An Outstanding Ofsted result has been backed up by top marks in the national achievement rate tables for the colleges and training providers that make up the Education Training Collective (Etc.).

The college group has made it to the “Champions League” of colleges, in the top handful of general further education colleges in the country, and takes top spot in the North-east, for the achievement rates of 16 to 18-year-old students and adult learners combined.

“This is an incredible accomplishment for the group and a testament to the hard work and commitment that our students and staff put in every single day,” said Etc. group principal and chief executive officer, Grant Glendinning.

“Our aim is to enable our learners to not only achieve their full potential in their studies, but to give them the best possible learning experience, when it comes to their skills development, wellbeing and support.”

Achievement rates are made up of a combination of both retention and pass rates – the more students that stay at college and achieve, the higher the achievement rates.

“Grant said: “This means they reflect the impact of students’ and colleagues’ work. The achievement rate tables for 23/24, released this year, show that if students enrol at one of the colleges in the Etc. they are more than likely to stay at college, complete the course, and achieve their qualification.”

Made up of Bede Sixth Form College, Innersummit, NETA Training, Redcar and Cleveland College and Stockton Riverside College, the Etc.’s overall achievement rate is 92.3 percent, 6.8 percent above the national average rate.

Grant said: “When you consider that fifty percent of our 16 to 18-year-old students come from postcodes categorised as disadvantaged, that is something to truly celebrate.”

The results back up Ofsted’s findings, published last month, in which inspectors stated learners across the Etc., “develop in confidence significantly and thrive in a community that celebrates individuality and difference”.

They found: “Learners and apprentices are extremely positive about their studies and about all aspects of life in college. They participate fully in learning and enjoy their subjects a great deal, valuing their learning and not just the qualifications that they are aiming to achieve.”

Grant said: “Our achievement rates, along with our top Ofsted grade, are a reflection of years of hard work to deliver for our communities, and this success, along with that of our FE Colleagues in the Tees Valley, and the North-east, should give people right across the region reason to be proud.”

The 23/24 national achievement rate tables, released this year, are official statistics published by the UK government to indicate performance in apprenticeships, education and training.

Staff and students came out in force to mark a milestone achievement for our college group. 

The Education Training Collective (Etc.), which incorporates six colleges and training providers, has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

The top rating is recognition for Bede Sixth Form College, NETA Training, Redcar and Cleveland College, Stockton Riverside College, The Skills Academy (Billingham), and Innersummit in Gateshead.

“This is a phenomenal result for every staff member and student across the group,” said Etc.’s chief executive and group principal, Grant Glendinning. “The result represents the pinnacle of years of hard work, determination and a firm commitment by all to get us to this point.”

The Etc. is made up of a group of colleges and training providers brought together at different times over recent years to secure their futures and stabilise and strengthen local colleges for their respective communities.

Grant said: “By coming together the providers have been able to share knowledge, skills, resources, and best practice, while also building on each site’s individual areas of expertise and strength.

“In doing this we have covered some immeasurable distance which has culminated in the whole group achieving this Outstanding result from Ofsted.”

In the report, published today, Ofsted rated the group as Outstanding for its overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviours and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, education programmes for young people, adult learning programmes and provision for learners with high needs. Apprenticeships were rated Good.

In the outstanding report inspectors stated: “Learners and apprentices flourish across all parts of the group. They embrace the strong sense of belonging that they experience at all campuses. They feel valued and respected, regardless of their backgrounds.”

The Ofsted inspection took place in March and covered a diverse range of subject areas.

Describing behaviour as exemplary, they found, “learners and apprentices are extremely positive about their studies and about all aspects of life in college”.

The report highlighted the teachers’ use of “highly effective teaching strategies in their lessons” and the progress of learners, including those with high needs, and the “high-quality of careers advice and guidance” that helps prepare students for their next steps.

Inspectors commented on the strength of relationships built with employers and stakeholders, helping to shape the curriculum to meet the skills priorities of the Tees valley, including skills bootcamps for adult learners, and responding to growth areas such as renewable energy, health and social care, and professional skills.

The report noted the “very clear vision” of the group’s leaders, both when it comes to creating a “highly inclusive, supportive and welcoming culture” and in successfully attracting new investment to develop state-of-the-art facilities such as the new NETA Training centre which will sit alongside Stockton Riverside College, planned in partnership with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and supported by the Thornaby Town Deal Board.

There was also praise for the group’s facilities and resources that reflect those currently used in industry, and the opportunities given to learners to take part in “highly relevant” work experience and work-related activities as well as valuable community activities.

Jason Faulkner, Etc. deputy chief executive officer, said: “We are blown away by today’s report and incredibly proud to know that Ofsted has recognised the drive and determination of our staff, governors and learners, across the group, to achieve the best possible results for all.

“Achieving Outstanding is amazing for our students, for our staff, our communities and stakeholders. However, it is important that we continue to be amazing and continue to deliver outstanding services as it is our duty as local colleges serving our communities.”

