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  • Bishop Laney Sixth Form ‘Renewed, Revived, Reimagined’ as it Officially Reopens Needham’s Tower

    Published 19/09/25

    Bishop Laney Sixth Form celebrated a significant new chapter this week with the official opening of the transformed Needham’s Tower block. Following a £5 million investment supported by the Department for Education, the local landmark located at Ely College in the heart of the city, has been thoroughly restored and repurposed by Meridian Trust to serve as the new home for the region’s post-16 provision.

    The plaque unveiling ceremony, held on Thursday 18th September, welcomed local dignitaries, members of the community, staff and students, both past and present. Special guests included representatives from the school Academy Council, the Children and Young People Committee, the Partnership Board, and local councillors who have supported the development of the project.

    Principal Simon Warburton led proceedings: “Needham’s Tower is more than just a building; it has long stood as a sentinel over the city’s skyline and has become a symbol of ambition and transformation. ‘Renewed, Revived, Reimagined’ are three words we chose for the commemorative plaque, unveiled today. These words tell the story not only of the building’s transformation, but of our enduring commitment to excellence in education and our unwavering belief in the potential of every student who enters our doors.”

    The new academic year sees the centre welcome its first new cohort of Year 12s. The site now offers them reimagined facilities with state-of-the-art teaching rooms, dedicated study areas, and collaborative learning spaces, all designed to support a dynamic sixth form curriculum. He continued: “Every classroom has been thoughtfully designed, every learning space carefully crafted, to inspire and motivate the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers”.

    Richard Spencer, Executive Principal at Meridian Trust commented: “Today is a culmination of nearly ten years of work to rejuvenate both the tower and the sixth form. When Ely College joined Meridian Trust, the post-16 provision only had 56 students. With vision, investment and support from our local community and partners, there are over 300 young people educated here today, with plenty of room for continued growth. The evolution of the building reflects that exponential growth and longstanding vision for providing an outstanding sixth form provision for young people in East Cambridgeshire. We’re grateful for the support of our community in enabling us to realise that vision fully for our students and for the wider community.”

    Martin Hair, director of estates for Meridian Trust, said: “This transformation, delivered in partnership with the Department for Education, The M&J Group and Peter Smith Associate Architects, has completely revitalised the space, and the results are incredible. This has been a standout project for Meridian Trust and is a brilliant example of what thoughtful investment and collaboration can achieve.”

    The refurbished Needham Tower has been transformed into a vibrant, sustainable and purpose-built centre. With a focus on environmental sustainability, the building achieves zero net carbon targets for energy consumption, showcasing a commitment to innovation and regeneration.

    Offering tours and taster sessions for its wide range of courses, Bishop Laney is hosting its Open Evening for prospective students hoping to join in September 2026. This will take place on Friday 23rd October 5:30pm – 8pm. Students and their families can book online at bishoplaney.org and view the sixth form online prospectus via MyChoice@16.

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  • Ely College celebrates excellent GCSE exam achievements

    Published 21/08/25

    Students and staff at Ely College, part of Meridian Trust, are celebrating the success of Year 11 students and their brilliant GCSE results.  

    Principal Simon Warburton expressed his pride, saying: “Our Year 11 students have shown remarkable maturity and dedication throughout the year. It’s been inspiring to see how much they’ve grown, both academically and personally, and I hope they feel proud of everything they have achieved.” 

    Among the college's top achievers were: 

    • Shanai, who achieved 6 grade 9s and a Distinction* in Engineering   

    • Megan, who achieved 6 grade 9s and 3 grade 8s 

    • Sara, who achieved 5 grade 9s and 5 grade 8s 

    • Nathan, who achieved 4 grade 9s and 5 grade 8s 

    • Joe, who achieved 4 grade 9s and 5 grade 8s 

    Simon added: “Celebrating with the students today was a real highlight. Their fantastic results are a testament not only to their hard work but also to the supportive environment around them. We’re committed to helping every student develop the skills they need to thrive - in school and life beyond the classroom.” 

    Many students will now progress to Bishop Laney Sixth Form, which is part of Ely College and continues to expand its offering for post-16 learners. Bishop Laney recently celebrated the opening of its refurbished Needham Tower Block, creating a modern and inspiring environment for A-level and vocational study, ensuring students have the best facilities to prepare for their futures. 

