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Showcasing a TV and radio career spanning over 15 years, Lauren Crace is one of our shining Cadbury alumni. We have even named our college theatre in her honour.

Since leaving Cadbury in 2004 with 4 A Levels in Media, Theatre Studies, English Literature and Geography, and going on to gain an Acting degree from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Lauren has worked in the Creative Arts and Media industry her entire professional life.

She has had leading roles in BBC dramas Eastenders, Sherlock, Casualty, A Room At The Top, Silk, Phoenix Rise and Holby City, and in ITV’s successful series Mr Selfridge and Vanity Fair.

Lauren became the first ever female Brummie to present the Breakfast Show after being head-hunted by Free Radio Birmingham.

She recently finished shooting series 3 and 4 of Phoenix Rise for the BBC, and continues to work as a development researcher in factual TV.

What’s the best thing about sixth form? Studying new subjects you’ve never encountered before definitely has to be up there on the list. Trying new things keeps you open to new opportunities in life and opens doors to original experiences. Oh, and did we mention, it increases your mental wellbeing and happiness too.

So let’s look at how many inspiring new opportunities you will have access to when you join us at Cadbury Sixth Form College, and how they can help you pursue a whole different passion to make your profession.

If you’d like to explore how complex design issues impact humanity and how you could improve the world around you through your designs, 3D Design could see you studying specialist areas like architecture and environmental design, interior design, sculpture, product design, furniture, jewellery, crafts (ceramics, glass, wood & metal working) or even prop and set design for the theatre and TV.

Considering a career in financial or business management? An Accounting qualification is a route to some of the most in-demand skills in the world, developing the professional skills and behaviours needed for you to contribute effectively to the financial workplace, and it will lead you to a professional status to be proud of.

Academic principles can be taken from the classroom and applied to real-world criminal justice systems when you study Criminology. Not only that, you can combine Criminology with A Level Law, Psychology or Sociology, and develop your university preparation.

Digital Development prepares you for a career in web design, UX/UI or web development. This T Level course has been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses to ensure that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares you for employment in the digital industry – a major source of employment in the UK, with 1.46 million people working in digital companies, and around 45,000 digital jobs advertised at any one time. Around 80% of your time will be spent in the classroom with the remaining 20% being spent in an industry placement for a minimum of 45 days.

Did you know that graduates with Economics degrees are among the very highest paid and go on to careers in Banking and the Civil Service, Journalism, Marketing and Media? You’ll be examining public finance, macroeconomic policies and the role of the financial sector in a global context, as well as business behaviour and market failures.

What could be more career-fulfilling than supporting children to develop their numeracy and language skills through games and play, or helping each child to shape their learning experience? Education & Childcare involves meeting a child’s care needs from feeding to administering medicine, by working in partnership with parents, carers or other professionals.

If you’re strong in Maths and Physics, Engineering overlaps both of these subjects. Typically our students study two A Levels alongside Engineering, so you can easily tailor your own combination, allowing you to pursue varied career options simultaneously.

Potential careers if you decide to study Environmental Science include anything from marine biologist to sustainability consultant or landscape architect or transport planner. You’ll develop an understanding of how human society relies upon natural systems for resources and as a life support system. You’ll also consider how changes in society can produce sustainable lifestyles – extremely relevant to us today.

Maybe your passion lies more in exploring an exciting range of films, from diverse national and cultural backgrounds. Well, if you study Film you’ll cover classic Hollywood cinema and screen icons from Marilyn Monroe to Spike Lee. You’ll also get the skills to complement your career in television, journalism, marketing or film production.

Don’t worry if you don’t already have a GCSE in Geography. You still have the chance to investigate the issues affecting all of us throughout the world and the problems facing the planet today from population increase, greenhouse gas emissions, famine and poverty to over-production and opulence. Discover more about the physical and human impact of global warming, climate change, international conflicts and sustainability.

Into illustration? Graphic Communication will build your creativity and conceptual thinking skills using a wide range of materials, techniques and processes. You’ll develop visual research skills and explore the design idea process, and as if that wasn’t enough, you will also have opportunities to work on live projects and visit galleries and exhibitions.

Nursing, Psychology, Sociology or Social Work degrees can all lead from Applied Health & Social Care, a diploma designed to be studied alongside Psychology, Sociology or Biology A Levels, or individually and tailored to your career aspirations. Or you can study T Level Health with an Adult Nursing specialism.

Captivating and thought-provoking, A Level Law is one of the perennial favourites and gives you a fantastic insight into what it would be like to study Law at university. Applied Law is a unique qualification in the legal sector, giving you an edge when progressing to employment and higher education. Do you dream of becoming your own boss or working as a barrister in the legal profession? Combining Businessand Law gives you a competitive edge and a wider choice of business and legal careers.

