RNC rated 'Good' by Ofsted for its residential provision

RNC was delighted to receive a Good rating from Ofsted across all aspects of its residential provision. The announcement in May followed a thorough three-day inspection in March, where inspectors assessed the standard of residential care provided to students who live on campus during term time.

Inspectors evaluated a wide range of services, including student support, safeguarding, accommodation, activities, and catering, all of which contribute to the positive experience and progress of students.

Prom: Class of 2025

RNC’s academic year ended spectacularly at this year's Prom. Students arrived in style on the red carpet, dressed in stunning outfits. The dining room was transformed into a summer paradise with floaty pastel decorations and DJ Matt Healey rocked the decks. Two fantastic live bands from Hereford Sixth Form College also kept the dance floor buzzing. 

Beyond the music, there was no shortage of fun and treats, including a photo booth from In the Booth, unlimited candy floss from Party Floss, burgers, hotdogs, a cheese board, and a candy station. It was a night to create lasting memories and a wonderful celebration of a fantastic year.

Celebrating success - End of Term Awards 2025

On the last day of term we were thrilled to celebrate the progress, endeavour, resilience, and community spirit demonstrated by our students this year. 

Each award winner has a unique story of how they have embraced challenges, grown personally and academically, and made a positive impact within the College. Their achievements showcase the vibrant spirit that thrives within the RNC community. 

Read more to discover their stories and learn why they were recognised in this year's awards.

Students gain valuable work experience

At RNC we believe in providing our students with work experience opportunities, which is an area many have been excluded from before joining us. In June, we held one of our dedicated work experience weeks, and our students embraced the chance to explore various career paths and develop new skills. Here's a glimpse into just a few of the exciting placements our students undertook:

Shabaz joined the College's Fundraising Department, where he quickly proved himself to be a valuable asset. He designed a promotional poster, helped develop a new initiative, co-ordinated with other departments, and even interviewed a fellow student to support a funding rationale. His professionalism and motivation shone through. 

Fiona Bain, Senior Fundraiser, commented: 'Shabaz was an enthusiastic and articulate student who brought focus and good humour to every task. His contributions to our Fundraising team were both creative and strategic.' 

Leah spent time with CJP Broadcast Service Solutions Ltd, a company which actively promotes disability inclusion in the broadcast industry. Leah visited their studio to film a promotional video for her new Goalball club in Surrey. CJP Broadcasting, who have collaborated with RNC since 2023, utilised their virtual production facilities to support Leah in her efforts.

Biology Students explore West Midlands Safari Park

On one of the hottest day of the year in June, our Biology students enjoyed an educational trip to the West Midlands Safari Park. This outing provided a great opportunity to bring their classroom learning to life.  

The day kicked off with an engaging talk from Molly, one of the park's educators. She presented a fascinating collection of tactile artefacts for students to examine, including items confiscated by HM Customs that are now used for educational purposes. Students were able to touch and compare a male giraffe skull, a tiger skull, a stuffed giraffe tail, and several ostrich eggs. This hands-on experience allowed them to directly connect their studies on Adaptations and Natural Selection to the real-world examples in front of them. 

Next up, students had the opportunity to hold Kenny the Bearded Dragon Lizard. Due to the warm weather, Kenny was more active than usual, but he still felt cool to the touch. This provided a perfect link to their second year A Level Biology studies on Ectotherms. 

Afterwards the students split into groups for a walking safari. Their adventure included close-up encounters with Lorikeets, a journey through a Bat Cave, and an immersive Lemur experience, alongside many other incredible animals. Despite the soaring temperatures, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day. 

Big thanks to staff members Cherith, Lisa R, Andrea, Meg, and Ella for their support on this very exciting trip.

Adventures in the countryside

Duke of Edinburgh Awards expeditions are much more than just walks in the countryside; they are transformative experiences that equip our students with skills for life and work. They learn to work as part of a team and master practical outdoor skills, like pitching their own tent and preparing meals outdoors. They develop navigational abilities using modified compasses to explore their surroundings and, of course, there's the unique thrill of camping overnight.