    Mark Woods, CEO of Meridian Trust, added: “On behalf of myself and everyone across the whole Meridian Trust family, I want to say how incredibly proud we are of all our Year 11 students collecting their results today. The dedication, determination, and resilience you have all shown over the past two years has genuinely impressed us all. Today is a celebration, not just of your academic achievements, but of your growth and the bright futures you all have ahead. We couldn’t be happier for you - congratulations to every single one of you.” 

    For more information about Ely College, please visit: www.elycollege.com.  

      

         

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  • Bishop Laney Sixth Form celebrates excellent A-level success

    Published 14/08/25

    Students at Bishop Laney Sixth Form, part of Ely College and Meridian Trust, have achieved A-level results to be proud of.   

    Adam Steels, Head of Bishop Laney Sixth Form, said: “I am incredibly proud of the determination shown by each of our students at Bishop Laney. I know that I speak for all of the staff here when I say we wish each and every one of our students the very best of luck with their next steps, whether heading to university, starting apprenticeships or beginning employment. These results demonstrate the perseverance and hard work which will help each student achieve wonderful things in the future.” 

        

    Individual success stories from Bishop Laney Sixth Form include: 

    Sebastien Boursier, who achieved a double Distinction grade in Business, will be starting at Durham University in September. 

    Samuel Jay has achieved A Level A grades in Economics, Business & Geography, which will see him studying Economics at University. 

    Roxy Budziszewski, Charlotte Hough and Daniel Challis all achieved Distinction grades in Sports and Exercise science to earned their places studying Sports Science, starting in September. 

    Rory Shillito achieved grades A, B, and B in Geography, Biology, and Chemistry, and is off to Newcastle University after taking a gap year. 

      

    Simon Warburton, Principal of Ely College and Bishop Laney Sixth Form, added: “I am delighted for our Bishop Laney Sixth Form students, and I hope they are just as proud of themselves as the staff are of them. These incredible results are a true reflection of the students' outstanding efforts within their studies and showcase our commitment to delivering support for our students in and out of the classroom.” 

    This year’s results come as Bishop Laney Sixth Form continues to invest in providing exceptional learning environments for its students. The recently refurbished Needham Tower Block has transformed the campus, offering state-of-the-art classrooms and specialist study spaces designed to support both academic and personal development. The new facilities reflect the Sixth Form’s commitment to giving students the best possible start to their future studies and careers. 

      

    Mark Woods, CEO of Meridian Trust, added: “Congratulations to all our Year 13 students collecting their A-level results today. Their achievements reflect the Trust’s commitment to the pursuit of excellence and the hard work of everyone involved. I hope each student takes a moment to celebrate their success as they look ahead to the next stage of their journey.” 

    If you would like to enquire about current opportunities within Bishop Laney Sixth Form, please contact: admissions@bishoplaney.org or call 01353 652818. 

    More photos of our celebrations can be found on our social media page: @BishopLaney

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  • Super League standings are in... and the 2025 House Cup goes too...!!!

    Published 25/07/25

     

     

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  • SPORTS DAY RECAP...

    Published 18/07/25

     

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  • Congratulations to our Ely College Industrial Cadets, who presented their project and came runners up!

    Published 15/07/25

    On the 24th June, 7 Year 9 Product Design and Textiles students were invited to a celebration event at Cambridge University’s department of engineering.

    The students spent 3 months working on their Bronze Industrial Cadets project which was to design 'a theme park of the future'. They had to create a report and presentation, displaying the justifications for all of their research. The students worked incredibly hard and spent the day looking at other projects, talking to other teams, having a tour of the facility and then listening to the awards.

    We are delighted to say we came runners up for Project of the Year which is a huge achievement! Congratulations to Emma Kitchener, Sam Loveland, Sam Hughes, Jonah Young, Herbert Jordan, Tom Parratt and Thomas Brennan!

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  • Bishop Laney student wins national design competition and high-tech prize

    Published 15/07/25

    Design and Technology students at Bishop Laney Sixth Form, part of Ely College and Meridian Trust, are celebrating an exciting win and the arrival of a brand-new laser cutter, thanks to Year 12 student Emily Butler’s award-winning giraffe-inspired jewellery stand.

