The Corby Sixth Form joins local partners in shaping North Northamptonshire’s BIG50 future.

The Corby Sixth Form has strengthened its commitment to the future of North Northamptonshire through new partnerships with local employers, and the launch of its 2025 Student Council; both key steps in preparing young people to take an active role in shaping the region’s next generation. 

At the Sixth Form’s recent Careers and Freshers’ Fair, more than 30 local and regional employers and universities connected with students to discuss pathways into growth industries, including digital technology, health and social care, sustainability, and the creative arts sectors. The event, hosted in partnership with The Bedford College Group’s wider employer engagement network, created new relationships that directly support the ambitions of North Northamptonshire’s BIG50 Vision, a long-term strategy to build a proud, prosperous and proactive local community by 2050. A community where ‘people thrive, businesses grow, and nature flourishes’. 

Deputy Head Dave Chilver said: 

“The BIG50 vision challenges all of us to think long-term about what kind of place North Northamptonshire can become. What’s striking is that our current 16-year-olds, the Class of 2025, will be in their early forties by 2050. They are not simply the young people of today; they are the business leaders, innovators and civic decision-makers of tomorrow. Seeing the BIG50 engage with this generation is deeply encouraging because it means we’re investing not just in economic growth, but in the people who will drive it.” 

The newly elected Student Council will represent learners’ voices in community projects, sustainability initiatives, and charity campaigns across the town. Their first project, “Skills for 2050”, will link curriculum themes such as innovation, resilience and citizenship with local industry opportunities, helping students see their place in the region’s long-term future. 

Student President, Sam Coker, said: 

“Our generation is growing up in a world full of opportunity but also inequality. I want to make sure every student, whatever their background, has a voice in shaping Corby’s future. The BIG50 gives young people like us the chance to be part of the conversation, to share ideas that might otherwise go unheard, and to help build a community where everyone has a chance to succeed.” 

Student Support Manager, Claire Hamilton, said: 

 “We’re incredibly grateful to the local businesses and organisations who supported our Freshers’ and Careers Fairs. Their willingness to engage with our students and to pledge ongoing involvement shows the strength of community partnership in Corby. These relationships are giving our students real insight into the opportunities that exist on their doorstep.” 

Head of The Corby Sixth Form, Ben Morris, added: 

“Education is at the heart of North Northamptonshire’s future. Through A Levels and future higher learning, our students are developing the knowledge, skills and confidence to contribute to our local community in a meaningful and productive way for decades to come. It’s inspiring to see initiatives like BIG50 recognising that our young people are central to the region’s long-term success.” 

As part of the Sixth Form’s ongoing commitment to regional development, staff look forward to collaborating further with the North Northamptonshire Council’s BIG50 partnership, exploring how education, skills and community engagement can play a significant role in delivering the long-term development for the area.”