United Colleges Group is delighted to announce it has retained its status as a Microsoft Showcase College for the sixth year running, demonstrating our college’s cutting-edge approach to digital innovation in learning. The Microsoft Showcase initiative is a school and college transformation programme and a global community of pioneer schools around the world. It’s an opportunity to engage with Microsoft, receive support from local Global Training Partners, and engage with like-minded college leaders around the world to deepen and expand education transformation using the Microsoft Education Transformation Framework.
As part of the rigorous reaccreditation process, United Colleges Group was praised for our continuously evolving digital strategy, our evidence of exceeding key metrics, our strong culture around leadership and CPD, our student-centred impact and inclusion work, and our data-informed decision-making culture. This recognition only reinforces our commitment to our college’s strategic aim as outlined in our Strategic Plan, to ‘provide an outstanding student experience aligned with high quality outcomes delivered in best-in-class facilities for the digital age’.
Stephen Davis, CEO & Group Principal said: “Retaining our Microsoft Showcase College status once again this year is a testament to United Colleges Group’s commitment to delivering on digital transformation. Technology is with us for good and we must make every effort to make the very best ethical use of it. It’s inspiring to see our college leading the way and exemplifying that.”
The college has also this year exceeded its target of 6% of permanent staff taking up the roles as Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts. MIEEs use Microsoft technologies and innovative teaching practices to enhance student engagement, creativity, and collaboration. The college’s MIEEs have worked together as digital champions to ensure we retain our Showcase status, with our numbers of MIEEs at UCG increasing this year by 43% compared to last year.
UCG MIEEs can join monthly forums with Microsoft, connecting with digital leaders from other FE colleges across the UK. The role of MIEE gives staff the chance to share ideas, learn from peers and help shape the future of digital learning at UCG and across the FE sector. If UCG staff would like to participate in the programme this year, please contact david.newland@cnwl.ac.uk for more information.
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