    The national competition, run by Laser Script, invited schools across the UK to design a nature-inspired product that could be laser cut and assembled into a 3D object. Emily’s unique and creative entry impressed the judges and secured first place, winning not only national recognition but also a valuable piece of equipment for the whole department.

    Emily said: “It was amazing to hear the judges thought my design was unique and even cooler to see it come to life properly after all the hard work.”

    Rebecca Leatherland, Design and Technology Teacher at Ely College, shared: “I have seen such a boost in confidence from the students since participating in this. They truly believe in themselves now and it is wonderful to see!

    “Winning the laser cutter will have a lasting impact at Bishop Laney Sixth Form. It means more students will have access to this exciting technology, not only in Sixth Form, but also in GCSE and lower school projects to explore more hands-on learning. All this has been made possible thanks to Emily’s fantastic design and further supports our Trust Value of providing a High-Quality Learning Environment.”

    Students initiated the project by researching existing products and creating mood boards to help generate their ideas. As part of the design process, they also developed their skills in Adobe Photoshop and learnt how to communicate their ideas through layout, colour, highlights, and digital sketching techniques.

    Once their initial concepts were formed, students moved on to Autodesk 2D Design. Here, they picked up new advanced tools and techniques to prepare their creations for laser cutting, a brand-new challenge for many. After digitally designing their products, they tested their models using card, learning about the importance of testing and tolerances in real-world design.

    An exciting addition to the project was the use of New Arc AI. Students uploaded their sketches and prompts, generating rendered images of their designs. These digital visualisations were then enhanced in Photoshop, helping students, especially those less confident in drawing, to visualise and refine their ideas. This step gave every student a chance to see their vision come to life.

    To complete the competition entry, each student produced an A4 design sheet that showcased their final concept, colour and material choices, and a written description of their product. The range of designs was incredibly creative, from Emily’s giraffe-shaped jewellery holder to a wolf diorama lamp and a tree sculpture with removable berries.

       

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  • Bishop Laney Sixth Form Marks Completion and Handover of New £5 Million Sixth Form Centre

    Published 04/07/25

    Bishop Laney Sixth Form (Ely College), part of Meridian Trust, is delighted to announce the official handover of its newly refurbished home in the transformed Needham Tower block.

    Following a successful planning application submitted two years ago, and a £5 million investment supported by the Department for Education, the vision for a state-of-the-art sixth form centre has now been fully realised.

    This project represents a major milestone not only for Bishop Laney Sixth Form but also for the wider East Cambridgeshire community, responding to the growing demand for post-16 education places in the region.

    Simon Warburton, Principal of Ely College and Bishop Laney Sixth Form, said: "This is a truly exciting moment for our students, staff and the wider Ely community. The new Sixth Form Centre provides an inspiring, modern environment that matches the ambition and potential of our young people.

    “We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved and deeply grateful to Meridian Trust, the Department for Education, and all our partners for making this vision a reality. We look forward to seeing our students fully embracing these exciting new facilities later in the summer term, once the final touches are complete."

          Martin Hair, Director of Estates for Meridian Trust, added: “This transformation, delivered in partnership with the Department for Education, The M&J Group and Peter Smith Associate Architects, has completely revitalised the space, and the results are incredible. This has been a standout project for Meridian Trust and is a brilliant example of what thoughtful investment and collaboration can achieve.”

    The refurbished Needham Tower has been transformed into a vibrant, sustainable and purpose-built centre. With a focus on environmental sustainability, the building achieves zero net carbon targets for energy consumption, showcasing a commitment to innovation and regeneration.

    The new Sixth Form Centre features cutting-edge facilities, including specialist classrooms, independent study areas, collaborative workspaces, and social hubs, all designed to create a high-quality learning environment that supports both academic and personal growth.

    Plans to formally celebrate the opening of the new building with students, staff and the wider community are being developed for the autumn term.

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  • Bishop Laney Taster Day for local Year 10s

    Published 23/06/25

    On Friday 20th June, we were delighted to give Year 10 students from Ely College and other local secondary schools the opportunity to experience our sixth form provision prior to making their applications to join us in September 2026.

    For many this was the first time seeing our freshly renovated facilities & new home for Bishop Laney ahead of our official opening in September. It was a fantastic day making the most of the glorious weather and the current Business Admin students, who organised many of the activities as part of their events planning module, should be proud.

