London South East Colleges (LSEC) ticked every box for the judges in terms of what makes an awardwinning further education college. Not only has the group had a strong impact on its local community - generating £20 million of social value in 2019-20 - it also delivered 18,000 qualifications during the year, with classroom achievement rates at 86 per cent.

During lockdown, any students struggling to engage with online learning were contacted daily, and more than 200 laptops and dongles were given to students to support them in their studies. Students were also encouraged to attend biweekly Come & Engage wellbeing chats on Zoom. And the college bucked the national trend, with outcomes at 86 per cent.

The college has actively engaged 143 employers via a new membership model, in addition to 1,000 other employers supporting work experience and apprenticeships. The staff’s commitment to employer engagement has meant that almost 230 students have undertaken virtual work placements since March 2020.

Stuart Rimmer wins at the Tes FE Awards 2021

Anthony Gascoigne wins at the Tes FE Awards 2021

Dundee and Angus College win at the Tes FE Awards 2021

The judges were particularly impressed with LSEC’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, which has resulted in the launch of a 10-year grants programme that funds staff and students to set up projects tackling issues in this area.

Lead judge David Hughes said: “LSEC is a high-quality college that really stepped up in the pandemic, showing not only agility in meeting learner needs through uncertain times but also supporting wider community and labour market challenges.

“The impact it has had locally is impressive. Through schemes such as its grant funds for inclusion projects and FE Foodbank Friday, it has helped support communities all over the country.”