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Cadbury Sixth Form College Launches High Achievers Programme To Support Ambitious Students
Cadbury Sixth Form College – part of The Sandwell Colleges, has officially launched its High Achievers Programme, a dedicated initiative designed to support students who have made a strong start in their education and are eager to excel in their chosen subjects. The programme includes over 60 students this year and provides tailored opportunities that enhance learning, develop leadership skills, and prepare students for their next steps, whether that’s securing places at top universities, progressing into higher apprenticeships, or moving into employment training.
The launch event welcomed Dr. Ekbal Hussain, a distinguished alumnus of Cadbury Sixth Form College, alongside Lisa Capper MBE, CEO and Principal of The Sandwell Colleges, representatives from local universities, and members of the Cadbury Sixth Form College team. Dr. Hussain, who studied Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge and is now a geoscientist at the British Geological Survey, shared his inspiring journey, demonstrating to students what is possible with ambition, dedication, and the right support.
The High Achievers Programme offers students a comprehensive package of support, including specialist academic tuition to deepen subject knowledge, critical thinking, university preparation workshops covering personal statements and interview support, and guidance for higher apprenticeships and employment opportunities. Students will also benefit from guest lectures by industry leaders, resilience training to help them navigate challenges, and leadership development activities that equip them with the confidence and skills needed to thrive in any path they choose.
Lisa Capper MBE, CEO and Principal of The Sandwell Colleges, said: “The launch of the High Achievers Programme at Cadbury Sixth Form College marks an exciting step in our mission to provide exceptional opportunities for our students. We are dedicated to supporting learners in achieving their full potential, whether that means securing places at the world’s top universities, progressing into higher apprenticeships, or excelling in their chosen careers. Having Dr. Ekbal Hussain return to inspire our students is a testament to the calibre of talent that comes through our College, and we look forward to seeing our next generation of high achievers make their mark on the world.”
Lydia Maher, Campus Principal said: “We work with our feeder schools to ensure a tailored pathway for our students. Young people and parents have told us that our personalised approach and enhanced support, trips and visits make a world of difference for our students. We want to capitalise on that and make the most of their time with us at Cadbury and the Sandwell Colleges. As well as this programme we have a number of other initiatives that cater for all our students at Cadbury including specialist clubs, work placements, and great teaching.”
Monica Madriaga, a current Cadbury Sixth Form College student, shared her enthusiasm for the programme: “Being part of the High Achievers Programme is exciting. The additional support and opportunities are really going to help me push my boundaries and aim higher for my future.”
Cadbury Sixth Form College continues to build on its strong reputation for academic and technical excellence, providing students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. The High Achievers Programme will play a pivotal role in empowering students from all study pathways – whether academic, technical, or vocational – to achieve their full potential.
Get more information on the Cadbury High Achievers Programme here
Cadbury Sixth Form College’s SafeHaven project recognised at the National Association for Managers of Student Services Awards
Cadbury Sixth Form College, part of The Sandwell Colleges, has been recognised on a national stage, securing Runner-Up in the Inspirational Project of the Year category at the prestigious National Association of Managers for Student Services (NAMSS) Awards 2025.
The recognition celebrates SafeHaven, a transformative project delivered in partnership with West Midlands Police, which provides a vital safe space for young people in the community. Designed to support local primary and secondary school students, SafeHaven offers a welcoming environment where young people can access guidance, support, and positive role models outside of school hours.
Reflecting on the impact of the initiative, Emma Brannen, Senior Vice Principal, said:
“SafeHaven is a fantastic example of how collaboration can create real change. We know that young people face a variety of pressures, both inside and outside of school, and having a safe and welcoming space where they feel heard, supported, and empowered makes a significant difference. This project is not just about safeguarding—it’s about creating a community where young people can grow in confidence, build positive relationships, and develop the skills they need for a brighter future. We’re proud to work alongside West Midlands Police to provide this invaluable support network for the young people in our region.”
PC Matt Shakespeare of West Midlands Police also praised the initiative, highlighting its role in strengthening community ties:
“SafeHaven is a wonderful initiative that gives young people positive outlets for self-expression and growth. Our collaboration with Cadbury Sixth Form College on this project reinforces our commitment to supporting Birmingham’s youth and fostering a safer, more connected community.”
The award ceremony, which celebrated outstanding student support initiatives across the UK, recognised the project’s commitment to safeguarding and community engagement, reinforcing the college’s role as a trusted pillar of support for young people in the region.
In attendance at the event were Campus Principal Lydia Maher, Project Lead and Director of Student Services Amie Banford, and Madison Shanahan, Senior Student Support and Community Liaison Officer, who have all played a pivotal role in the development and success of SafeHaven.
This recognition highlights Cadbury Sixth Form College’s dedication to fostering safe and inclusive spaces, empowering young people with the resources and support they need to thrive.
Choose STEM For Your Career Path at Cadbury
So why choose STEM as a career path?
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is one of the fastest-growing areas with an-ever increasing demand for graduates.
The UK is currently short of STEM graduates, so if you have a STEM background, you’ll be in a great position to start a successful career which is personally and financially rewarding.
With STEM qualifications you’ll increase your employment prospects and make a difference to society. You’ll be valued by employers and governments as you’ll be helping to drive economic prosperity in diverse industries such as information technology, robotics, cybersecurity, biotechnology and engineering.
