National Star

28/10/2025

Not only did our students enjoy the activities on offer at our very own Star LitFest this year, but they also got involved in the Cheltenham Festivals Literature Festival, attending events and celebrating storytelling. 📖

Nuala is the biggest fan of World Of David Walliams and has all his books, in both hardback and paperback! At she had the chance to meet David, dressed as an elf, where she bought his new book and got it signed.

We love to see our students explore the wider opportunities that Cheltenham offers, all while growing independence within the community. 🌟

27/10/2025

Have you heard our new radio ad on Greatest Hits Radio? 📻
Tag us and tell us where you were listening! 🎧🙌

25/10/2025

We’re on the lookout for an inspiring and dedicated teacher to join our team! 📣

At National Star, we specialise in supporting 16–25 year olds with complex disabilities, and this role focuses on learners with vision impairment.

➡️ Lead assessments
➡️Work as part of a multidisciplinary team
➡️Deliver high-quality intervention and support

Salary range: £30k-£41k (DOE and qualifications)

If you’re ready to move beyond traditional teaching and make a real impact with motivated, talented students, this could be the role for you.

Apply today: https://bit.ly/3Wicp56

23/10/2025

Meet Sophie, a student who is thriving on National Star’s Work Outcomes and Personal Development pathway. Through community inclusion, work placements, physical and mental health support, Sophie is gaining the skills and confidence she needs to live independently. 💫

A key part of Sophie’s therapy and development involves community access. Through these trips, Sophie has learnt how to confidently pay by card and cash, and how to handle real-world situations that involve communicating with unfamiliar people.

To support Sophie with these interactions she wears a lanyard that says “I have a hidden disability. Please be patient.” This simple tool has had a big impact. People are more understanding and respectful, helping Sophie to feel more confident and empowered in public spaces.

🔗 Click the link to find out more about Sophie's journey at National Star: https://www.nationalstar.org/learn-with-us/work-outcomes-and-personal-development/sophies-story/

23/10/2025

Wow, our Sunrise Walk early bird tickets have already sold out! Every step you take on our Sunrise Walk 2026 will raise money for National Star. 🌄

There are still plenty of tickets available though. 🎫 Choose from two routes: A challenging 13km walk, or an accessible 3km circular route - perfect for families with pushchairs, children, and electric wheelchair users - providing an opportunity for everyone to experience the sunrise over the Cotswolds!

Take on a challenge and ask your friends and family to join or sponsor you to raise money for young adults with disabilities.

👉 Sign up today: https://www.nationalstar.org/events/sunrise-walk/

22/10/2025

Are you looking to demonstrate your social value credentials or would you like a team building event with a difference?

National Star is looking to plant 3,500 across its Ullenwood campus over two weeks, starting on 11 November, to improve biodiversity and create wildlife corridors for the mammals, birds and insects that live in its grounds.

Would you like to help? Full training and equipment will be provided. A group of civil servants, who planted saplings for us in March, found the day hugely rewarding.

Civil service volunteer Lucie said: ‘We had a brilliant day planting saplings at National Star. Everyone had their part to play and we worked really well as part of a team. It was so satisfying looking back along the hedgerow we had planted at the end of the day to see how much we had achieved.

‘It was lovely to receive a photo recently which showed how much the saplings had grown. It is wonderful to think we have helped to improve the biodiversity of the college.’

Interested in taking part? Contact Sustainability Lead Elaine Hodgin at ehodgin@nationalstar.org

22/10/2025

Last week’s Star LitFest was an incredible celebration of creativity, connection and self-expression.

Our new “I Am...” music video captures the storytelling experiences shared across our college, from exploring the natural world, to community poems, dance and choir workshops, art projects and students co-authoring stories.

This year’s theme, “I am…”, inspired staff and students alike to express themselves, be curious, celebrate what makes us unique and what unites us as a community.

Huge thank you to Mike and Helen for the beautiful song that brings these moments to life.

📺 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oSwlvg1z94Y

Helen Delamere

21/10/2025

Exciting news! 🌟 We are pleased to announce that our expert-led training courses are now available to external organisations. Designed to empower teams and enhance skills across a range of areas, our training combines practical insights with actionable strategies to drive real results.

Courses currently available:
• Moving and handling of people induction
• Moving and handling of people refresher
• Makaton level 1&2
• Safeguarding adults Level 2
• Administration of medications

Courses are available to book now at https://www.nationalstar.org/sharing-knowledge/training-courses/ with dates available from November onwards.

We are pleased to announce that our expert-led training programs are now available to external organisations. Designed to empower teams and enhance skills across a range of areas, our training combines practical insights with actionable strategies to drive real results.

20/10/2025

Things are getting spooky in our charity shops this October! 🎃 👻 💀

Did you know that 7 million Halloween costumes are thrown out each year in the UK alone, with 83% being made out of non-recyclable plastic?

By shopping for your costumes and decorations in our charity shops, you would not only be getting a hauntingly good deal, but also helping to reduce waste and promote sustainability. ♻️

Our Charity Retail teams have pulled out all the stops to make their window displays look terrifyingly good, pop on down to one of our shops in Gloucestershire and Herefordshire to see what second-hand finds you discover!

Click the link to find out more about our shops: https://www.nationalstar.org/support-us/shop-with-us/

20/10/2025

Ullenwood Campus got groovy on Friday at our student Welcome Ball! 🎶 Our students brought their best moves and endless energy to the dance floor. A huge thank you to everyone who made it a night to remember! 💫

"Students celebrated with energy, flair and style on Friday evening. The DJ was kept busy with requests and dance floor was full of dancing kings and queens! I certainly had a work out trying to keep up with their energy and enjoyed spending downtime with them." said our Director of Learning Programmes & Principal Jojo Kingsbury-Elia.