And the Queen's Anniversary Prize goes to...
John Wheatley College!

John Wheatley College in the East of Glasgow ‘Glasgow’s Friendliest College’ has been honoured with the 2007 Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for Community Regeneration Through Innovation and Partnership.

Recognicing outstanding achievement and excellence in UK universities and colleges

The Royal Anniversary Trust prizes, set up in 1993, makes awards every two years. They recognise and honour outstanding achievement and excellence in UK universities and colleges.

John Wheatley College has, for eighteen years, been one of the key providers of learning and vocational skills opportunities in some of Glasgow’s most deprived areas which have historically suffered from unemployment, ill-health and deteriorating infrastructure.

Significant role in the regeneration of the East of Glasgow

More recently, John Wheatley College has played a significant role in the regeneration of the East of Glasgow.  In partnership with a range of other local agencies, the College has supported local residents into the labour market by arming them with the core and vocational skills which help them to access opportunities and compete for jobs.

Award winning students

Many of the College’s students and projects have won awards, from the Scottish Qualifications Authority, Scottish Adult Learners Partnership and other bodies, for overcoming barriers and achieving their goals.  Much of this success is due to the College’s ethos of inclusion, providing programmes of learning which are aimed at people who have few or no qualifications or have had a negative experience of education in the past.

The College programmes embed core skills and provide a range of services to support each learner during their time at college, building confidence and progressing them to the next level or on to employment.  Using a broad knowledge of local labour market intelligence, the College has been able to identify opportunities and, working with other community agencies, respond by tailoring its programmes towards local employers’ needs.

Changing communities - improving opportunities

These successes have been reflected in the changing landscape of the College’s communities, where improvements in opportunities have marched hand-in-hand with community regeneration and development.  New housing, retail developments and infrastructure improvements have helped to create a renewed sense of civic pride and optimism for the future of the area and its residents.  The Clyde Gateway Initiative which aims to redevelop most of the East of Glasgow has already advanced beyond the planning stage and the College’s new East End Campus is one of the first steps on that ladder.

This emergent dynamism has been validated by Glasgow’s appointment as host city for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, much of which will take place in the East End with the building of the Velodrome, National Indoor Sports Arena and the Athletes’ Village.

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Fiona Hyslop MSP, said: “Engaging with communities and creating opportunities for all is what education in Scotland is all about. Developing new skills and building self confidence helps people become successful contributors and all those connected with John Wheatley College can be immensely proud that their great work has been celebrated in this way.”

Chairman of the College’s Board of Management, Andy Woolley, said:

“John Wheatley College is absolutely delighted to be chosen as the 2007 Winner of The Queen’ Anniversary Prize.  This is a huge boost for the Staff, Students and the local community. 

The Award is a validation of the intensive work that the College has done in building and maintaining community partnerships which benefit every resident of the area and every College student.

We feel honoured that our efforts have been recognised in this way.”

John Wheatley College’s Principal, Ian Graham, was equally enthusiastic,

“It is a real pleasure for our College to be recognised in this way.  We have long understood that the only way to support effective and sustainable community development is through education and proper resourcing.  The College has recognised the central role of education in community development and, by combining our own skills and energy with that of other service agencies, we’ve helped to build ‘capacity’ into the community, enabling residents to take the lead in the development and regeneration of their own communities. 

“In addition, the Prize is a testament to the hard work and efforts of the College staff whose talent and vision has propelled the College forward over the years.

“We’re proud to be part of the community’s regeneration and look forward to playing our role in the exciting developments surrounding the 2014 Commonwealth Games.”

Cllr.Catherine McMaster, Chair of the Baillieston, Shettleston and Greater Easterhouse Community Planning Partnership and a member of the Board of Management of John Wheatley College said:

“This prestigious award is a marvellous acknowledgement of the huge impact that the College has had on the lives of the residents.  As one of the best-known community organisations in the area, John Wheatley College has gained a reputation for being an open and welcoming place where people can improve their skills and build their confidence.  The willingness to work with other agencies has been the cornerstone of ensuring that students receive the best and most effective service possible.

John Wheatley himself would be proud to see his name associated with such a prestigious award.  His legacy in housing reform has been fulfilled through the work of Iain Graham, as Principal, and College staff to reduce the gap between subsistence and affluence.  Now, local people will lead the way in regeneration in the East End of Glasgow."

Cllr Frank Docherty congratulates the college

One of the College’s local councillors, Cllr Frank Docherty, Chair of East Centre and Calton Community Planning Partnership added his congratulations,

“John Wheatley College’s commitment to the regeneration of the community and its residents has been widely recognised for some time and it’s splendid that their reputation has been acknowledged and rewarded in this way."

“I am truly pleased that the College is such an active part of this community  -  and delighted at their success in winning the Queens Anniversary Prize.  Congratulations - it is well deserved.”

For Further information, please contact:

Lesley Lang, Marketing Manager
Tel:  0141-588 1567
email:  llang@jwheatley.ac.uk

or Annette McKenna on 0141 588 1500
amckenna@jwheatley.ac.uk