A college is celebrating a 'fantastic' start to the academic year.

There have been achievements both in and out of the classroom at Macclesfield College so far this year.

Among the star pupils is Grace Longden, who won gold at the WorldSkills UK final and also represented Team GB at the European Triathlon Championships, where she secured bronze.

Meanwhile, Harry Anderton and Matthew Ransley delivered an exceptional performance at the WorldSkills UK Cyber Hackathon, scoring over 155 points to claim first place and the Gold Award out of 136 teams nationwide.

Also making it to the WorldSkills UK finals was the college's creative media students, who showcases their incredible talent and creativity on a national stage.

A Macclesfield College spokesperson said: "Congratulations to all of these students for their hard work and determination – they are an inspiration to us all!"

"As we approach the Christmas break, Macclesfield College is celebrating a fantastic start to the academic year, filled with student achievements, exciting opportunities and a strong sense of community."

Grace Longden (Credit: Macclesfield College)

There is also praise for Pathways student Laura Khoryati, who featured in a BBC interview for Children in Need and the Whites Chef Academy, who catered the Our Space event at Eddisbury Hall.

Students of the month, Jacob Johnson (September), Hugh Rowlands (October), Elizabeth Wood (November) and Mitchell Macheka (December) have also been recognised for going above and beyond in their learning.

Harry Anderton and Matthew Ransley (Credit: Macclesfield College)

Earlier this term, Macclesfield College welcomed MP Tim Roca, who met with the principal and chief executive Rachel Kay to discuss the college's vision and future plans.

There has also been a renewed focus on enrichment, with students taking part in exciting trips to Go Ape, Blue Planet Aquarium, NERF Xperience and King Pins.

Meanwhile, the school engagement team has been busy visiting over 5,000 young people across 18 local schools, showcasing the opportunities available at Macclesfield College.

Students on a visit to Superbowl (Credit: Macclesfield College)

Macclesfield College has also been supporting the local community, partnering with the Silk Life Food Bank and raising funds for important causes like Red Nose Day, Breast Cancer Research, Alzheimer's Society and Children in Need.

The spokesperson added: "As we wrap up for the festive break, we look forward to the opportunities the new year will bring.

"With a strong start to the academic year, we're excited for everything 2025 has in store for our students, staff and the wider college community."

Creative media students (Credit: Macclesfield College)