RNC students completed their final expedition in June. Their first walk took them along Hergest Ridge on the Offa's Dyke. On day two, their walk in Llandrindod Wells was cut short due to extreme temperatures. They wisely spent the afternoon at the campsite, enjoying a well-deserved ice cream from Oakchurch to cool down! 

On day three they conquered the trails around Hay-on-Wye, completing their expedition with a sense of accomplishment. The photos from their trek tell the tale of their adventures.

Discovering the power of Contrast Therapy

Our Sports Academy students experienced an invigorating session at RESET Contrast Therapy Centre early in July. The visit provided a unique opportunity for our aspiring athletes to delve into the transformative benefits of contrast therapy. 

RESET, a state-of-the-art facility, offers expertly guided sessions that alternate between hot and cold treatments. This process is designed to promote recovery, enhance circulation, and boost overall wellness. 

During their visit, our students learned how these alternating temperatures can significantly reduce muscle soreness, improve immune function, and even support mental clarity. 

'It's great to build strong relationships with local businesses in the community,' commented Sports Teacher, Dylan Malpas. 'We have exciting plans to work more closely with Dave and Donna from RESET next academic year, as we can really see the benefits of accessing these facilities for our Sports Academy students.'

Invaluable baby care session for RNC student Lydia

At RNC we're committed to empowering our students with the skills and confidence to do what they want in the future. Recently, one of our students, Lydia, who hopes to be a mother one day, had a wonderfully informative session on motherhood. 

Our Independent Living Skills teacher, Kerry, who recently welcomed a new baby, generously spent time with Lydia to cover essential aspects of baby care. As a blind person, Lydia had specific questions and concerns, and Kerry provided practical, hands-on guidance. They covered topics such as how to safely hold a baby, the best techniques for putting a baby in a carrier, and important discussions around breastfeeding and managing a baby's movements. 

Lydia found the session incredibly useful and informative, giving her practical knowledge that will undoubtedly serve her well in the future. A huge thank you to Kerry for sharing her experiences and expertise, and for her willingness to help make a real difference.

Learning about transition to university

Visually impaired students from local colleges spent a day at the University of Worcester to find out more about the transition to higher education. Students from New College Worcester and RNC attended a V.I. Information Day.

Organised by the University’s Disability and Dyslexia Service, the day was aimed at students who are thinking of going to university and gave them the chance learn more about what university is like before they begin applications. Both colleges are specialist institutions for students with visual impairments. The day included a mini lecture about the Disabled Students' Allowance grant and how to apply for it. 

There was a talk from the University’s Library Services about the support it can offer and how students can get access to resources in a way that suits them. There were also sessions focused on higher education and what to consider from a V.I. perspective. 

Here they also talked about how to navigate new friendships as a visually impaired student starting out at university. The students had a touch tour around some of the accommodation on campus and a lecture theatre, giving them a chance to explore their surroundings.

Sunshine and smiles at Barry Island

What started as a damp day at the end of June quickly transformed into a brilliant trip to Barry Island. 

Despite the initial rain, the skies soon cleared, making way for glorious sunshine. Everyone made the most of the beautiful weather, enjoying the beach and even a paddle in the sea. 

For those seeking thrills, the funfair provided plenty of excitement, while others enjoyed exploring some of the iconic Gavin & Stacey film locations. And of course, no seaside trip is complete without ice cream and classic fish and chips.

It was a fantastic day out for all, and a huge thank you goes to the staff and volunteers who supported all the fun in the sun.

Getting hands on with the National Trust

Geography and Horticulture student Sonali spent the afternoon helping at the National Trust Weir Garden in mid June. 

Sonali was given a tour of the walled garden which is run by staff and volunteers and helped with planting fennel and pricking out purple sprouting. The garden was blooming with wildflowers and buzzing with insects. 

As well as gardening Sonali learnt about sustainable horticultural methods such as using peat free compost, and debated rewilding with Head Gardener Laurie. 

This experience is particularly relevant for Sonali as she will be leaving RNC this year to pursue an Environment and Sustainability course at Birkbeck University. The practical knowledge and discussions at the Weir Garden will undoubtedly provide a good foundation for her future studies.

A big thank you to the National Trust for hosting Sonali.

