BARNSLEY Council is one of only three local authorities in the country to hold an ‘Outstanding’ grade for overall effectiveness of its further education and skills provision.

The Adult Skills and Community Learning service has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating by Ofsted following its latest inspection in November 2024.

In the Ofsted report that has been published today, Adult Skills and Community Learning was awarded outstanding ratings for:

  • Quality of education

  • Behaviour and attitudes

  • Personal development

  • Leadership and management

  • Overall effectiveness

At the previous inspection in 2018 the overall effectiveness of the service was judged as good. Since then, leaders and staff have worked hard to design learning pathways that align with local priorities, enabling learners to move closer towards employment and discovering their potential.

In the recent inspection, Ofsted noted the strong commitment to raising the aspirations of adult learners and addressing high levels of economic inactivity.

Coun Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “The recognition as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, reflects our Adult Skills and Community Learning service’s commitment to providing top-quality education and support.

“The achievement is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff, learners, and supportive communities. The recognition in the report for our work to level the playing field so that everyone can benefit from work in our borough is a demonstration of the partnership approach to developing better Pathways to Work through learning and skills development.

"Our Adult Skills and Community Learning service remains focused on continuing to build on its successes, exploring new ways to innovate and improve its offerings to be even better.”