For more than 30 years, ELATT has supported thousands of marginalised young people - including those with health issues, disabilities or mental health needs, migrants and refugees - with skills development and community programmes. Despite the challenges of Covid-19, last year was no different.

All training moved online, with live tutor-led classes being one part of a wider remote education strategy. The provider ensured that no learner was left behind, and provided printed packs to Esol (English for speakers of other languages) learners, facilitated learning over WhatsApp where necessary, and provided devices and data to all those in need.

The students continued to achieve exceptional success rates above national averages, with the provider achieving 96.8 per cent student retention and a 93.7 per cent pass rate.

London South East Colleges wins another Tes FE Award

Stuart Rimmer wins at the Tes FE Awards 2021

Anthony Gascoigne wins at the Tes FE Awards 2021

The contribution that ELATT makes to its local community impressed the judges, too. Its Welcome to Tower Hamlets project creates a learning community involving Esol learners, and sees a range of activities embedded in the area, including skills-sharing workshops, community lunches and volunteering. The provider also collaborated with Citizen UK in campaigning for the fairer treatment of black, Asian and minority ethnic communities by the police.

Tes FE Awards 2021: ELATT announced as training provider of the year

Tes FE Awards 2021 lead judge Jane Hickie said: “ELATT has excelled during the pandemic by further extending its reach into communities in London with its mix of full- and part-time or evening classes, which are delivered online or in small classes.

“ELATT has an almost unrivalled reputation for an inclusive approach to learning and its focus on employment goals has never been more needed.”