Top colleges investigate local community support and engagement

The 157 Group, which represents 26 of the most influential colleges FE, hopes to shed more light on how its members are engaging and supporting local communities with a set of six new case studies.

The reports investigate successful approaches and initiatives by Highbury College, Lambeth College, Lewisham College, New College Nottingham, The Manchester College and York College.

"The further education sector has earned a reputation for offering second chances and new opportunities; for transforming people’s lives; and for welcoming learners from diverse socioeconomic, cultural and educational backgrounds. Colleges throughout the country play a crucial role in fostering social inclusion and community cohesion, thanks in no small part to the dedication and commitment of their teaching staff," said Lynne Sedgmore CBE, executive director of the 157 Group.

"These case studies provide clear examples of how that is working in practice, and show the enormous contribution that colleges make to tackling specific problems in their local communities."

Graham Moore OBE, 157 Group chair, added: "We believe that strong and effective colleges can have a transformative impact on their local communities and make a real difference to the social and economic well-being of the many, not just the few. Giving something back to society draws talented people into FE, and the impact of their work extends far beyond the benefits of vocational and academic qualifications for individual learners."

The 157 Group plans to cover apprenticeships in its next set of case studies to be published this autumn, and all reports are available on their website.