ATTFE College Celebrates Community, Collaboration and Lifelong Learning at ‘Reach for the Stars’ Stakeholder Event

ATTFE College proudly welcomed stakeholders from across the region to its highly anticipated ‘Reach for the Stars’ Stakeholder Engagement Event on Friday, 25 April 2025, held at the awe-inspiring Sherwood Observatory.

The event celebrated the power of partnership, lifelong learning and community collaboration, bringing together educational leaders, business partners, community advocates and local champions for an inspiring afternoon.

Guests arrived to warm hospitality, light refreshments and the opportunity to explore the unique venue, including the newly developed Changing Places facility. The event officially opened with speeches in the observatory’s café, introduced by Simon Martin and Steve Wallace. The highlight of the address came from Liz Barrett OBE DL, Principal of ATTFE College, who shared the college’s ambitious #InThisTogether vision and its commitment to transforming lives through further education.

Renowned educationalist and keynote speaker Dame Ann Limb DBE DL delivered a powerful message about the importance of inclusion, aspiration and working together to create real, sustainable impact.

A key part of the event was the Stakeholder Awards Presentation, celebrating outstanding individuals and organisations making a difference in their communities:

  • Supporting Our Locality Award: SPE Swiftool Precision Engineering Ltd

  • Local Advocate Award: Roland Taylor

  • Transformational Educationalist Award: Lewis Taylor

The celebration continued with the official opening of the Changing Places facility, enhancing accessibility and inclusion across the site.

Guests were then treated to a unique Planetarium Presentation, immersing attendees in the wonders of space – a fitting end to an event themed around aspiration, growth and “reaching for the stars.”

Closing remarks brought the event to a heartfelt conclusion, reaffirming ATTFE College’s unwavering mission to empower communities through education and opportunity.