Staff and governors at The Learning and Enterprise College Bexley are celebrating the report of their recent Ofsted inspection, which rates them as ‘good’ across all categories.
Ofsted carried out the inspection at the beginning of March. It judged the College ‘good’ for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, adult learning programmes, and its provision for learners with high needs.
Councillor Louie French, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Growth said: “Helping people to gain the skills they need to thrive is a priority for us, so I am pleased the inspectors recognise how the College has improved. The fact that most learners gain a lot from their teachers, attend well, complete their course and achieve their qualifications – with many going on to further education, training or employment – is a great result for everyone involved.”
“I was delighted to read the inspectors’ praise for the teaching staff, leadership team and governors at the College,” added Councillor John Fuller, Cabinet Member for Education. “As well as helping learners gain the skills they need for work, the College’s community programme helps those with a range of needs gain confidence, valuable life skills, or to start a new career. It is also teaching older learners how to stay fit and helping others avoid social isolation through the ‘Men in Sheds’ project.”
College Principal Brian Henry said: “We’re particularly pleased that the inspectors saw that our teachers know their learners’ capabilities and challenge them well, so they improve and achieve their potential. I hope the report will encourage more people to take a look at what we have to offer.”
The College offers a range of courses for adults, as well as for learners with high needs. Subject areas include preparation for life and work, mathematics and English functional skills, English for speakers of other languages, crafts, creative arts and design, and health and well-being. More than half of the courses lead to qualifications.
At the time of the inspection, 1,648 learners were enrolled at the College, with 900 learners on accredited learning programmes and 748 on community learning programmes.
After its previous inspection – in 2018 – the College was rated as requiring improvement.
The full report of the inspection is available at https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/42/53104.
Information about the wide range of opportunities available at the College is available on its website at www.lecb.ac.uk