A SOUTHEND college has been praised for making progress and taking action after Ofsted inspectors raised concerns about the quality of education.

South Essex College’s campus, in Luker Road, was rated as “requires improvement” in November 2022. However inspectors have found improvements are being made following a two-day visit on February 28 and 29.

During the “requires improvement” inspection, Ofsted raised concerns around the consistency of the quality of education, as well as the curriculum.

However, following the ungraded monitoring visit, inspectors have found the college, in Southend, has made “reasonable progress”.

The report stated: “Leaders have taken suitable action to improve the quality of teaching and learning. They have put in place extensive professional development to improve teachers’ classroom practice. The newly-introduced learning platform provides teachers with practical strategies to use in their teaching.

“Leaders and managers carry out thorough observations of the quality of teaching and learning. They provide teachers with detailed reports that identify development actions. Consequently, most teachers of vocational qualifications continue to improve aspects of their teaching practice.

“Leaders have worked highly effectively to improve the curriculum for students with high needs on discrete programmes. Teachers plan the curriculum so that students learn topics in an appropriate order.”

At the time of the inspection, there were 2,500 adult students, and 700 apprentices at the campus.

The report added: “Leaders have taken appropriate steps to develop a range of activities that broaden students’ and apprentices’ interests. The proportion of students who take part in a wide range of enrichment activities has increased.

“Leaders and managers have improved the careers advice and guidance available for students and apprentices. Leaders hold careers talks during the college induction week and invite industry experts to talk to groups of students.”

A college spokesman said: “We are very pleased to confirm that the journey to establishing outstanding colleges at the heart of Southend, Basildon and Thurrock is well on course with inspectors confirming that we have made progress against all three areas identified as requiring improvement.”