Ex-student Harry won the 2024 FIM World Sidecar Championship

Posted: 17th December 2024

Ex-student Harry won the 2024 FIM World Sidecar Championship in Portugal last month with his teammate Kevin.

Harry studied on the Public Services course with us here in 2009, originally aspiring to be a Firefighter, whilst also really enjoying bikes and road racing.

Harry started as a sidecar passenger back in 2020 and went on to make and ride his own bike. In 2021, he wanted to compete in the British championship and came 2nd alongside winning the newcomer’s class. Harry then went on to compete in the 2022 and 2023 Championships and came 5th both years, until reaching victory in 2024 coming in first place!

Harry said; “Studying on the Public Services course helped me grow and get to where I am now. It helped me learn to work as a team. You’ve got to do what you enjoy and give it 100%”

Harry and his teammate Kevin are sponsored by local Colchester companies Kent Blaxill and Scott Property Group.

You can follow them on Instagram – @team45racing

Ex-business student Danny Nevill delivered a masterclass

Posted: 1st October 2024

Ex-business student Danny Nevill delivered a masterclass to our second-year business students, sharing his own education and career journey and his tips and advice on becoming successful in business.

Danny has kindly done this for several years to support the current cohort of students, as well as supporting Business students as a mentor. He owns multiple businesses including; Universal Web Design, Rockstar Motors and Nexus Networking.

“It is always a pleasure to inspire the next generation of Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, Directors and Managers who are pivotal to the future success of our local and national economy through speaking live at this annual event. Sharing my knowledge and experience, I look forward to revisiting again in 2025 to motivate the next cohort.”

Kully Phagura, Lecturer in Business added, “Danny’s Masterclass provided invaluable insights into the world of entrepreneurship. His journey, from education to owning multiple businesses inspired students, particularly those developing business pitches, to pursue their own.”

Retired local Head Teacher receives honorary award

Posted: 19th September 2024

The University Centre Colchester class of 2024 will celebrate their graduation next week at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester.

This year, Kevin Prince previously Head Teacher at St Helena School, and currently Chair of Colchester Institute’s Corporation Board, will receive an honorary award for his services to Education.

Kevin said, “It was with some surprise but with immense gratitude and humility when I heard I’d been awarded an Honorary Doctorate. It’s a testament to the many individuals who have inspired and supported me throughout my life. I’d like to express my thanks to the University of East Anglia for bestowing this prestigious honour on me.”

Alison Andreas, Principal and Chief Executive at Colchester Institute added “It’s entirely appropriate that Kevin’s 16 years of voluntary service to the College, including 5 years at the highest possible level, are recognised in this way. Colchester Institute owes a huge debt of gratitude to Kevin for his unstinting support over this time, and we will be delighted to celebrate this award with him, alongside the achievements of all of our University Centre Colchester graduands at our graduation ceremony next week”.

The ceremony will take place on Thursday 26th September with students from the Schools of Visual and Performing Arts, Social Sciences and Applied Technologies collecting their awards.

Ex-student James Gillingham signs a record deal.

Posted: 6th September 2024

Ex-student James Gillingham and his band ‘Congratulations’ signed a record deal with Bella Union earlier this year.

James started studying at Colchester Institute in 2012 on the Popular Music course, he studied here rather than A-Levels at another college, as he wanted to study one course in greater detail.

He started playing the drums when he was eight and had drumming lessons thereafter. James now teaches other people to play the drums. “It is really lovely to feel like I have been there and remember it and how they felt, how fun it can be, how hard it can be. I feel like I can help them at every age group.” 

On completion of his course, James went on to study a BA (Hons) in Popular Music at Brighton Music College (BIMM) and in 2021 formed the band ‘Congratulations’ with some of his university friends.

James said “Music is a combination of knowledge, practical skills and people. The people I met at college I am still friends with today and were part of my journey. I wouldn’t be here now without all those experiences. The teachers I had at Colchester Institute made my experience.”

Students form local girl band ‘Flair’!

Posted: 5th September 2024

Music Students Harmonie and Francesca have been gigging with their band ‘Flair’ around Colchester, Braintree, Essex and Suffolk including playing at the Three Wise Monkeys in Colchester.

Harmonie is progressing to her second year here at Colchester Institute and Francesca has chosen to study Music Performance in Sheffield.

The Level 3 course here is equivalent to 3 A Levels, so you can still get the same UCAS points. Francesca said; “The university liked the fact I had spent the last two years working just on music rather than multiple different things. It shows you are dedicated to that one subject.”

The Band is made up of all females. “We wanted to keep the band all females because it’s something you don’t see that much, as a lot of bands are stereotypically males, or mainly males.”

The girls added, “Studying here has brought out our confidence, we were very shy but the course helped grow our confidence, as you meet a lot of people.”

“I would recommend studying here if you want to study one specific subject and try every area of it, it helps you learn different sections. The facilities are good and are free to use and give you a real chance to try it out for two years and see if it’s for you.”