EMBS Community College

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EMBS Community College EMBS provides education, training and careers advice to young people (aged 16 to 18) and adults.

The EMBS (Ethnic Minority Business Service), an initiative of Oxfordshire Ethnic Minorities Enterprise Developments Ltd. was established in1988 with the aim to improve the economic situation of ethnic minority communities in Oxfordshire by skills enhancement through training, and by start-up and development of businesses owned by people from those communities. EMBS provides training for the unemployed, learning services for both adult and young people (16-18) and business counselling and courses for the local community. EMBS is well known for actively reaching out to local minority ethnic communities and working in partnership. It is funded through a range of national funding bodies such as Skills Funding Agency, Oxfordshire County Council, Next Step, Young Peoples’ Learning Agency, European Integration Fund, Oxford Cherwell Valley College and Oxford Brookes University. EMBS offers a variety of courses including ESOL, Literacy, Numeracy, ITQ, ECDL, Business Start-up, Bookkeeping, pre-CSCS, Driving theory, and Sewing, in two centres in Oxford and Banbury. EMBS was awarded LSIS Beacon status in 2010 and achieved Ofsted Outstanding across the board in 2008/2009.

19/10/2026

🚪✨ BEHIND EVERY DOOR LIES A NEW POSSIBILITY… ❤️

Today, the EMBS Community College team came together in the beautiful city of Oxford for a day of connection, creativity, reflection and professional development! 🌟

With ‘Finding Beauty’ as our theme, our staff took to the streets of Oxford to discover beauty in unexpected places. 🏛️🍂

And what did this lovely group discover? DOORS! 🚪❤️

From grand historic entrances to ancient wooden doorways, intricate architecture and hidden little gems, Oxford certainly didn’t disappoint!

💭 “Every door tells a story, and every open door offers the possibility of a new pathway.”

A beautiful reminder that, just like the doors we pass every day, education opens opportunities, creates new beginnings and leads us towards possibilities we may never have imagined. ❤️

But our Team Day wasn’t just about exploring Oxford!

🎨 We got creative with canvas art, turning our discoveries into something meaningful.

🧠 We explored Jung’s concept of the shadow, encouraging reflection and personal growth.

🌱 We invested in professional development through coaching, breathwork, teaching strategies and shared learning.

🌍 We enjoyed inspiring staff presentations, exchanged ideas and celebrated the different experiences and perspectives that make our team so special.

🍕 And of course, no team day would be complete without good food, laughter and some well-deserved pizza!

A special thank you to Ovada in Oxford for providing such a wonderful, creative space to host our Team Day! 🎨❤️ The perfect setting to bring our staff together, share ideas and find inspiration.

Different roles, different perspectives, one shared purpose. ❤️

At EMBS, we believe that learning and growth aren’t just for our students. They’re for all of us. Days like today remind us of the importance of stepping outside the classroom, connecting with colleagues and finding inspiration in the world around us.

Because sometimes, the most beautiful opportunities begin when we open a new door. 🚪✨

Here’s to opening more doors, discovering new pathways and growing together! ❤️🖤

16/10/2026

🎤✨ THE POWER OF POETRY | Every Word Has a Story 🖤

Some words are spoken. Others are felt. And some stay with us long after the voice has fallen silent. ❤️

Following on from the Resistance Through Storytelling Poetry Slam at Fusion Arts in Oxford, here’s a glimpse of the incredible talent and powerful words shared. 🎥✨

Poetry is more than words on a page. It gives a voice to experiences, celebrates identity, challenges perspectives and tells stories that deserve to be heard.

Through powerful performances exploring freedom, African history, war, resistance and sisterhood, these young poets reminded us that words can move hearts, inspire change and bring people together. 🌍

🎬 Here’s a little snippet of the creativity, courage and passion we were privileged to witness.

Because every voice matters, and every story deserves to be heard. ❤️

16/10/2026

🎤✨ POWERFUL VOICES, INSPIRING STORIES & A NIGHT TO REMEMBER! ✨🎭

What an incredible evening celebrating creativity, courage and the power of storytelling! ❤️

22 of our EMBS Sixth Form students, accompanied by 6 members of staff, attended the Resistance Through Storytelling Poetry Slam at Fusion Arts in Oxford.

