Leicester College

Overview

Leicester College is a large further education provider rated as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories. The report describes a college where learners “enjoy their studies and benefit from good teaching,” fostering confidence and strong preparation for future employment or education. Leaders maintain productive links with employers to ensure curricula meet local skills needs, though some inconsistencies in teaching quality and attendance remain.

Strengths

• Staff provide “good teaching” and meaningful support, helping learners from diverse backgrounds, including adults and those with high needs, to “gain confidence in themselves.”
• Curricula are generally well-planned and “reflect employer and stakeholder needs,” with strong collaboration on courses like T levels and apprenticeships.
• Students demonstrate “high standards of behaviour” and feel safe, with effective support for mental and physical well-being.
• Most learners achieve their intended destinations, with many apprentices securing “permanent employment” or promotions.

Areas to improve

• Improve attendance for students on education programmes for young people, particularly on courses such as T-level childcare and beauty therapy.
• Ensure all learners with high needs have “appropriately challenging targets,” as some current targets do not sufficiently stretch students.
• Support teachers who need help to improve curriculum planning, classroom activities, and assessment approaches, and raise achievement rates in functional skills mathematics.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting that staff quickly assist students with concerns and that learners understand how to identify risks.