UK

Global Academy’s Year 13 Class of 2025 has seen a record 62% of students achieving Distinctions in their UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma, the equivalent of three A*s at A Level.

The achievement follows a year of change for the Hayes-based sixth form, which welcomed a new principal and underwent an Ofsted inspection.
In March this year, Ofsted rated the Sixth Form as Outstanding, praising “exceptionally high student outcomes, strong vocational qualifications, and industry-led work placements”.
Year 13 student Conrad said his two-week work placement with Global’s engineering team prepared him for his new role as a Junior Broadcast Engineer at News UK.
Another student, Siobhan, credited the Academy with expanding her knowledge in editing and advertising, ahead of travelling to South Korea to teach media and English.
This year, students have secured roles with TwoFour Productions, ITV, Wavemaker, and News UK, along with nine apprenticeships at Global.
Principal James Murray-Walsh praised the cohort’s commitment, saying the results reflect “their dedication and hard work” and the high standard of teaching and support.
Many students will stay on for Year 14 in September, Global Academy’s free alternative to university focusing on Creative Enterprise, which allows them to build portfolios, launch projects, and further their creative careers.

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BBC Radio 6 Music’s autumn schedule features Kate Moss, Beth Ditto, and a new series dedicated to celebrating neurodivergent identity and creativity.

Kate Moss will present Music Uncovered, David Bowie: Changeling, an eight-part podcast exploring Bowie’s artistic evolution between 1970 and 1975.
Available on BBC Sounds from 6am on 10th September and broadcast on 6 Music from 22nd September, the series features rare archive interviews, including a 2001 conversation with podcast creator Des Shaw, and contributions from artists including Boy George, Elton John, Iggy Pop and Robbie Williams.
Episodes cover key moments from Bowie’s career, including The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars and the creation of The Thin White Duke.
Beth Ditto joins Nick Grimshaw’s Breakfast Show every Tuesday from 16th September for What Would Beth Ditto Do?, giving her take on listeners’ dilemmas. She will also front Indie Forever Disco, a 20-part series for BBC Sounds launching in November, playing dance floor indie hits.
Grounding, a 12-part series running 15th September to 2nd October, will be hosted by AFRODEUTSCHE, Blindboyboatclub, Emma-Jean Thackray and Gary Numan, with each sharing their lived experiences and musical influences.
Themes will include creativity, identity, love, solitude and obsession, with contributions from The Donaldson Trust to ensure a neuro-affirming approach.
Samantha Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music, said: “It’s a joy to welcome Kate Moss to celebrate an artist close to her heart and ours – David Bowie.
“I’m proud to be working with four incredible neurodivergent artists in our new series, Grounding. And then there’s Beth Ditto, who will be doing all of that and more with Nick Grimshaw and later with Indie Forever Disco.”

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The Radio Academy is to bring a range of new audio experiences to The Radio Academy Festival 2025 with the support of Dolby Labs.

Taking place on 17th September at the Royal College of Physicians in London’s Regent’s Park, Dolby will transform the venue’s Dorchester Library into a state-of-the-art audio space.
The Dolby Library will feature work created and mixed in Dolby Atmos, offering producers an opportunity to experience sonic arrangements and expand their creativity into three dimensions.
The Dolby Library’s programme, hosted by Stephanie Hirst from Hits Radio, will include work by Wisebuddah, Emmy award-winning sound designer Nick Ryan and Media Art Xploration, and broadcaster and psychologist Dr Sian Williams alongside neuroscientist Dr Catherine Loveday:

Introduction to Dolby Atmos immersive sound to show how accessible Dolby’s tools and technologies are. The half hour session will cover the basics of Dolby Atmos and what you need to get started.
The Psychology of Sonic Branding by Wisebuddah and Genelec, an immersive audio experience mixed in Dolby Atmos within Wisebuddah’s new 9.1.4 studio at their Soho HQ. This session delivers a ‘mini movie for your ears,’ narrated by some names from radio, celebrating the power of sound and sonic branding.
An exclusive preview of Sonic Sunset by Nick Ryan and Media Art Xploration. For the first time in Dolby Atmos, Sonic Sunset is a collaboration between British and American artists which connects people to three distinct and endangered ecosystems: the rainforests of Borneo, the skies over southern India, and the deep Subarctic waters.
Immersive audio and the human brain. Broadcaster and psychologist Dr Sian Williams and cognitive neuroscientist Professor Catherine Loveday to find out how immersing ourselves in music changes the way we think and feel.