Keep your interest and curiosity levels high by studying a whole range of products across platforms from music videos, film and print journalism, through to video games and websites with Media A Level or Media Broadcast T Level.

Ever contemplated the big questions of life, about God, and how we ought to live as human beings? Are you interested in a people-centred career like teaching, medicine, the police, or community and social work? Apply for A Level Religious Studies and take the opportunity to explore ethical and philosophical issues in depth.

Put yourself (or anyone/anything else) in the picture with Photography. Discover your voice and express your ideas and emotions. We want to nurture your individual creativity by giving you lots of choices so you are always working from your passion. You will develop a range of skills including lighting, camera skills and digital manipulation. Our excellent facilities include a dedicated teaching room with Adobe Creative Suite, scanners, laser printers and Nikon DSLRs.

Do you get gripped by General Election fever? Politics is the study of conflict and power. From Brexit to the United States, you can study an exciting and dynamic A Level subject which draws on real examples from the world around us.

Wondering why you are the way you are, or other people behave the way they do? Psychology A Level will help you to understand yourself and other people much better. There are few areas of life where knowledge of Psychology is not valuable. Studying A Level can unlock the door to a nursing, teaching, health or business career. If you thrive in an engaging and more hands-on style of learning, Applied Psychology will give you an insight into practical themes like improving sporting performance, understanding how children develop and treating mental health issues.

Sociology is an exciting and illuminating field of study that analyses and explains important matters in our personal lives, our communities, and the world. From crime to religion, and social stability to radical change in whole societies, there’s plenty to get immersed in.

If you’re looking for an active career and you decide to go for Sports Coaching & Development, throughout your journey you’ll look at research methods, field and lab-based testing such as VO2 max tests, sports nutrition, anatomy and physiology. You’ll also develop a range of techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.

More passion for Fashion Design? Well we can teach you a broad range of textile techniques from felt making, silk paper making, screen printing, hand and machine embroidery to fabric manipulation, pattern cutting and garment construction. You will learn in university-standard facilities, working on your own sewing machine.

By studying one or more subjects you’ve never encountered before, you’ll learn from lawyers, scientists and highly qualified industry professionals with knowledge that motivates students to succeed. Here at Cadbury we are proud to offer one of the broadest ranges of advanced qualifications – if not the broadest – in Birmingham. So start your journey to university and a successful career at Cadbury.

Apply now for your own personal choice of subjects and discover exciting new developments we’ve made to science, engineering, digital design, health and social care facilities for an innovative learning experience at our next open day event.

Learners at Cadbury Sixth Form College, part of The Sandwell Colleges, were celebrated for their outstanding achievements at the Learner of the Month awards, presented by The Rt Hon Lord Hunt of Kings Heath OBE and Minister of State of the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. The prestigious event, attended by Lisa Capper MBE, CEO & Principal of The Sandwell Colleges, was a testament to the hard work and dedication of students who have gone above and beyond in their studies.

The day was filled with inspiration and celebration, starting with a special lunch for the award recipients, followed by an insightful Q&A session with Lord Hunt and Lisa Capper MBE. The session provided learners with a unique opportunity to engage with both leaders, ask thought-provoking questions, and gain valuable insights into leadership, education, and career aspirations. The highlight of the event was the official certificate presentation, where students were recognised for their exceptional academic performance and personal development.

Among the winners was Molly Banks, who stood out for her impressive academic record, securing A grades in all her recent mock exams. Molly’s commitment to her studies and proactive approach to learning earned her well-deserved recognition. Reflecting on her success, Molly said:

“I always make time to work outside of college, whether that’s revising at home or visiting the library. For me, it’s all about staying focused and putting in the effort—it’s good old-fashioned hard work.”

Lisa Capper MBE praised the learners, highlighting their dedication, resilience, and ambition:

“The learners at Cadbury were celebrated for their commitment and dedication to excelling their chosen subjects – this included A levels, T Levels and BTECs. Their futures look very bright as a result of their hard work and I am sure they will go on to forging very successful careers in their chosen field as a result.  It was an honour to have Lord Hunt present the certificates today and to share his background and to talk about the opportunities in industry open to them.”

Lord Hunt commended the students for their hard work and aspirations, encouraging them to continue striving for success in their academic and future careers. He also shared his thoughts on the importance of education and lifelong learning, reinforcing the significance of opportunity, perseverance, and ambition.

The Learner of the Month initiative at Cadbury Sixth Form College recognises students who exemplify academic excellence, resilience, and dedication. The event underscores the College’s commitment to nurturing talent and supporting learners in achieving their full potential, whether through higher education or career pathways.

As Cadbury Sixth Form College continues to celebrate student achievements, the College remains dedicated to providing a high-quality learning experience that empowers all students to succeed in their chosen fields and beyond.