Isle of Wight music college Platform One has celebrated its 20th anniversary by scooping a prestigious training award.

The Newport-based centre of music learning was awarded the prestigious silver BTEC Award for BTEC College of the Year 2021.

It was recognised by the international exam board Pearson, above all colleges across the United Kingdom.

Platform One’s hard work and dedication was celebrated at the 11th anniversary of Pearson’s annual BTEC Awards

Platform One education director David Pontin commented: “This incredible award is true testament to the dedication and hard work of our brilliant staff team and our talented students.

"Despite such a challenging year our students have achieved such fantastic results, with 96 per cent progressing to their first choice universities — we are so proud.”

BTEC alumni including Academy Award-winning producer and head of film and animation at ScreenSkills, Gareth Ellis-Unwin, entrepreneur and founder of SB.TV Jamal Edwards, and award-winning actress Lucy Fallon were among those presenting awards.

Cindy Rampersaud, senior vice-president, Pearson, said: "Platform One has been recognised as one of the true leaders in innovative and creative education. The IW should be proud of this outstanding college.

"Platform One continues to keep improving despite the ongoing challenges facing post-16 education.

"It truly understand the importance of employability across the creative industries, which is embedded at the heart of all study programmes.

Platform One also benefit from the ongoing support of key partners including Wightlink Ferries, Sontronics, Blackstar, Ziljian, Tama, Evans, Stryman, Audient, Aston, Pearl, Ashdown and Vextax.

Study programmes at Platform One for September this year are still recruiting and include a brand-new Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in music production, equivalent to three full A Levels.

Anyone interested in attending Platform One should email study@platformone.org or call 01983 537550.