Glamorous academy ball to raise course cash (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cirencester College to hold glamorous Academy Ball

9:00am Friday 28th September 2012 in News By Liz Day

STUDENTS from Cirencester College will be donning their glad rags for a glamorous fundraising ball, which will aim to raise money for several academy courses.

The ball will take place at Cirencester’s Corn Hall on October 6 featuring performances by world-renowned musicians.

Academy Development Manager Nicki Williams said the college receives no government funding to help it deliver the two-year vocational academy programmes, which help its students find work after leaving.

"We work tirelessly with local employers to bring knowledge from the workplace into our classrooms," she said. "We need local businesses to step forward to offer sponsorship, work placements and contacts for our students."

She added the event would provide a crucial networking opportunity. "We hope the ball will be well-attended by local employers and alumni and will raise the profile of the academy and its courses."

Cirencester College, which celebrated its 21st birthday in June, launched its Academy of Finance at the Fosse Way campus in 2004. Since then, it has introduced four other academy courses, including business, IT, science and technology and sports.

The academy courses at Cirencester College offer a vocational approach to learning, helping students into the world of work by providing hands-on jobs skills and experience.

The college is affiliated with Career Academies UK and is one of the largest and most successful academies outside London. Around 100 students, aged between 16 and 18, are currently enrolled on the five academy courses.

The Academy Ball, which has been organised by Eclat Events, is set to be a grand occasion. The hall will be decorated with silver and candles and fine food will be provided by local catering company Made By Bob.

There will also be performances by world-renowned pianist and musical director Laurie Holloway, Grammy-award winning jazz singer Becky Biggins and five-piece covers band Love Train.

The Academy Ball takes place at the Corn Hall at 7pm on Saturday, October 6. Limited tickets are available priced at £100 per person. For more information call 01285 626102.