Chesterfield College
Building Futures for All: Staveley & Green Skills Hub
Finalist, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Sustainability
Finalist, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Sustainability
About
Based on a live housing site, it engages learners, particularly those at risk of becoming NEET, through practical, real-world learning that builds confidence, skills, and clear progression routes into employment. The Hub integrates English, maths, and sustainability into vocational training, aligning with Future Homes Standards and preparing learners for green careers. Strong employer partnerships ensure the curriculum reflects industry needs and provides direct pathways into apprenticeships and jobs. Since launch, the Hub has supported over 60 learners, achieving 95% success rates and 97.6% positive progression. It has also engaged over 900 school pupils, raising aspirations and widening participation in a disadvantaged community. The model demonstrates how inclusive education can drive social mobility, reduce skills gaps, and support a fair and sustainable transition to economic growth.
Top 3 learnings
- We learned that real world environments significantly re-engage disadvantaged learners disengaged from traditional education
- We found embedding English and maths in practical tasks dramatically improves achievement and confidence
- We realised strong employer partnerships are essential for relevance, progression, and sustainable impact
What would it mean to win?
To win a Green Gown Award would mean so much to us as the crux of the awards align so closely with what we strive to achieve as an organisation with all of our stakeholders, from students to employers and our own staff. The golden thread of sustainability is something that runs through every facet of what we do here so to receive recognition for what we've achieved and continue to strive for would really empower our staff to know just how amazing their hard work actually is and their efforts really do make the difference.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
| 2026 | |
| Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Sustainability | |
| Finalist, UK and Ireland |
More from the 2026 awards
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Finalist, Nature Positive
Green Gown Award Regions
Australasia
