teamwork skills that employers value.” The Flag !t materials form part of the national Relationship and Sex Education toolkit for the post-16 sector and are available via the Association of Colleges.
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www.education-today.co.uk
May 2026
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