Stuart Blackett, chair of the Etc. governing board, said: “This Ofsted result is massively important to us as a group of colleges and training providers. To achieve the Outstanding grade is external validation of the brilliant work that we, as governors, know the team does, each and every day.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is a superb achievement, and my congratulations go to all the staff and students who have secured this Outstanding rating.

“Etc. is playing a vital role in supporting our ambition to ensure local people have access to the very best skills training and can take advantage of the fantastic employment opportunities being created across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”

You can read the full Ofsted report here.

On this National School Governors’ Awareness Day, we chatted with our own chair of the governing board, Stuart Blackett, about why he enjoys sharing his time and expertise with the Education Training Collective.

“I truly feel we are making a real difference here on Teesside and I’m proud to be part of that.”

What is the best thing about being a governor?

Helping to make a difference to the lives of the students and importantly, those supporting their education. Every little bit helps!

What has been your proudest moment?

Seeing the journey the Education Training Collective is on and especially the move to thinking as “One Etc”. We inherited a great legacy from my predecessors, but I think working more as one in any organisation helps.

How do you fit governorship around the demands of everyday life?

It’s a lot easier now I am retired. I love my role with the Etc. as well as my other non-executive positions. I get to help the Etc. on its journey, but in shorter bursts than you do when working full time in a role. I hope that makes me more potent and able to drive change.

What does the Etc. and its learners mean to you?

Where do I start. It’s just a great organisation with brilliant people and a clear and strong purpose. I was initially attracted by the tone of voice and that’s one thing that never changes, no matter who works for us. I truly feel we are making a real difference here on Teesside and I’m proud to be part of that.

As part of our own nod to National School Governors’ Awareness Day, we have been putting the spotlight on some of own governors to learn more about their motivation.

Rachel Beeken is business unit director, Unitised at PD Ports, and is in her fourth year on the Etc. board of governors.

“It means creating fabulous opportunities for the young people in our area,”

What is the best thing about being a governor?

Feeling like I’m part of a team that is helping and supporting the people in our communities.

What has been your proudest moment?

At our governor conference last year, we had a fantastic talk from some of our learners about their courses and an amazing performance from some other learners in the evening. I was blown away by the confidence, positivity, passion and talent that they all displayed and felt proud to be even a tiny part in supporting people like them to reach their potential.

How do you fit governorship around the demands of everyday life?

It can be difficult with a busy full-time job, but we’re always given plenty of notice of meetings and the packs to read and the governance team are very supportive, so I just have to make sure I get myself well organised!

What does the Etc. and its learners mean to you?

It means creating fabulous opportunities for the young people in our area to help them be the best they can be.

To celebrate National School Governors’ Awareness Day, we caught up with some of our own governors to hear what drives them.

Gary Wright is the deputy director of education and learning at the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and yet still finds time to volunteer as a governor on the Etc. board.

“I’m extremely proud of being a governor here and helping to support the workforce of the future.”

What is the best thing about being a governor?

It’s a real privilege to be a governor at the Etc. The best part is knowing that as part of a wider team, I help ensure we have safe, high achieving colleges for local people.

What has been your proudest moment?

That’s a difficult question, becoming the safeguarding link governor is probably my proudest moment at the Etc. There is nothing more important than keeping our students safe and well and the role helps ensure this is at the forefront of everything we do.

How do you fit governorship around the demands of everyday life?

Being a governor is a challenge from a time management perspective; however, I have a very understanding family and employer who support me.

What does the Etc. and its learners mean to you?

I believe that the Etc. represents all that’s great about the Tees Valley area, innovative, ambitious and high achieving. I am extremely proud of being a governor here and helping to support the workforce of the future.

It’s National School Governors’ Awareness Day so what better excuse to catch up with some of our own governing board to share their motivation and inspiration.

First up, in her sixth year as a governor and now vice chair of the board, Dot Smith…

“The reality is, I get so much more from it than I give.”

What is the best thing about being a governor?

The best thing about being a governor is a feeling of being part of a community of like-minded people striving to help young people and adults improve their life chances through continued learning and skills development. To speak with young people who talk so positively about their courses and the teaching/workshops/and support staff who guide them and support their aspirations is just fabulous. And, to see and hear from adults, including those seeking asylum in our part of the UK, who feel so accepted and welcome at all our sites is wonderful.

What has been your proudest moment?

There are just too many. Every time I do a governor visit to classes, attend a graduation event or a performance in our theatre or the Arc, listen to our student governors in Corporation meetings, attend the staff Winter Review and Awards and hear the wonderful things so many of our staff do to help learners and one another. I am bursting with pride at the care and commitment Etc. staff show to colleagues, learners and their community.

How do you fit governorship around the demands of everyday life?

As a retired person who lives north of Newcastle it can be a challenge to fit in governor duties alongside coffee or lunch with friends, shopping in town, doing school drop offs and pick-ups, cycling in south Northumberland (e-bike), planning my next Interrail trip, gardening… A tough ask but I manage it!

What does the Etc. and its learners mean to you?

It sounds so twee to say, “It gives me an opportunity to give something back after a professional life working in the further education sector,” but, the reality is, that I get so much more from it than I give.