🚧 NSCG | Newcastle College student wins national BBC Countryfile…
Your browser is unsupported and may have security vulnerabilities! Upgrade to a newer browser to experience this site in all it's glory.
Skip to main content

9th February 2018

Newcastle College student, Joshua Sedgley, aged 19 from Market Drayton, was announced as the winner of BBC’s Countryfile 'Winter in the Countryside' photography contest on Thursday 8 February, with his photograph of a 'Highland Bull in Winnington'.

Joshua, who is currently in his second year at the College and is studying the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Photography, was placed 1st, 2nd and 4th in the public vote for the competition and was one of 450 entrants.

Countryfile, a national magazine and television programme which airs weekly on BBC One, reports on rural, agricultural, and environmental issues in the United Kingdom and often ask viewers to submit their photographs of landscapes and wildlife as part of a competition.

Mike Kelly, Group Head of Creative in Arts and Media at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG), said: “All of the creative teaching staff and Josh’s peers are all really proud of his achievement. To win a photography competition against over 400 other entries is amazing. Josh is a very talented photographer and I have no doubt that the skills and experiences he has gained during his studies with us contributed to him winning the competition. Well done Josh!”

Outside of college, Joshua has gained recognition in various photography exhibitions and publications and has recently undertaken photography roles for a number of local businesses, authors and charities. He is also a budding member of Whitchurch Photographic Society, where he now teaches new members.

Joshua’s passion for photo journalism has enabled him to capture images of members of parliament and politicians during last year’s UK general election. His on-going work, combined with the understanding and knowledge of photography that he has gained during his studies at Newcastle College, has helped Josh develop a professional approach to work and is already working as a freelance photographer.

Joshua is predicted to achieve high grades once he completes his qualification and is continuing to build his impressive portfolio to support his application for a Higher Level Apprenticeship or to secure full-time employment.

Newcastle College offers both vocational and A Level qualifications in photography as well as part-time recreational courses.