Due to our greater use of technology and the complex challenges of today’s world including climate change, healthcare, and energy sustainability, STEM careers are some of the most exciting that you can imagine. As a college student, it’s entirely possible that by the time you come to graduate from university, there will be new jobs that don’t even exist at the moment.
STEM related job sectors cover artificial intelligence, software development and data analysis, and example STEM careers could include:
Science
Chemist/Astrophysicist/Environmental Scientist
Technology
Software Developer/Network Administrator/Systems Analyst/IT Manager
Engineering
Civil Engineer/Mechanical Engineer/Electrical Engineer/Aerospace Engineer
Mathematics
Mathematician/Actuary/Data Scientist
STEM Success
Shannon is one of Cadbury’s committed and driven alumni with a keen interest in the environment and passion for physical geography. After studying BSc Geography at Sheffield Hallam University Shannon graduated in 2019 with a First Class Honours Degree, and she is now a Hydraulic Modeller at RES Environmental Ltd.
Winning prizes for graduating top of her class and for her outstanding contribution, Shannon continued her study with an MSc (Res) in Polar and Alpine Change at the University of Sheffield where she was awarded a Distinction. Shannon is comfortable using a range of different GIS software including ArcPro, Mapinfo and QGIS.
On her recent return to Cadbury as a guest speaker, Shannon reflected: “Being the first in my family to go to university, I know how important it is for students to have role models from similar backgrounds and it meant a lot that I can be that for students at Cadbury.”
Which STEM subjects can I study with you?
Cadbury Sixth Form College offers you any of these subjects that fall within the STEM categories:
Applied Science │ Physics A Level │ Chemistry A Level │ Biology A Level │ Mathematics A Level │ IT Data Analytics │ Engineering │ Further Maths A Level │ 3D Design A Level │ Computer Science A Level │ Electronics A Level │ Economics A Level │ Applied Human Biology │ Psychology A Level │ Applied Psychology │ Environmental Science A Level │ Core Maths │ Laboratory Sciences T Level
Next STEM Steps
Research all our entry requirements or ask our knowledgeable STEM careers team at one of our next open days.
Older News & Event Articles
Creative work by talented Cadbury students has been selected for a national art exhibition exploring environmental challenges when times are hard.
The ‘Your Money Or Your Life’ online exhibition has been launched by the Sixth Form Colleges Association and will run from June 14 until June 30.
Successful submissions by A Level Photography students Lucy Greetham and Zaynah Tariq will showcase their reflections on how to maintain the focus on sustainability when money is scarce.
Lucy created her installation entitled ‘The Cost-of-Living Crisis’ as a response to the current economic state of the UK and the rising prices of food, petrol, heating and electricity.
She says: “In this installation, I wanted to highlight what that struggle looks like through the voices behind those being most affected by the problem. Consisting of a set of propaganda inspired posters, and street photography of real people, I’ve created a set of images emphasising the fears and struggles that the public are being put through to maintain a normal lifestyle under money pressures, sinking them into further debt and poverty, in contrast to the politicians who are a part of the problem.
“This installation also features a shelf with cans across it, highlighting the scarcity of food and the difficulty to obtain such a mundane item due to the rise in prices and growth in poverty in the last two years. I wanted to highlight the frustrations at the rise in prices, the conflict it adds on regular people and their lives, using street photography to emphasise the people affected as well as a wall of quotations where I vent about those in lower incomes being most affected by the problems caused by those higher in power. In relation to this idea, I also screen-printed faces of political figures in the last year that have contributed to the growth in the Cost-of-Living Crisis onto the floor of the installation, allowing those viewing the installation to physically walk over political figures to view the art piece. This work was inspired by artists such as Rodchenko’s graphic design work and artist Lincoln Agnew.”
Zaynah created two posters for her piece called Attachment To Money.
She says: “The first poster shows obsession with money and a teenager’s viewpoint on it. I combined a high key poster of the subject saying what money means to her, followed by a projection shot of her obsessing over it.
“For my second poster I combined my money macro shots with the homeless shots I took. The meaning of this poster was to show our needs and how money does in fact have a big impact on your struggles and life. It shows the double imagery of how we need money to survive and how it does affect your mental state.”
Law students from Cadbury Sixth Form College have been getting real-life Crown Court experience in a Bar Mock Trial Competition.
The students have been working together to prepare legal arguments and to present a case in front of real judges.
Teams take part in a regional heat and go head-to-head with other schools across the country to prosecute and defend their cases. Winning teams will then compete in a National Final.
Our learners got to play all the key roles involved in a criminal trial, from lawyers to witnesses.
This helps them build on their critical thinking, employability skills and general confidence boosting.
Law students from Cadbury Sixth Form College have been getting real-life Crown Court experience in a Bar Mock Trial Competition.
The students have been working together to prepare legal arguments and to present a case in front of real judges.
Teams take part in a regional heat and go head-to-head with other schools across the country to prosecute and defend their cases. Winning teams will then compete in a National Final.
Our learners got to play all the key roles involved in a criminal trial, from lawyers to witnesses.
This helps them build on their critical thinking, employability skills and general confidence boosting.
