The Royal National College for the Blind

@rnc.ac.uk

The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) is the UK's leading Further Education college for young people aged 16-25 with visual impairment. Charity No: 1000388

Level 2 Business students had a great visit to Border Office Supplies & Systems this week! They met with Director Paul, learned about the business, and explored various roles within departments. The highlight? Testing out office chairs for their ideal workspace! Thanks to Paul and the BOSS team!

The group of staff and students stand with Dave for a group photo. They are in a large room with swatches of fabric on the walls and a rack of leaflets is to their right

Students wrapped up their final ballroom lesson of the year with a special visit from former Strictly pro Janette Manrara! ITV’s This Morning, BBC Midlands Today and BBC H&W captured the fun. Tune in to BBC H&W tomorrow at 11:00 and we'll post updates when it's on This Morning and Midlands Today.

Kai, Janette, Amy and dance teacher Matt pose for a photoJanette talks to volunteers Maria and PeterFreeman being filmed and interviewed by Amy and Peter from BBC Midlands TodayBild

RNC students Shabaz and Jessie recently gained hands-on experience at Coppid Beech Hotel! Shabaz focused on marketing, while Jessie learned about hotel operations. They also trained staff on supporting visually impaired guests. Congrats to them for promoting inclusivity in hospitality!

Shabaz and Jessie with 4 members of hotel staff seated around a circular table - making introductions before they get into the sighted guide trainingShabaz sitting at a table with the RNC promotional banners either side of him. He is talking to a guestJessie shadows a member of staff on the hotel receptionJessie giving two members of staff practical advice on sighted guiding

Catch the EE FA Disability Cup finals this weekend! Six finals - Amputee, Partially Sighted, Blind, Cerebral Palsy, Powerchair, and Deaf. Tune in on: - TNT Sports 3 (Blind Final at 14:45) - HBO Max [accessible coverage of all games] - England Football YouTube channel for catch-up! Good luck RNC!

A graphic with a lime green background announcing the game and showing images of RNC sighted goalkeeper Katie and WBA player Eesa.

EE FA Disability Cup: Blind Football Final 🏆 RNC Hereford v West Bromwich Albion Saturday 27 June 2026 at 15:10 St George's Park Live on TNT Sports 3 The team has already picked up the League title and the Brian Aarons Cup. They’ve done the double... can they do the treble? Good luck RNC ⚽

The team - back row L-R: Tom Bendall (guide), Azeem Amir, Harrison Matthewman, Dan Jenkins, Callum Lynch (Assistant Coach) Front row: Toby Williams, Dylan Malpas (Sighted GK), Olly JohnsonThe squad pictured in goal with their League and Cup trophies in front of them.
Back row L-R: Lewis Skyers (Guide), Callum Lynch (Team Support), Toby Williams, Dan Jenkins, Azeem Amir, Tom Bendall (Guide) Front row L-R: Harrison Matthewman, Dylan Malpas holding his young son, Olly Johnson. They are all holding or displaying various individual cups and trophies

Brandon struggled to find an employer who understood how to properly support his visual impairment after leaving RNC. Following many knock backs Brandon had a lightbulb moment and launched his own business producing Braille resources. Now he's thriving. Read more here: inews.co.uk/inews-lifest...

I'm 24 and blind - I applied for 1,000 jobs with no success so started my own firm

Brandon Hulcoop says he became depressed from the constant rejection - but with help from the King he started his own business

inews.co.uk

Our volunteers are essential! In return they build connections, find purpose, and boost their well-being. They say: 'Getting to know the students and their goals and talents is a privilege and very rewarding.' 'It's helped me to feel useful, valued and part of a community following my retirement.'

A graphic with start outlines in blue, yellow, orange, purple and green. With black text on a white background which reads 'It's time to celebrate!' #VolunteersWeek

Our students hit the cycle track in May, gaining confidence to ride solo on trikes, quads and bikes! Big thanks to Jim and the Monday Cycle Club, and to RNC staff and volunteers for their support. Even in the drizzle, they kept spirits high with hot drinks and biscuits!

Volunteer Mick (left) wearing his hood up sitting next to student Reece wearing a cycle helmet on a quadricycle. They are both smiling and pedallingEmma wearing a cycle helmet getting ready to set off on a standard bikeMichal on the back of a tandem with volunteer Kevin getting ready to pilotVolunteer Gerry cheers with his arms in the air as he sits next to Hazal on a quad bike

Students got expedition-ready at a practice DofE camp! They set up tents, cooked on Trangia stoves, completed first aid training. After a local walk they enjoyed a campfire with treats. Despite the chill, they rose early to cook breakfast and strike camp, prepping for their June expedition!

Lewis sitting on the grass behind a camping table which has two trangia stoves sitting on itOn the munitions walk - The group of 10 standing on a path in the countryside smiling for the cameraThe students grouped around a camping table unpacking the stoves in the orchard. It's bright sunshineThe group of 10 standing on a path in the countryside smiling for the camera

To celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, student Matteo organised a celebration! Students crafted cards to send to him and enjoyed nature-themed activities in the College orchard. They listened to the King’s message, wove hedgehogs, and planted sunflowers for a friendly competition.

Matteo stands under a tree in the orchard holding up a card with a giant hand on it made with circles of blue and green paper and old mapsJacob and Molly smiling hold up their hedgehog craftsAmy sitting on a chair under a canopy is holding up a pot which contains her newly planted sunflower seedThe group gathered together outside under a 'canopy to sing 'Happy Birthday