Open Study College's Year in Review: 2017

To say the least, 2017 has been an amazing year for Open Study College.
We have been fortunate enough to have celebrated our 10^th year as a distance learning college, won numerous awards with several recognitions, as well as set record-breaking numbers.
Here’s a little rundown of the highlights from our 2017:

 Awards:

• Corporate Vision Magazine Influential Women in Business Award (Samantha Rutter)
• Further Education College of the Year – Education Awards
• Leader of Excellence in Distance Learning – Corporate Livewire Innovation and Excellence Awards
• Best Online Education Platform UK – Corporate Vision Magazine Businesswomen Awards
• Outstanding Business Person of the Year (Samantha Rutter) – Solihull Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards
• e-Learning COO of the Year (Samantha Rutter) – Corporate Vision Magazine Businesswomen Awards
• Outstanding Small Business of the Year – Solihull Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards
• Outstanding Business of the Year – Solihull Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards
• Skills Provider of the Year – Education Investor Awards

In addition, we were also shortlisted for Training Provider of the Year at the TES FE Awards, and highly commended at the Midlands Family Business Awards in the People’s Choice Category. These are particularly important to us as the TES FE Awards are prestigiously recognised in the education sector, and the People’s Choice award is voted for by our students and the public.

Charity:

At Open Study College, we love to take the time out to help others who need it, and often try to find fun and unique ways to do so. This year, we worked with various charities to raise awareness and money for their causes:
Macmillan Cancer Support – In September, we took part in their renowned Coffee Morning and added our very own ‘Bad Dress Day’ to raise £163. Throughout the year, we have raised £50,000 in total for Macmillan Cancer Support, through various fundraising activities and donations. We are very proud to support the hard work that they do.
Alzheimer’s Society UK – Also in September, we took part in a sponsored Memory Walk and raised over £1000.
Children in Need – In November, we partnered with Wiggles and Giggles Day Nursery to hold a Teddy Bear’s Picnic, and all donated to raise £138.79.
Help Harry Help Others – Some of us took part in a sponsored walk for this charity, as well as donated £100. As of January 2^nd 2018, we will be donating money from every new course enrolment to further support them.

10 Years:

This year has been record-breaking a more ways than one.
We reached our 10^th year anniversary and had a celebratory party in August to celebrate all the hard work that the team has put in over the last decade. We couldn’t be more fortunate to work with such a great team of people.
This year has also seen a record number of enrolments, with now over 60,000 students having studied with us.
And now we can say that we have a record number of course available too. There are over 450 courses to choose from in a wide range of subjects.
2017 has been a great year all round. Our COO, Samantha Rutter, commented on our success:

“2017 has been a fantastic year for Open Study College; not only have we won 9 awards which we’re extremely proud of, we’ve  helped thousands of students fulfil their potential with a record number of students completing and passing their courses, and supported various charities throughout the year. We’re looking forward to seeing what 2018 brings!  I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all of our students and partner Colleges a very happy holiday season!”

What have been some of the highlights from your 2017…? We hope that 2018 treats you just as good, if not better.
From all of us here at Open Study College, we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!