The City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College are delighted to share that THREE members of staff and one of our dedicated students recently received royal recognition for their outstanding contributions to education and personal development.

This year, the college is proud to have had three members of staff receive invitations to attend the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace – a testament to the exceptional dedication of our college community. Those invited included Julie Calcott, Exams Officer; Richard Collins, Teacher of Maths; Richard Head and Teacher of Geography.

Richard Collins attended the prestigious event on Wednesday 15th May. The King’s Garden Party, hosted annually to recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities, was a fitting tribute to Richard’s remarkable 42 years of service in education.

To mark the occasion, the STEM Curriculum team created a special honorary royal plaque, which now proudly hangs on Richard’s classroom door as a heartfelt tribute to this special moment.

Reflecting on the day, Richard said:

It was a real privilege to be invited to the King’s Garden Party and to represent the teaching profession. The surroundings were beautiful, and the atmosphere was incredibly special. It’s lovely to see long-standing service to education recognised this way – and I was genuinely touched by the royal-style plaque my colleagues put on my classroom door to recognise the occasion.

Each year, over 30,000 guests attend the Garden Parties, enjoying tea, cake and sandwiches in the beautiful gardens of Buckingham Palace, where members of the Royal Family circulate and speak with guests from all walks of life.

In a separate but equally inspiring visit to Buckingham Palace, student Eloise Rawsthorne-Durand attended the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Celebration on Friday 9th May. Eloise, who successfully completed the gold award alongside her A Level studies, was invited to the Palace gardens to mark her incredible achievement.

Over the past year, Eloise has undertaken a range of challenges to complete her Gold Award. This included volunteering, maintaining a regular physical activity, developing a new skill, participating in a residential trip to France, and completing hiking expeditions across the Peak District, Trough of Bowland, and Dartmoor.

Speaking about her experience, Eloise said:

The Duke of Edinburgh Award was an amazing experience which has given me leadership, teamwork and independence skills. I have created long-lasting friendships and memories, especially on the qualifying expedition in Dartmoor, where we walked and camped across open access land. I also had the opportunity to visit Buckingham Palace for my Gold Award and listened to celebrity guest speakers, which I found inspirational, as well as meeting Prince Edward and Olympic Gymnast, Jake Jarman. My Duke of Edinburgh leader, Penny, supported us at every point along the way, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her. I would absolutely recommend the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Penny Patrick, Teacher of Maths and Duke of Edinburgh Lead at the College, added:

We are so proud of Eloise and all she has achieved. Completing the gold award is no small feat, especially alongside A Level study. Her commitment, resilience and positivity throughout the process have been outstanding, and she fully deserves this recognition.

We want to extend our congratulations to Julie, Richard, Richard & Eloise for their incredible contributions to education and achievements and for representing the College with such pride.