We couldn’t be prouder of our four amazing students who stepped into the spotlight and performed alongside seven other talented young people! 🌟

👏 A huge round of applause for:
✨ Amna Hussain
✨ Areeza Sohail
✨ Ivan Kostov
✨ Iona Brion

🏆 A special shoutout to Iona Brion, who achieved an incredible 3rd place in the Poetry Slam, performing on stage for the very first time! What an achievement! 👏❤️

The event explored powerful themes of freedom, African history, resistance, friendship and sisterhood, giving young people the opportunity to express their experiences, celebrate their identities and make their voices heard through poetry. ✊🏽🌍

🎭 And the evening didn’t stop there!

Our students went on to enjoy a fantastic performance of Once Upon a Time in Sokoto at Oxford Playhouse, joining around 60 young people, staff and partners for a wonderful shared theatre experience.

❤️ A HUGE THANK YOU!

To Kemastry Mapengo, Inspire Sounds and Fusion Arts for creating such an inspiring opportunity for our young people.

A special thank you to Dan Glazebrook for arranging complimentary theatre tickets, making this experience accessible to our students and staff.

At EMBS, we believe education goes far beyond the classroom. Experiences like these help our students discover their voices, build confidence, embrace creativity and realise just how much they are capable of achieving. 🌟

Different stories. Powerful voices. Endless potential.

We are SO proud of every student who took part! ❤️🎤

09/10/2026

🚂🌍 RAILS TO TRAILS: EXPLORING BLACK HISTORY IN OXFORD! ✊🏾📚

October is Black History Month, and at EMBS Community College, we’re celebrating by learning, exploring and discovering the incredible stories that have helped shape our history! ❤️🖤💚

On Wednesday, 17 students and 3 staff members from our Banbury Sixth Form travelled to Oxford for a special Black History Walking Trail as part of our Rails to Trails experience! 🚶🏽‍♀️🏛️

Our students explored the historic streets of Oxford, visiting university colleges and discovering the stories, achievements and contributions of Black people connected to the city and its rich heritage.

The journey also included a visit to the Pitt Rivers Museum, where students had the opportunity to learn more about Black history, culture and the important connections between Oxford and the wider world. 🌍

At EMBS, we believe learning goes far beyond the classroom. Experiences like these encourage our students to ask questions, explore different perspectives, celebrate diversity and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

A huge THANK YOU to Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership for providing our students with this fantastic opportunity and helping make history come alive! 🚆👏🏽

We’re proud to be celebrating Black History Month through education, discovery and meaningful experiences that inspire our learners. ❤️

📸 Take a look at some highlights from our day exploring Oxford!

09/10/2026

🚂🌍 RAILS TO TRAILS: EXPLORING BLACK HISTORY IN OXFORD! ✊🏾📚

October is Black History Month, and at EMBS Community College, we’re celebrating by learning, exploring and discovering the incredible stories that have helped shape our history! ❤️🖤💚

On Wednesday, 17 students and 3 staff members from our Banbury Sixth Form travelled to Oxford for a special Black History Walking Trail as part of our Rails to Trails experience! 🚶🏽‍♀️🏛️

Our students explored the historic streets of Oxford, visiting university colleges and discovering the stories, achievements and contributions of Black people connected to the city and its rich heritage.

The journey also included a visit to the Pitt Rivers Museum, where students had the opportunity to learn more about Black history, culture and the important connections between Oxford and the wider world. 🌍

At EMBS, we believe learning goes far beyond the classroom. Experiences like these encourage our students to ask questions, explore different perspectives, celebrate diversity and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

A huge THANK YOU to (Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership) for providing our students with this fantastic opportunity and helping make history come alive! 🚆👏🏽

We’re proud to be celebrating Black History Month through education, discovery and meaningful experiences that inspire our learners. ❤️

📸 Take a look at some highlights from our day exploring Oxford!

Could your safeguarding experience help shape the future of EMBS? ❤️🖤We are looking for a Volunteer Trustee with Safegua...
07/10/2026

Could your safeguarding experience help shape the future of EMBS? ❤️🖤

We are looking for a Volunteer Trustee with Safeguarding experience to join the Board of Trustees at EMBS Community College.

Our Board brings together professionals who volunteer their expertise, leadership and experience to support good governance and help EMBS continue making a positive difference to our students and local communities.

