A COLLEGE that goes 'above and beyond' for students is in the running to win two national awards.

Abingdon & Witney College has been shortlisted in two categories for the 2020 Association of Colleges Beacon Awards.

One is the Edge Award for Excellence in the Practical Delivery of Technical and Professional Learning, and the other is the RCU Support for Students Award.

For the former, which recognises practical teaching and real-life experiences, the college's approach to land and animal-based vocational courses earned the shortlist position.

This is offered at its base in Common Leys near Witney, which teaches courses including agriculture, lambing and equine management.

The latter category celebrates outstanding examples of student support.

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Di Batchelor, principal at Abingdon & Witney College, said: "Once again we find ourselves recognised in multiple categories at the Beacon Awards.

"I’m delighted to have continued this tradition, as we know how well-regarded the awards are.

"Most of all, I’m proud of our amazing staff and our high-achieving students, who are all responsible for the college’s success and help to make achievements like this possible."

David Hughes, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said: "These [shortlisted] colleges have gone above and beyond in equipping and empowering students to have a voice, to solve their own challenges, make their own choices and to participate in their community.

"All have shown great dedication to fully support students into college, employment and adult life, and which enable them to achieve success and help them to transform their lives."