Derby College Group showcases sector-leading practice at The University of Derby

Derby College Group’s talented team of Advanced Practitioners took to the stage at the recent FE Showcase at The University of Derby, sharing innovative and evidence-informed teaching practice with educators from across the region.

The recent event brought together graduates from the University of Derby’s Post Graduate Diploma in Teacher Training and Education, alongside FE providers from across the East Midlands. It provided a platform for sharing research, ideas and outstanding teaching practice to help shape the future of FE education.

Derby College Group’s Advanced Practitioners impressed with a range of insightful and thought-provoking sessions covering sustainability, simulated environments in teacher education, cultivating oracy for student succes and AI.

The team’s professionalism, passion and creativity made a real impact on the day, with Dan Williams, Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer for FES Initial Teacher Education at Derby University, praising the team’s contribution.

He said: "It was the best FE Showcase in the last 8 years. The professionalism, passion and dedication from Derby College’s Advanced Practitioners truly stood out — they represented FE excellence and proudly flew the flag for the college, without a doubt stealing the show."

The event underlined Derby College Group’s commitment to evidence-informed practice and sector-leading professional development, while building new relationships with the University and other FE providers.

Catherine Guerrero, Team Manager for Teaching and Learning at Derby College Group, added: "It was brilliant to see our Advanced Practitioners being recognised for their expertise and for sharing their innovative research with the wider sector. We’re already looking ahead to next year’s showcase and how we can build on this fantastic momentum."

Plans are already in motion to contribute new Advanced Practitioner action research projects to the 2026 FE Showcase.