Mansfield college head praises students for hard work during “very unusual times"

West Nottinghamshire College principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley gave his thanks and good wishes through a video message, addressing learners who have now completed their studies and those who will be returning to the college next academic year.

The college has been closed to most students since March 23, except to a small number of students who have required specialist support.

The majority of students have continued or completed their studies remotely through online learning.

Although it recently opened its doors to around 400 students who will continue to be on-site over the coming weeks to undertake elements of practical learning, complete graded assessments, or make a head-start on the next academic year, the college year has now ended for the vast majority of students.

Mr Cropley said: “I want to say thank you to all of you for engaging so positively in your learning, both while you were here at college and after the lockdown at the end of March.

“Your resilience, creativity and determination to continue your learning has been fantastic and I admire all of you for doing that.”

Praising students who have finished their studies, Mr Cropley said: “Congratulations on your achievements, thank you for all that you’ve brought to the college.

“I wish you well for the next stage of your journey, whether that’s in higher education, on to an apprenticeship, or in to work.”

He also said he was looking forward to welcoming back those students who will be returning to the college, although he acknowledged there was still some uncertainty about “what life in college will look like in September”.

He added: “What I can assure you is that we will do our very best to make the experience as good for you as it possibly can be.

“Of course, you will be experienced students and we hope that you will serve as role models for those that are new to the college, helping them to make the very best of their time with us.”