Students learn how science is helping to improve the River Wye

Biology and Geography students took a trip to the River Wye in early June, where they met up with Ant Barraclough, one of 250 volunteers and citizen scientists who regularly monitor the river. 

The group Friends of the Wye are working to build a data bank of information about the state of the river and campaigning to improve it. The students learned about the data being taken and were able to use equipment such as a Secchi tube to measure clarity, nitrate testing strips, temperature and current probes and spectrometer readings for measuring phosphates. 

Ant also showed the students the app where the data is uploaded and explained how it is then analysed by Cardiff University. 

In addition to this the students learned a little about the wildlife species living around the river and were able to hear Sand Martins flying past overhead - they are nesting in the sandy banks of the river having made an epic 4000km migration from Africa.

Wet and wild at Llandrindod Lake

Students had a fantastic day of water sports at Lakeside Boathouse, Llandrindod Lake, in June, which was expertly hosted by Lee and his team. 

It was a day packed with fun and adventure (and a delicious lunch to keep them all fuelled), starting with dragon boat pedalos and raft testing. Everyone then tried their hand at kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. 

It was wonderful to see how much everyone's confidence grew throughout the day. By the end, students who were a bit hesitant at first were standing up confidently on paddleboards – what an achievement! A thoroughly enjoyable, and wonderfully wet, day was had by all.

Pride celebrations

Students kicked off the Pride Month celebrations with an amazing Pride party at the Braille Inn at the start of June. There were rainbows everywhere, fantastic music, and so much fun celebrating with the LGBTQ+ community at the College.

IT students build AI robot to help with exam revision

RNC's IT students made revision for their summer exams that bit less daunting with the help of an AI robot head named Atlas which helped coach them for their exams.

Students Ana, Rose, and Ruben built the AI classroom assistant from a plastic helmet and electronics gear around a specially configured smartphone linked to ChatGPT. 

The students were keen to show off this very chatty chatbot, the result of their hard work and teaching that is fully inclusive and responsive to the latest developments in technology. 

Atlas speaks to the students in voice-activated AI about their revision needs and guides them through topics they need to mug up on. Planning and developing Atlas also formed one of the student’s course units. You can see Atlas in action in this short film...

Health and Social Care students gain life-saving first aid skills

In May, Level 3 Health and Social Care students received invaluable first aid training from Simon Griffiths of Hereford First Aid. It was a really informative session that covered essential first aid advice, equipping our students with life-saving skills. 

A key part of the training involved hands-on CPR practice using the Resusci Annie doll, giving students practical experience in this critical procedure. Simon also provided expert guidance on how to use a defibrillator, another vital piece of equipment in emergency situations. 

The students were fully engaged throughout the session, asking lots of pertinent questions and demonstrating a strong commitment to learning these important skills. Thanks for joining us Simon!

A trip to Hay Literary Festival

A group of RNC students visited the prestigious Hay Festival in May one of the world's most renowned arts and literature festivals. 

They loved the festival atmosphere and especially enjoyed the Schools' Programme, where they heard from the brilliant author Nicola Davies. Her talk on her books and efforts to raise environmental awareness left our students feeling truly inspired.

Singing through darkness: How I use music to empower the visually impaired and honour my Turkish roots

We're thrilled to share that student, Hazal Yavuz, had an article published in the local press in May. The Hereford Times offers RNC students the opportunity to contribute to their 'Talking Point' column, typically featuring about four articles per year. 

This collaboration is invaluable for our students, allowing them to share their voices and experiences with a wider audience. It's a great way for them to develop their writing skills and learn to adhere to word counts and strict deadlines, giving them transferable skills that will be incredibly beneficial for their future, whether applying for university or seeking employment.

Pedal power!

Students hit the Hereford Cycle Track for the first time this year in mid May and it was a blast! Many were first-time cyclists who got to try out different style of bikes. The side-by-side bikes, tandem trikes, and tandem bikes were a massive hit. 

Huge thanks to Phil, Julie, Rachel, and Matilda for their amazing support in getting everyone on the move!

Culture, history and fun in Madrid

Sometimes, even the best-laid travel plans hit a snag. For a group of RNC students heading to Madrid in May, that snag came in the form of widespread power cuts across Spain and Portugal, forcing them to turn back from Bristol Airport. 

