GOVERNORS and staff at Thurrock Adult Community College are celebrating its latest Ofsted report, which is full of praise for the education service which has successfully migrated the loss of its permanent, bespoke base in Grays, transitioned itself in the education marketplace and is now on track for greater accolades.

Historically the college was housed in premises on Richmond Road in Grays, but found itself without a home when Thurrock Council put the site up for sale and redevelopment. The building was later demolished and recently a planning application to build a care home on the site was approved.

The upheaval brought the whole future of the adult college service into doubt – but its governing body were determined to keep it alive and relocated to premises made available to them within the South Essex College campus on New Road in Grays.

However, after an initial period of operation at the new venue – and some changes on the governing body - it was recognised that the college was losing its individual identity and profile with the South Essex College setting and the decision was taken to relocate a second time, of room and offices with the Old Courthouse on Orsett Road in the town.

That has proved to be a catalyst for improvement – an achievement highlighted within the Ofsted report compiled after a visit in January.

The college is given the accolade of showing 'Strong Standards'.

Credit is given to the governing body in the report, which says: "Since the previous inspection, leaders have been relentless in their approach to improving the quality of the education and training they offer.

"Their sharply focused quality improvement activities have had a considerable positive impact and the standard of teaching and training is now high.

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"Leaders intervene quickly when they have concerns. They stopped offering courses that were not of a high quality, such as apprenticeships.

"Leaders and those responsible for governance have an excellent understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement. Governors know the college very well. They support leaders to ensure that they remain continually focused on meeting the needs of the hardest-to-reach residents in Thurrock.

"Staff feel that leaders are supportive of their wellbeing and workload. Leaders have a comprehensive professional development programme in place that develops both tutors' subject expertise and teaching skills. Staff who are new to teaching are very well supported. They value the opportunity to gain teaching qualifications and to receive mentoring and specialist subject training."

The report, which can be read in full via the link below, goes on to praise the college performance relating to inclusion, participation and development and particularly highlights the range of adult learning programmes.

Chair of governors Neil Woodbridge says: "I have had the privilege to volunteer as a governor at the college for a while now and as chair I know just how hard the college leadership team and staff have been working since our old college was demolished.

"Being in a consistent place at the Old Courthouse in Grays has really helped us to achieve these amazing ratings under the new Ofsted Framework.

"Our Learners are amazing and we were particularly humbled by the beautiful comments they made in the independent survey. Four hundred of them spoke up and the lead inspector was delighted at such a large number of respondents.

"I'd like to thank my fellow governors for their inputs, the staff for their hard work and the Learners for their outstanding achievements.

"Thurrock Adult Community College has a big bright role helping the citizens of Thurrock achieve in Essex.

"Come and see us at the end of the High Street - we do indeed have 'Strong Standards'; care about our Learners well-being, teach people the skills they need and help employers find new staff for the excellent opportunities arriving in Thurrock."