Posted: February 19, 2026
DN Colleges Group has claimed the overall championship title at the 2026 Intercollege Competition; an impressive achievement in the Group’s first year of taking part in the event, hosted by The Grimsby Institute.
Held on 12 February 2026, the championships brought together four major education providers from across the region: Hull College, DN Colleges Group, The Grimsby Institute, and RNN Group. The competition saw hundreds of high-achieving students go head-to-head in a diverse range of vocational challenges.
Participating for the first time, DN Colleges Group delivered a standout performance. Around 83 students from North Lindsey College and Doncaster College competed in 27 different categories, collectively securing nine gold medals across disciplines including Catering & Hospitality, Business, Travel & Tourism, Animal Care, Brickwork, Music, Art, Hairdressing and Photography. Their achievements earned the Group the coveted overall championship trophy and the title ‘Intercollege Champions 2026’.
Each competition replicated real-world working environments, giving students the chance to demonstrate industry-standard skills under professional conditions. Their success underscores the vital role of further education in developing work-ready talent and raising the bar for excellence in vocational training.
Ashton Ross, 18 (Level 3 Extended Creative Media Production student) said: “Taking part in the intercollege competition gave me invaluable hands‑on experience and a boost in confidence. Working as a part of team, we planned, filmed, and edited a short film from start to finish within a strict timeframe. The opportunity allowed me to experiment creatively, overcome real production challenges, and work to industry standards. It was not only an enjoyable experience but a step forward in my filmmaking journey.
“Overall, this experience has had a lasting impact on my learning and will assist with my transition to university in September.”
Speaking after the event, Simon Barton, Ambassador for Skills & Competitions at DN Colleges Group, said: “It was an honour and a privilege to be part of the team setting up this fantastic competition hosted by Grimsby Institute, seeing the commitment, resilience and dedication the learners have shown throughout this event, highlighting the fantastic work that Further Education does in the promotion of skills and ultimately DN Colleges’ commitment to skills.
“The medals and trophies were obviously great to see. Still, for me, it’s an experience students will not forget, getting to put their skills to the test against their peers from across Yorkshire & Humberside in an environment that emulates working standards and environments.”
DN Colleges Group expressed pride in every student who took part. Not only those who secured medals but all learners who represented the organisation with confidence, skill, and professionalism.
Looking ahead, the Group is preparing to host the championships on home soil in 2027, where they will defend their title and support a new cohort of students aiming to build on this year’s success.