But as you'll read, a little hurdle wasn't going to stop this determined group from embarking on an incredible adventure. Get ready to hear all about their action-packed trip to the Spanish capital...

An inclusive theatre experience

In May, students enjoyed a visit to the historic Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham, renowned for its stunning Victorian auditorium. There, they experienced the West End touring production of Dear Evan Hansen - the compelling musical that follows the story of Evan Hansen, a high school senior with social anxiety, who inadvertently gets entangled in a lie with far reaching consequences. 

Our Activities Co-ordinator, Beth, said: 

'The Access Team at the Everyman were incredibly accommodating. Our students were given the opportunity to participate in a touch tour of the set before the performance and benefited from audio description throughout the show.' 

The interval brought a sweet treat with ice creams all round, adding to the enjoyment of the trip. This was another successful and enriching theatre trip, made possible thanks to the support of staff and volunteers Carolyn, Jess, Heather, and Pippa.

Drama workshop helps boosts confidence

Business student Millie organised a drama workshop at the end of April, as part of her studies. The workshop was designed to build confidence and encourage emotional expression through acting techniques. 

Activities included drama games, such as one where students shared two statements about themselves – one true, one false – prompting others to guess the reality. The workshop proved to be a big hit, with enthusiastic participation and positive feedback from all involved.

RNC's massage students support London Marathon runners

Our Massage and Complementary Therapies students were invited by VICTA UK to provide much-needed post-marathon treatments to their runners after completing the TCS London Marathon at the end of April. 

The group set up their pop-up massage clinic in the Reform Club on Pall Mall, famous for being the setting where Phileas Fogg made his daring wager in Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eight Days. 

In under five hours, the students delivered more than 40 massages. Despite a very long day, particularly with busy train and tube journeys to contend with, everyone was still smiling.

RNC crowns inaugural 'Strongest Student' champion

RNC hosted its inaugural 'RNC Strongest Student' competition on Saturday 7 June 2025, at thePoint4. This landmark fundraising event celebrated strength, determination, and inclusivity, with all proceeds dedicated to updating the flooring in the College’s student gym.

Nine current and former RNC students, all either training or having trained as personal trainers or fitness instructors at the College, showcased their abilities across five gruelling events: Max Dumbbell, Deadlift, a 2.5-tonne Vehicle Pull, Max Yoke, and Sandbag to Shoulder. 

The competitors were Rico Amediku, Kai Codrington, Chris Colbert, Freeman Fox, Eddie Gradinaru, Ishaq Islam, Tait Latham, Bilal Shah, and Jay Stallard.

Champions of Europe again!

The RNC Blind Football team has once again demonstrated its dominance in European blind football, clinching the European Blind Football League (EBFL) title for the second consecutive year in a thrilling conclusion in Dortmund in June.

The day's competition began with Italian side Quartotempo Firenze at the top of the league table, seemingly with the title within their grasp. However, their campaign stumbled early with a goalless draw against host team Borussia Dortmund, opening a crucial window of opportunity for RNC...

It's Silver for RNC at Goalball Clubs World Cup

In May, RNC's Women's Goalball team headed to Finlnd to take part in the Goalball Clubs World Cup.

Despite a challenging start in the group stages with a 7-2 loss to formidable Brazillian opponents Sesi SP, the team quickly found their rhythm in the competition, demonstrating defensive prowess and securing decisive victories against FIFH Malmö (Sweden), Goalball South Australia, and Rostocker Goalballclub Hansa e.V (Germany). 

This impressive turnaround propelled them through the group stages and into the knockout rounds, setting the stage for an unforgettable run to the final.

RNC Bulldogs: A roaring start to the cricket season

It's been a fantastic start to the season for the RNC Bulldogs VI cricket team. May was an action-packed month, filled with impressive performances and exciting milestones. 

The Bulldogs kicked off their season with a match against Gloucestershire. The game ended in a well-deserved draw, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling season. A huge congratulations to the nine players who made their VI cricket debut for the Bulldogs – with special recognition going to Zyare Outerbridge and Elliot Fergus Fuller, both of whom achieved an impressive score of 50 runs. 

