A SHOWCASE training project in Thurrock, which received a critical Ofsted report late last year, has announced a relaunch in association with two other colleges.

The National College for the Creative and Cultural Industries at the Backstage Centre on the High House Production Park at Purfleet - which launched in 2016 amid a fanfare of publicity - was visited by Ofsted inspectors in October last year.

Their three day visit, the first time standards at the college had been checked out, found it 'required improvement' in four major categories.

The quality of education provided by the college received the requires improvement rating, as did personal development, leadership and management and its apprenticeships programme.

Behaviour and attitudes, education programmes for young people and adult learning programmes very rated 'good' but the overall rating was 'requires improvement'.

Inspectors gave a detailed list of what needed to be done to put things right (see their report via the red button below).

And in the wake of the damning report, the college has today announced it has relaunched as a new partnership, with South Essex College taking a leading role. The college had been part of the educational provision at High House in its original format but it appears its input will now be extended.

A statement issued today says: "National College Creative Industries is pleased to announce a formal partnership with South Essex College and Access Creative College. Coming into effect over the weekend, National College Creative Industries Ltd has launched a joint venture partnership to build on what has been achieved so far, grow its capacity and accelerate its national vision.

"This exciting new partnership, under the NCCI brand, will support the Government's national colleges policy, and follows a consultation process involving staff from all three organisations, as well as stakeholders and external partners."

Principal and Chief Executive of South Essex College Angela O'Donoghue, said the partnership will allow the College to more efficiently meet the skills needs of the creative industries across the thriving Thames Gateway, and beyond.

She added: "With the creative industries sector employing over two million people in the UK and with projected growth of one million people in the next decade we are looking forward to working with NCCI Ltd to increase and enhance our creative industries provision.

"The move will expand South Essex College's presence in Purfleet, where we have been running a costume construction degree programme since 2015, in collaboration with the Royal Opera House, at the High House Production Park and where we will take over the ownership and management of The Backstage Centre."

John Taylor, Managing Director of Access Creative College said: "We are passionate advocates for the creative sector and are proud to support employers and students across the country. Our existing national creative offer of music, events, games and media courses will now be amplified to unite apprentices and employers across the country in order to support the growth in the creative economy."

Bryan Raven, Managing Director of White Light Ltd, and Board Member of NCCI Ltd said: "NCCI Ltd is delighted to be launching this new venture with South Essex College and Access Creative College today, both of whom have excellent credentials within the creative industries sector and can help us achieve our vision on a local, regional and national level."