EN is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Gold Award by the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) – the highest honour recognising employers who demonstrate exceptional support for the armed forces community.
The Gold Award reflects the College’s ongoing commitment to supporting serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families. By actively promoting flexible working arrangements, fostering a forces-friendly culture, and engaging with the wider community, EN is passionate about upholding the values of the Armed Forces Covenant.
EN Principal, Dr. Catherine Richards, said “We are incredibly proud to receive the Gold Award, which recognises our commitment to those who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families. As a college, we believe in inclusion, opportunity, and community, and this award reinforces our dedication to supporting the armed forces in practical and meaningful ways.”
EN was the first UK Sixth Form College to create a Combined Cadet Force in 2018 and now has a 100 strong contingent. This enables the college to educate young people and the wider community about the work that is undertaken by our Armed Forces throughout the world and the links that exist within our local area. From September, EN will have a Royal Navy contingent and will continue to be the Poppy Appeal co-ordinator for the local area, confirming our commitment to organisations such as the Royal British Legion and Veterans.
The ERS Gold Award is presented to employers who not only employ and support veterans, reservists, and their families, but also advocate for others to do the same. EN joins a select group of organisations across the UK in receiving this prestigious honour in 2025.