As our Safeguarding Trustee, you will work closely with the College’s Designated Safeguarding Lead and provide strategic oversight and guidance around safeguarding and learner welfare.

The role will include helping us:

• Champion safeguarding at Board level
• Support best practice and continuous improvement
• Provide appropriate challenge and oversight
• Help ensure safeguarding remains a key priority across the organisation
• Support high standards of governance and learner welfare

We would particularly like to hear from professionals with practical or leadership experience in safeguarding, child or adult protection, student welfare or a related area. Join Our Board as a Volunteer Board Member (Safeguarding Lead).

This is an opportunity to use your knowledge and experience to make a meaningful contribution to education and student safety while working alongside a supportive team of professionals.

📩 Interested in finding out more or expressing your interest?
Contact us at [email protected]

Please share this opportunity with your networks or tag someone who may be a great fit.

30/09/2026

✨ Celebrating 27 incredible years at EMBS! ✨

Today was a very special day as we came together to celebrate a much-loved and valued member of the EMBS family, Azmat, as she begins her well-deserved retirement after an incredible 27 years of service. ❤️

From teaching ESOL and sewing classes to supporting community engagement, Azmat has worn many hats during her time at EMBS. Through it all, her dedication to our learners, colleagues and wider community has remained at the heart of everything she has done.

27 years is an amazing milestone, and we are incredibly grateful for everything Azmat has contributed to EMBS. She will be greatly missed, and we wish her every happiness as she begins this exciting new chapter. 💐

A huge thank you to Nazia and the Banbury team for hosting such a warm and heartfelt celebration, to for the stunning décor 🎈 and for the beautiful cake 🎂 for entertaining everyone and for the incredible art portraits!

And finally, thank you to our staff, students, Trustees and wider EMBS community who joined us to celebrate this wonderful milestone. ❤️

🎥 Enjoy today’s highlights… but there’s more to come!
Keep an eye on our page as we’ll be sharing a closer look at Azmat’s special celebration very soon. 👀✨

Happy retirement, Azmat and thank you for 27 wonderful years! 🌷❤️

25/09/2026

🎓✨ Exploring what comes next at UCAS Discovery!

Our Year 2 students from EMBS Banbury Sixth Form headed to Stadium MK in Milton Keynes with our teaching team to experience UCAS Discovery Bedford 2026.

UCAS Discovery gives students the opportunity to explore their options after college, meet universities, colleges and apprenticeship providers, ask questions about courses and entry requirements, and learn more about the UCAS application process.

It was a really successful day for our students! 🙌

From discovering different university courses to speaking directly with representatives, the experience helped our students think more clearly about where they want to go, what they want to study and the steps they need to take to get there. 🎯

At EMBS, preparing students for their next steps is an important part of their journey. Experiences like this help turn ideas into plans and give our students the confidence and information they need to start building their own pathway after Sixth Form. 💙

A big thank you to our Banbury Sixth Form team for supporting our students throughout the day!

🎓 Explore your options. Plan your pathway. Take your next step.

23/09/2026

👋 LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF!

Meet some of the amazing faces behind EMBS Community College

Welcome to Banbury Sixth Form! 🎓✨

Our Banbury team are all about creating a welcoming, supportive and friendly environment where students can feel comfortable, be themselves and get the encouragement they need to learn, grow and succeed. 💛 They’re also a fun, friendly bunch who bring plenty of energy, laughter and personality to college life! 😄

So… who’s who? 👀

👋 Meet Nazia Kusar – Head of Sixth Form, member of the Senior Leadership Team and Head of Operations and Exams in Banbury
📊 Meet Jo Darvell – Business Teacher
💙 Meet Hayley Stevenson– Health & Social Care Teacher
📚 Meet Vicky Carlo– English Teacher
➗ Meet Andy Bedlow- Maths Teacher
💻 And meet Joe Woods– Systems & Compliance Officer

They’re just some of the brilliant people who help make our Banbury Sixth Form what it is, supportive, approachable and always ready to have a bit of fun!

Now you can finally put some faces to the names! 😄

But we’re not finished yet… 👀

🏠 Keep your eyes peeled as we introduce you to the team at The Banbury Loft next!

Coming to a screen near you soon… 🎬✨

📩 DM us with any questions or enquiries about EMBS Banbury Sixth Form.

Address

213B Barns Road
Oxford
OX43UT

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+447737816471

Website

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