Inaugural FE English Challenge is a hit with students

City of Portsmouth College has hosted the UK’s first FE English Challenge, a new competition similar to the national FE Maths Challenge to boost student skills and confidence in the subject.

The inaugural competition featured three teams – COPC, South Orbital College and Isle of Wight College – in the grand final, after taking part in classroom-based challenges to qualify. It came about when teaching staff realised there wasn’t any meaningful enrichment opportunity specifically for students resitting their English GCSE, so they decided to create one themselves.

The day comprised a series of mini-challenges, including “Human bingo”, where students had to find people who represented topics or items on their bingo card, a Scattergories challenge, a story planning challenge using props, a pub quiz, and a film comprehension test.

There were three award categories, with four special awards on top, and the feedback overall was hugely positive, with plans to expand the competition further in 2027.

Mia de Caen, Assistant Principal in Maths and English, said: “Our students threw themselves into every activity with enthusiasm, teamwork, and courage, proving exactly why English matters. It's not just a subject on a timetable; it's a life skill that opens doors, builds independence and helps young people express themselves with confidence.”

Mia thanked all the staff and students who took part – including catering students who provided lunch – as well as guest speakers Terence Carvalho, Marnie Norton and Mr Everything English.

FE English Challenge 2026 - winners
Sentence Starters
1 Indigo and Cory – IW College
2 Intellectuals (Anjoladuma and Darius) – COPC

Writing Builders
1 Goat Nation (Ruby and Amy) – IW College
2 The Boys (Felix and Zed) – COPC

Text Masters
1 Story Tellers (Dylan and Alex) – IW College
2 Team Blue (Sona and Chloe) – South Orbital

Special Awards
Best Team Sign/Logo: Just Lillie - (Lillie Pearce) – COPC
Best Team Work: Team JJ (James and Jenson) – COPC
Most Creative: Team Jay Jay (Josh and Jane) – IOW
Marnie's Prize (signed book): Dynamic Duo (Mia and Tiarnah) – COPC