main content Top marks for adult learning in Bromley

Bromley’s adult education learners and tutors are celebrating the news that their classes are in the UK’s top 20%. This follows an inspection of adult and community learning in Bromley last November by the Adult Learning Inspectorate,

Bromley Council’s adult and community learning service is primarily delivered by Bromley Adult Education College. Principal Michael Wheeler said, “ Governors and staff at the College were delighted to receive such a positive report. It’s wonderful to have everyone’s hard work recognised and this gives us all a firm foundation to move forward over the next few years”.

Bromley achieved a Grade Two overall on a four-point scale, with leadership and management seen as key strengths. Community Development was awarded a Grade One, an outstanding achievement with inspectors commenting on ‘excellent learner achievements’ and ‘particularly good community benefits’. Inspectors were also complimentary about the high standards of teaching and learning in community development classes. In terms of a future action plan, although the inspectors recognised the great improvements in the facilities and support available for students, they felt that more could be done to encourage more awareness of, and celebrate, cultural diversity in the wider community through courses and other College activities.

Executive Councillor for Local Economy Colin Bloom said, “I am particularly pleased that inspectors highlighted the very effective inclusion of provision for learners with learning difficulties and disabilities as well as the strong strategic and operational partnerships”.

During Inspection week, ALI’s inspectors interviewed over 1000 learners and 190 members of staff, visited 155 different classes and 50 learning centres. An impressive 67% of lessons were judged to be good or better.

Local learners highlighted the benefits of their classes to inspectors, including ‘lots of laughter and learning’, the ‘knowledgeable and skilled tutors’ and the range of courses available around the borough during the day and in the evenings. They outlined some of the other benefits of learning too, such as becoming more confident, making new friends and being healthier.

To find out more about adult and community learning or join a class in Bromley, please ring 020 8460 0020 or visit bromleyadulteducation.ac.uk.

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Editors Notes:

• Courses are delivered in 67 locations across the borough, including the mobile Bromley Training Truck.
• For further information, contact Susan Baylis, Lifelong Learning Development Manager, 020 8461 7252 or susan.baylis@bromley.gov.uk