The 157 Group highlights colleges' work with local communities
29th June 2009
For immediate release: 29 June 2009
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The 157 Group has published a set of six case studies describing how member colleges are engaging with local communities and supporting people - including those from some of the most disadvantaged and disaffected groups - to transform their lives through education and training. The case studies focus on a range of successful approaches and initiatives led by:
Highbury College
Lambeth College
Lewisham College
New College Nottingham
The Manchester College
York College.
Lynne Sedgmore CBE, executive director of the 157 Group, said, "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.
"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, said, "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's next set of case studies, to be published in the autumn, will look at apprenticeships.
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---NOTES TO EDITORS---
The six case studies are available to download in PDF format - click here
---About the 157 Group---
The 157 Group represents 26 of the most influential colleges in the FE sector.
It was formed in 2006 in response to paragraph 157 of Sir Andrew Foster's report on the future of further education colleges in which he argued that principals of large successful colleges should play a greater role in policymaking.
---CONTACT---
Kat Fletcher 0796 645 3808
Email [email protected]
The 157 Group Limited
5th Floor, St Andrews House
18-20 St Andrews Street
London
EC4A 3AY
Email:
[email protected]
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