Richard Addis, Music Engineer, from Dolby says: “We’re thrilled to be part of the Radio Academy Festival and to showcase the amazing work already being created by members.
“As the landscape of audio becomes more competitive, we’re seeing huge appetite for immersive listening experiences, and Dolby Atmos is enabling that demand to be met technologically and creatively.”
Matt Fisher from Wisebuddah says: “We’re buzzing to join the Radio Festival alongside Dolby and other industry pioneers to showcase how sound can be truly immersive and transformative.
“At Wisebuddah, we believe audio is the most emotional and immediate medium, and our session brings this to life through a unique sonic story – a mini movie for your ears that celebrates the beauty and power of sound.”
Nick Ryan from Nick Ryan/MAX says: “We are thrilled to share an exclusive preview of Sonic Sunset at the Festival before it is premiered at Museum of Science, Boston. Take the journey to listen anew to the environment, feel the impact of human activity, and consider what is at stake. “
Radio Academy MD Dixi Stewart and Festival Executive Producer Chris North say: “The Radio Academy Festival is all about championing the people and technologies shaping our broadcasting world and redefining the art of sound.
“This exciting installation with Dolby means we can now fully inhabit radio’s theatre of the mind and deeply immerse ourselves in the exhilarating future of audio.”

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BBC Radio Scotland presenter Bryan Burnett will return to his early evening music show Get it On from this Thursday after taking time off for treatment for appendix cancer.

Bryan stepped back from the programme in June this year to focus on recovery and recuperation, with fellow broadcaster Grant Stott stepping in as host. Grant announced Bryan’s return on Tuesday night’s show.
In a statement, Bryan said he was delighted to be coming back to work after successful treatment. He thanked his medical team, family, friends, and the many BBC Radio Scotland listeners who had sent messages of encouragement, cards, and well wishes.
“Their messages, cards and kindness have meant so much,” he said, adding thanks to Grant Stott for “doing such a great job looking after the show.”
Bryan said his return will be gradual to maintain his health and energy, saying that the experience had given him “a renewed perspective on what matters most.”
He added: “I am excited about the road ahead and grateful for the opportunity to return to doing what I’m passionate about.”
Hayley Valentine, Director of BBC Scotland, said: “Like the Get it On listeners, everyone at BBC Scotland is delighted to be welcoming Bryan back to the studio following what has been a tough couple of months for him. We look forward to seeing and hearing him back where he belongs.”
Bryan will share presenting duties with Grant during his phased return, with his first show airing on 14th August from 6pm to 8pm.

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BBC Radio 2 presenters will broadcast from Chelmsford in the days leading up to Radio 2 in the Park, which takes place at Hylands Park from 5th to 7th September.

Scott Mills and Rylan Clark will record an edition of their Pop Top 10 podcast live in front of an audience at Chelmsford Theatre on Tuesday 2nd September, joined by a secret VIP guest.
The episode will be on BBC Sounds from Wednesday 3rd September and on Radio 2 on Saturday 6th September from 1am.
On Thursday 4th September, Jo Whiley will present a BBC Introducing special of her evening show from local venue Hot Box, with an intimate audience chosen by random draw open to over 18s only.
Jeremy Vine will host his Friday lunchtime programme from Chelmsford on 5th September, celebrating Essex with features including a visit to the county’s Cold War-era nuclear bunker, a look at Chelmsford’s place in radio history, and a trip to a local vineyard.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said: “Radio 2 has always been proud to take the station out and about across the UK, and these events in Chelmsford in the run up to Radio 2 in the Park provide a wonderful extra opportunity to shine a spotlight on the city and for our star presenters to meet and connect with our listeners face-to-face.
“We are so excited to bring the full BBC Radio 2 experience to Essex in September and we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone.”

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Happy Radio UK and the Trafford Centre have entered a new agreement for the station to be the shopping centre’s official radio partner.

The partnership will see Happy Radio supporting the Manchester venue with coverage, promotion, live OBs, presenter appearances and social content supporting its calendar of events on site.
The collaboration aims to highlight the Trafford Centre’s range of activities, family events, and retail experiences, alongside new store launches and the centre’s new premium parking offer.
As part of the partnership, Happy Radio UK will showcase previews of upcoming attractions and help engage shoppers through on-site activity.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be teaming up with Trafford Centre to champion this iconic venue and its offering,” said co-founders Darren Proctor and Max Eden. “It’s an incredible destination known not only for its shopping but for being a real leisure destination.”

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