Bridgwater & Taunton College has welcomed back new and returning students eager to start the next stage of their education.

College staff have worked tirelessly over the summer preparing the campuses to ensure everyone can adhere to Government guidance.

This saw both students and staff wearing face masks in corridors and communal areas, regularly using the hand sanitiser stations and remaining in bubbles as indicated by College signage.

This new year saw smaller groups attending the campuses across two weeks to ensure social distance measures were maintained.

The term kicked off with an Induction Week which involved a range of activities designed to introduce students to the BTC community and familiarise them with their course, as well as their peers and tutors, encourage them to sign up for activities and discover how to access College services such as counselling and learner support.

The Freshers’ Fair has gone online, so over the next month, students can not only access the usual offers, information and BTC Academies from sport to engineering and anything in between, but also browse a podcast and playlist designed by the Student Union.

Chloe Hibbert, who joined BTC from Chilton Trinity School to study A Levels said: “I was a little nervous to start college but had a great first day. All the staff were very welcoming, friendly and helpful.”

Principal and CEO Andy Berry added: “It’s very rewarding to see happy students across our three campuses. I’m so proud of the BTC staff and students who have shown incredible resilience and positivity during this unprecedented time.”