The Learning and Enterprise College Bexley is this week celebrating a "great result" for the school after Ofsted rated them 'good' across all categories, a major improvement.

Inspectors who visited the college in March, right before the coronavirus outbreak took hold, have praised the teaching staff for challenging the students so they "improve and achieve their potential."

The college is a community learning and skills provider in Bexley, and had previously been rated overall as 'requires improvement' in 2018.

But Ofsted's latest inspection rated them 'good' for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, adult learning programmers and its provision for learners with high needs.

Cllr John Fuller, cabinet member for education, said: “I was delighted to read the inspectors’ praise for the teaching staff, leadership team and governors at the College.”

“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 added that they were "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, which has over 1,600 learners, offers a range of courses for adults and for learners with high needs, covering subject areas including maths and English, creative arts, health and wellbeing and preparation for life and work.

Cllr Louie French, deputy leader of Bexley 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.”