Grimsby Institute named UK’s fourth best college!

Grimsby Institute has been named the UK’s fourth best college!

In the government’s recently released national achievement rates tables for 2017-18, the Institute scored in the 95th percentile for overall education and training.

It also ranks fourth highest for overall achievement in the country, rising from 17th place in 2016-17.

Debra Gray, Principal and Deputy Chief Executive, said: “The achievement rate is the result of hard work and dedication by thousands of students, supported by an amazing staff team. We are incredibly proud of all their hard work.”

Ricky Coxon, Executive Director Information Services and Planning, also commented: “The latest set of results are a testament to the hard work and amazing ability of all the staff here at the Grimsby Institute.

“This consistent, upward trend in our data is demonstrating the fact that we transform the lives of thousands of local people each year, giving them the skills, knowledge and training to make a difference to their local communities.”

If the Institute’s departments were counted as stand-alone colleges in their own right, four would have been included among the country’s top 10 colleges.

The Faculty of Digital and Creative Industries would rank first, with National Employer Training (NET) a close second. The Faculty of Commercial Enterprise would also be fourth, while Community, Flexible and Distance Learning is in 10th place.

Digital and Creative Associate Principal Emma Forrest-Leigh has led her faculty’s rise to the top using a “fun factor” approach to learning.

“Nearly every decision we’ve made has been governed by the Student Council and we’ve completely changed the way we deliver courses.

“Instead of being studio or classroom-based, our courses are industry-simulated. We don’t have learners, we have crew and production days.

“We’ve changed our curriculum to run courses like cyber security and preparation for freelance work, which are all endorsed by employers.

“We want our learners to come out competitive and hungry but to have fun doing it. We truly believe in mentoring good citizenship, working as a professional family and the share the values of “work hard, play hard, be nice” with a learner-centred approach. Everyone is included and we balance challenge with celebration and ensure that every day is rewarding for our learners.”

Since last year’s statistics, which placed the faculty second in the country, learners have won a gold WorldSkills medal, created video for a project for Prince Harry and Strictly Come Dancing’s Kevin Clifton and featured on BBC News at Ten.

The department has also been shortlisted for a number of awards over the last 12 months, including Beacon Awards for use of technology and international projects.

“I have always known my team will go above and beyond, but to receive this national recognition is absolutely what they deserve,” Emma added. “I am so proud of them.”

Lee Lister, Associate Principal of Commercial Enterprise, also said he was “incredibly proud” of his faculty’s staff and learners.

“We offer provision for everyone from learners with educational needs (SEN), right through to A Level-equivalent Level 3 vocational training.

“Every one of these learners needs something different from us throughout their educational journey.

“The staff work incredibly hard to understand their learners, ascertain what drives them, what inspires them and more importantly what they want to achieve.

“Once we know that we work in partnership with parents, carers, external agencies and our own academic and support teams to provide exciting learning opportunities, academic challenge and work experience in industry for all levels of learner.

“We also ensure barriers to learning are removed and success and achievement is accessible for all regardless of background, age or ability. I am incredibly proud of the learners’ achievement and the satisfaction that my team receives for knowing that they have made a real difference to the lives of the young people that study in my faculty.”