Oldham College Innovation Literacy Programme Recognised in National AoC Beacon Awards
We’re proud to announce that Oldham College’s Innovation Literacy Programme has been officially recognised with Commended Status in the prestigious AoC Beacon Awards 2025/26, under The Edge Award for Excellence in Real World Learning.
This commendation places our programme among the top examples of innovative practice in further education across the UK. The Beacon Awards celebrate excellence and impact in colleges, and reaching the Beacon Standard is a significant achievement—especially in a category that champions real-world learning and future-ready skills.
The Innovation Literacy Programme, developed and led by Coral Grainger and her team, continues to gain national recognition for its transformative approach to teaching and learning. It equips learners with the mindset, skills, and confidence to thrive in complex, evolving environments—bridging the gap between education and the world of work.
“It’s fantastic to see the programme continuing to be recognised nationally. This commendation is a testament to the creativity, commitment, and collaboration that underpin the work of Coral and the team,” said Sarah Condren, Director of Teaching, Learning and Experience.
The next stage of the awards process will see finalists announced at the AoC Annual Conference on 18 November. Should Oldham College be selected as a finalist, a visit will be arranged between December and January to further explore the programme’s impact.
In the meantime, we’re celebrating this milestone and sharing the news with our community. You can view the commended case studies on the AoC website and follow the conversation online using #AoCBeacons and #LoveOurColleges.
Congratulations to everyone involved in the Innovation Literacy Programme—your work is shaping the future of education.
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