News
Learners Making Magic Happen with Dazzling Show at Disneyland Paris
Cadbury Performing Arts students sang live on stage to a 300-strong audience at Disneyland Paris.
The incredibly talented learners performed a medley of classic Disney songs on the Videopolis Stage.
Following their performance, they were congratulated by members of the public on their amazing show, and even had children asking to take photos with them!
Lecturer Rosie Nisbet said: “We could not be prouder of them all, and we are so pleased that they all had such a fantastic end to the college year with a fun few days away.”
Creative Arts Showcase 2024
Cadbury Sixth Form College Creative Arts students are wrapping up their studies in style with a striking End of Year Show!
Join us for an evening of Art, Textiles, 3D Design, Photography, Media, Graphics, Performing Arts and Music on:
Thursday 27 June, 4.30 – 7.30pm
Poster by Robin Gilgunn, AS Graphics, Photography and Computer Science student
New CEO and Principal for Sandwell Family of Colleges
The Sandwell family of colleges – of which Cadbury Sixth Form College forms part – is delighted to announce the appointment of its new CEO and Principal Lisa Capper MBE.
Lisa takes up the position from Graham Pennington, who has held the post since 2014, transforming the family of colleges into one of the largest providers of education to young people in the country.
Lisa joins from her role as CEO and Principal at Stoke on Trent College where she has transformed the quality of provision and financial health of the college, securing significant partnerships and profile for its continued success in meeting the skills needs of learners and employers.
Campus Principal Lydia Maher continues to lead the highly successful Cadbury Sixth Form College as it celebrates 40 years of tradition and innovation.
Commenting on her appointment, Ms Capper said: “I am delighted to be joining the Sandwell family of colleges at such an exciting time. The college offers great opportunity for the young people and residents of Sandwell and Birmingham to achieve their education and skills’ ambitions and develop their careers. I am looking forward to working with the talented and dedicated teams across all sites and hope that I can bring my skills and experience to build on their tremendous achievements.”
Alan Taylor, Chair of the Governing Board at the College said: “Lisa brings extensive experience of senior leadership and governance in further education, and through the roles she has held in colleges, charities and in government, a demonstrable commitment to the learners we serve. We are delighted to welcome Lisa to the Sandwell family of colleges and look forward to her joining us in the autumn.
“On behalf of the Board, I should like to extend our thanks to Graham for all his work and contribution to the progress of the colleges over the past decade.”
Older News & Event Articles
Politics A Level students from Cadbury Sixth Form College had the inspirational opportunity to hear from Sonia Kumar, Dudley’s first female MP and former alumna.
Sonia, a former NHS physiotherapist, shared her insights into the world of politics, her journey from Cadbury to Parliament, and current affairs.
She graduated with a distinction in MSc business and management from Aston University in July – the same month she gained her Dudley seat at the 2024 General Election with a majority of 1,900.
After leaving Cadbury College Sonia worked at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Northfield where she is now a foundation trust member.
Sonia says: “My message to students is to dream big, break glass ceilings, and manifest what they want to do. I worked in the NHS for a decade and decided I wanted to make more of a change with politics and also studying at the same time. There is nothing you can’t achieve if you put your mind to it.”
This week has been an incredibly exciting one for the Sandwell Family of Colleges as we celebrated our first Festival of Learning! The festival took place from Monday 21st October, to Thursday 24th October.
The Festival of Learning celebrates and showcases all aspects of college life across the three colleges, with this year’s theme being Lifelong Learning. The week has demonstrated how the colleges value personal and professional development for students, staff and our partners.
We have been delighted to have been joined by some incredible employers and alumni who have shared incredible insights to our students and staff. Just some of the inspiring events that have taken place this week include:
- University of Aston for an insightful Law Talk to our Law students
- Khaled Daley (Alumni) who performed Hamilton at the West End (plus many other performances), led a dance workshop to various groups
- Birmingham Black Lawyers did a Tech & IP Law Workshop for our Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth Law students
- Working for British Airways: Careers in Cabin Crew for our Business and Travel & Tourism groups
Khalid Daley (Alumni 2012-2013) who studied Drama & Theatre studies, English Language & Literature and Business said “I loved my time at Cadbury College, it was amazing to be amongst diverse and multicultural people and setting. Being with the students this week has been amazing. It’s so inspiring, I find young people so incredible, they have their own individuality and is what makes them special. So many of them really brought it out and haven’t even reached their full potential yet.”
This festival is the first of its kind at the college and we can’t wait to watch it grow even further year on year. To see some of the events and talks in action from this week, please follow our Instagram page here.
This week, Asa Gordon joins the Sandwell Family of Colleges – of which Cadbury Sixth Form College forms part – as Deputy Principal for Curriculum and Skills, stepping into this role as David Holden retires after a successful decade at the College.
Asa comes to Sandwell from his previous position as Vice Principal at Bradford College, where he had a remit from the Governors to deliver a curriculum that meets the needs of students, employers and the community. His achievements there included introducing a skills-focused programme for young people, a responsive adult offering aligned to meet the skills gap identified through the Local Skills Improvement Plan, and the launch of Higher Technical Qualifications and Higher-Level Apprenticeships.
With extensive experience in leading apprenticeships, Asa previously led apprentices at Bradford to success before becoming Assistant Principal for Study Programmes and Adult Provision. He is committed to the transformative role of Further Education, having served the sector for over 20 years and participated on several strategic boards. Additionally, he is an experienced school governor.
Asa’s appointment will be followed in January by the new Senior Vice Principal for Quality and Student Success. Asa joins Lisa Capper MBE, the new CEO and Principal, who also took up her post this week.
Lisa Capper MBE commented: “I am delighted that Asa is joining the Sandwell Family of Colleges for his next challenge. Developing the skills pipeline for young people, adults, and apprentices is crucial for the areas surrounding our colleges and the West Midlands region. Asa brings invaluable experience in curriculum development across key sectors, and we look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.”
Asa shared: “I can’t wait to get started meeting colleagues and learners and supporting our plans for continued success. It’s an exciting time to be joining and contributing to the local area and the wider City region.”
Alan Taylor, Chair of Governors, added: “Asa is a great addition to our team as we move forward with our exciting developments and our relentless focus on learner success.”
