EFC seeks new governors

With success rates in the top 10% of FE colleges, and a financial position judged “outstanding” by Ofsted, the short and long-term outlook has never been better for Epping Forest College.

Principal Jeannie Wright is looking to expand the current team of Governors as she builds upon the college’s recent accomplishments. She hopes that the new Governors may be in post to view the college during its Open Event on Saturday 9^th November.

“It would be beneficial for the new Governors to see the level of professionalism and care that our staff and students take towards our prospective student body. Our values are just as focused on those who may join us as our existing students”.

Ofsted also noted this in their most recent inspection, saying that a key strength of the College was the“…development of students’ positive attitude to their studies and how they work well in the college’s harmonious atmosphere”.

Mrs Wright said: “The College has come an incredibly long way in a short time. In 2008 we were housed in buildings that were unfit for purpose, while Ofsted Inspectors declared us “unsatisfactory”.

“Fast forward 5 years, and the College is unrecognisable in every sense. Our £38 million campus now welcomes over 4,000 students aged from 14 to 65+ across a range of courses. Our talented staff are dedicated to our core values of learning, safety and respect every day. This has contributed to a student retention rate of over 93%, placing us in the top 5% of FE colleges.

“These are all considerable achievements, and in no small part due to our diligent and knowledgeable Governing Corporation. They have laid the strategic directions for all of this”.

Ofsted inspectors agreed, noting that the College’s Governors are “…committed and well-informed”, and “provide a high level of challenge to managers and staff”.

Chair of Governors Will Breare-Hall said: “Although Governors traditionally have a wealth of experience, of far greater importance is passion and commitment for education, and the role of Epping Forest College in improving the local skills base for future growth and development in the region.”

If you think that you could be an Epping Forest College Governor then please contact Jon Allen, Clerk to the Corporation, care of Barbara Calvert at bcalvert@efc.ac.uk.