Learning provider's delight at outstanding rating

A learning provider is toasting a top watchdog review.

Education Partnership North East (EPNE) has been rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Bosses say the mark represents the end of a “relentless eight-year ambitious transformation journey, during which time EPNE has delivered significant financial recovery, taking two insolvent colleges to a position of collaborative financial strength”.

The group, which includes Sunderland College, Northumberland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form College, was rated outstanding across every reviewable element, including quality of education, adult education, apprenticeships, provision for students with special education needs (high needs) and personal development and leadership.

Inspectors found “students and apprentices benefit from high quality teaching”, with teachers described as “skilful”.

Ellen Thinnesen, EPNE chief executive, said: “Our achievements are the product of many great people, who are deeply passionate for the North East and the local communities served by our colleges.

“To our inspiring workforce (past and present), this success is the product of your hard work, determination, self-belief and courage.

“To see inspectors moved to tears at the life-changing work you deliver every day was simply remarkable.

“To civic, employer and community partners, you have enabled all our colleges to aim high, reach beyond our immediate boundaries and make an outstanding difference.”

The Ofsted report comes as EPNE prepares to open the Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy, in Sunderland, next year, which will arm learners with the techniques needed to build, retrofit and create the accommodation of tomorrow.

It is also pressing ahead with the development of a new Northumberland College, in Ashington, which is earmarked to open in 2026.

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