United Colleges Group is delighted to announce it has retained its status as a Microsoft Showcase College for the sixth year running, demonstrating our college’s cutting-edge approach to digital innovation in learning. The Microsoft Showcase initiative is a school and college transformation programme and a global community of pioneer schools around the world. It’s an opportunity to engage with Microsoft, receive support from local Global Training Partners, and engage with like-minded college leaders around the world to deepen and expand education transformation using the Microsoft Education Transformation Framework.

As part of the rigorous reaccreditation process, United Colleges Group was praised for our continuously evolving digital strategy, our evidence of exceeding key metrics, our strong culture around leadership and CPD, our student-centred impact and inclusion work, and our data-informed decision-making culture. This recognition only reinforces our commitment to our college’s strategic aim as outlined in our Strategic Plan, to ‘provide an outstanding student experience aligned with high quality outcomes delivered in best-in-class facilities for the digital age’.

Stephen Davis, CEO & Group Principal said: “Retaining our Microsoft Showcase College status once again this year is a testament to United Colleges Group’s commitment to delivering on digital transformation. Technology is with us for good and we must make every effort to make the very best ethical use of it. It’s inspiring to see our college leading the way and exemplifying that.”

The college has also this year exceeded its target of 6% of permanent staff taking up the roles as Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts. MIEEs use Microsoft technologies and innovative teaching practices to enhance student engagement, creativity, and collaboration. The college’s MIEEs have worked together as digital champions to ensure we retain our Showcase status, with our numbers of MIEEs at UCG increasing this year by 43% compared to last year.

UCG MIEEs can join monthly forums with Microsoft, connecting with digital leaders from other FE colleges across the UK. The role of MIEE gives staff the chance to share ideas, learn from peers and help shape the future of digital learning at UCG and across the FE sector. If UCG staff would like to participate in the programme this year, please contact david.newland@cnwl.ac.uk for more information.