    Year 10 got to socialise and experience a wide range of Taster Sessions including Medical Sciences (new next year!) where they were able to take part in a dissection practical (a favourite!); many will have tried subjects that they have never come across before such as psychology, sociology & criminology.

    It's fantastic that the students get this opportunity to sample Post-16 options before they make their applications & we use this time to advise them on the process and their career pathways. We look forward to working with all local Year 10s in the months ahead and hope they had an enjoyable day.

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  • Inspiring the Next Generation: Local Students Experience Rowing on Ely’s Waters

    Published 17/06/25

    Last week, Ely College at Cambridge University Boat Club (CUBC) proudly hosted its 5th Annual Rowing Experience Days — a two-day celebration of sport, teamwork, and new opportunities on the beautiful Ely waterfront.

    Over 60 students from five local Meridian Trust schools — Ely College, Swavesey Village College, North Cambridge Academy, Martin Bacon Academy, and Northstowe Secondary College — took part in this exciting event, many experiencing the thrill of rowing for the very first time. Glorious weather and calm waters made for a perfect introduction to the sport.

    With fantastic support from volunteers at the Isle of Ely Rowing Club, East Anglia Youth Rowing, and special guest coaches Polly Shorrock and Claire Collins — two of this year’s Cambridge University Boat Race athletes — students were immersed in a wide range of rowing activities. From trying out rowing machines and navigating single sculls to mastering teamwork in quad boats and octuples, every participant had the chance to build confidence and develop new skills on and off the water.

    The event culminated in a spirited mini-regatta held in front of the CUBC and Isle of Ely boat houses, where students showcased what they had learnt and cheered each other on in true rowing spirit.

    More than just a sporting event, the Rowing Experience Days aim to broaden horizons and inspire young people to pursue local opportunities in rowing. Meeting elite athletes like Polly and Claire was a highlight for many students, who were encouraged to see that a passion for sport can go hand-in-hand with academic aspirations — including studying at a world-leading university like Cambridge.

    We hope the enthusiasm and achievements of these two days spark lasting interest in rowing across our schools and continue to build strong connections within our community.

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  • A Beautiful Day celebrating Future Careers!

    Published 17/06/25

    On Friday 13th June, our talented Year 12 Professional Cookery students had the incredible opportunity to cater for the Bishop's Garden Party — a special event aimed at encouraging local employers to engage with careers programmes.

    With the sun shining and the stunning cathedral view from the Bishop’s private garden as a backdrop, it was an unforgettable afternoon celebrating partnerships between education and the world of work.

    👏 A huge well done to our students for showcasing their skills in such a prestigious setting!

    #CareersEducation #ProfessionalCookery #StudentSuccess #BishopsGardenParty #WorkReady #FutureChefs

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  • Barcelona Trip 2025

    Published 16/06/25

    ¡Hola! ¡Buenas tardes! 🇪🇸

    40 of our year 10 GCSE Spanish students made an early 12am start to make their flight to Barcelona.

    After a long, hot and tiring journey students settled quickly into their accommodation before heading off on a guided tour of the surrounding area and Saint Pau’s hospital. After a restful first night, Day 2 was action packed. Exploring the stunning  La Sagrada Familia and a spot of shopping in Las Ramblas and La Boqueria Market. Some spontaneous pigeon taming and parrot spotting kept them occupied on our travels.

    They finished the day refuelling with a pizza night, ready for another busy day. Day 3 gave students the opportunity to use the metro as they travelled to Museu Nacional d’arte de Catalunya, to explore the gothic and modern art exhibitions, afterwards heading for Poble Espanyol for a Paella workshop! Putting their culinary skills to the test making their own seafood paella to have for lunch. Delicious!

    Following some free time in Clot, before heading up to the monumental Core of Park Güell which had some incredible sights and brilliant architecture. The final day soon came and went. Starting the day exploring the Gothic Quarter before discovering the journey of world renowned artist Pablo Picasso’s life at Museu Picasso.

    After last minute shopping for souvenirs, clothes and snacks, it was time to head to the airport. The students all really embraced the Spanish culture, language and cuisine. It was a pleasure to have such respectful, kind and fun students join us on this trip! Huge thank you to the staff for making this trip possible!

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