Cricket Coach Dylan Malpas said: 

'I'm very proud of all the players. Cricket is something we are growing at RNC, and I'm excited for the cricket opportunities we have planned for our students.' 

The excitement continued in mid-May with a close second game against last year's League winners, Staffordshire Cricket. The Bulldogs hit over 200 runs for the first time ever, with Zyare smashing another 50 not out! 

We extend a huge thank you to Steve at Burghill Tillington & Weobley Cricket Club for generously hosting our home matches and for their amazing hospitality.

Tri Nations Champions!

England Women's Blind Football team celebrated victory at the IBSA Tri Nations tournament  at St George's Park at the end of April. 

The squad, under Head Coach Tony Larkin, featured some familiar RNC faces: 

Katie Christopher, Sighted Goalkeeper (RNC staff) 

Lucja Wyrwantowicz (current RNC student) 

Alice Hopkins (former RNC student) 

Tash Mead (former RNC student) 

England secured their place in the final with wins against Poland (2-0) and Sweden (2-1). Poland and Sweden's subsequent 0-0 draw saw Sweden advance to the final on goal difference. 

In a decisive match, England once again defeated Sweden 2-0 in the final, with Lucja Wyrwantowicz claiming the top goalscorer spot. 

A promising sign for the future of this developing England team - well done to Tony and all the players. Tri Nations Champions!

Win big and support our Sports Academy with the Grassroots Sports Lottery

We are thrilled to announce an exciting new fundraising initiative. In May, the College officially signed up to the Grassroots Sports Lottery, offering a great way for you to support our College Sports Academy while having the chance to win some incredible prizes. 

For just £1 per week, you could be in with a chance to win anywhere from £250 up to a massive £25,000! Imagine what a win like that could do! But here's the best part: 50% of all ticket sales goes directly to supporting our College Sports Academy. 

Your participation helps us provide vital resources, equipment, and opportunities for our talented student-athletes, helping them reach their full potential. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to win big and make a real difference to College sports.

Good luck, and thank you for your continued support!

Making a splash to raise some cash!

RNC students took the initiative and decided to start fundraising to help make their future trips abroad a reality. In a brilliant display of teamwork, they swapped their canes for sponges and raised a fantastic £125 towards their international adventures. 

For two hours straight, they tackled a solid queue of dusty cars, some even battling stubborn tree sap and bird poop (yuk!). It was hard work, but every single one of them put in an amazing shift. 

A massive thank you to our brilliant Fundraising Team, Fiona and Jane, our wonderful volunteer Mick, and our Estates team for their invaluable support. What a magnificent effort by everyone involved!

A greener RNC thanks to npower

We're pleased to announce that we’ve received funding from the npower Business Solutions Foundation to support our new project 'Guiding Light: Sustainable Energy for RNC'. 

This funding will allow us to install energy-efficient LED lighting and make vital heating improvements, helping us save energy and reduce costs. A huge step towards a greener RNC!

First time marathon runner conquers this year's London Marathon 

A huge thank you and congratulations to Andrew Davis, who successfully completed the TCS London Marathon on Sunday 27 April, raising just short of a £1000 for RNC.

Andrew's efforts saw him complete the marathon in an impressive official time of 3 hours and 49 minutes, a phenomenal achievement, especially considering it was his first full marathon, and despite battling a calf issue from mile seven. 

Reflecting on his achievement, Andrew said: ‘What an absolutely incredible experience. The crowds are insane! I’ve never experienced anything anywhere near close to that.

'I’m so glad I actually made it to the finish with the heat on the day; a lot of people didn’t,’ he added, highlighting the challenging conditions faced by many runners.' 

'Without people like Andrew, whether through their volunteering or their fundraising capacity, we simply couldn't do half the things we do to support our students,’ commented Fiona Bain RNC’s Senior Fundraising Officer. 

‘His efforts and the incredible generosity of his supporters will make a real and tangible difference to the lives of our students.’ 

While initially declaring this as his ‘first and last’ marathon, Andrew's reflections suggest a potential change of heart. Having achieved a remarkable time and experienced the unparalleled atmosphere, he mused, 'I’m happy, but don’t think I can hang up my running shoes just yet.’