South Essex College rated good by Ofsted after improvements

The college, which has campuses in Southend, Basildon, and Thurrock, was rated “requires improvement” by Ofsted back in November 2022 

Concerns were raised over the quality of education and the curriculum, as college bosses were told to urgently shape up. 

Good - Students at South Essex College in Basildon (Image: South Essex College)

 
Now two years on, Denise Brown, South Essex Colleges group chief executive, has hailed the “amazing result” and heaped praise on staff, students and the community.

Following a visit to the college between October 8 and October 11, inspectors found significant improvements and praised leaders for creating high-quality education tailored to the needs of its leaders and preparing them effectively for employment. 

In a report published this week, the college group was handed a “good” rating – the second highest possible rating.

The report stated: “Most students are positive about their college experience and see their course as a valuable opportunity. Students study in a calm and inclusive environment that is conducive to learning. 

Good - Group CEO Denise Brown and deputy chief executive Adam Fahey (Image: South Essex College)

 
“Students are treated as adults by staff and they behave respectfully in lessons. Students work well with their peers, listening and learning from each other. Students with high needs feel they belong and are well supported at college.” At the time of the inspection, there were approximately 6,400 students at the college, aged between 16 and 18, as well as adult learners and apprentices.

The report added: “Students and apprentices benefit from high-quality facilities and resources.

“Students increase their confidence during their time at college. Students on supported internships understand the link between college and work and the relevance of their training.”

South Essex Colleges group chief executive, Denise Brown said: “We are delighted with this amazing result; so much hard work has gone into this outcome from staff, students and the general college community. This great effort has contributed to this being the college’s ‘best year yet’. This grade reflects our position in the further education sector, we are a college that is at the heart of the community, and we strive to provide a great learning environment for our students so they can learn, grow and achieve their ambitions”

South Essex Colleges Group Deputy CEO, Adam Fahey added: “Two years of hard work and commitment by staff and students have been recognised.”