Type=image;ImageID=5995;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Adult Education Service "outstanding";TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=5996;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Councillor Phil Page and Val Sadkowska;TitleClass=strong;
He wrote to Councillor Phil Page, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Learning, after the city's Adult Education Service was judged to be top of the class by Ofsted in its recent inspection.
In his letter, Mr Boles wrote: "I am delighted by the results of Wolverhampton Adult Education Service, as achievement of an 'Outstanding' grade (from Ofsted) is not only recognition of the work and commitment of your organisation, but it will act as a powerful example to other further education providers.
"I firmly believe that excellence in further education is vital to help strengthen local communities and support employers to achieve growth, by improving workforce skills and the job prospects of the people you train."
Ofsted published the results of its inspection of Wolverhampton Adult Education Service last month. They found that outcomes for learners, the quality of teaching, learning and assessment and the effectiveness of leadership and management were all outstanding, and that the majority of learners achieve their goals.
Councillor Page said: "We are very proud of our Adult Education Service, and it is pleasing that the Minister of State for Skills and Equalities has recognised the achievements of its staff and students.
"It is one of only a small number of services of its kind in the country to have been rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, and it is doing a tremendous job of improving the skills, knowledge and employability of local residents."
The Adult Education Service delivers a wide range of courses, including arts and crafts, creative studies, languages, English, Maths, ICT, teaching and care, from more than 50 venues around the city. Some courses are free or available at a reduced rate, depending upon an individual's circumstances. Every year students enrol on around 9,000 courses.
Councillor Page added: "As well as academic and vocational courses, the Adult Education Service does a great deal to prepare local people for the world of work through specific courses such as help with CV writing, interview skills and training, and access to higher education courses. As a result, we have a high success rate of learners progressing into work, training or further and higher education."
People can find out more about the courses on offer from by logging on to Type=links;Linkid=2102;Title=Wolvehampton Adult Education Service;Target=_blank; or calling 01902 558180.
Alternatively, please visit one of the information and enrolment days taking place at the City Learning Quarter, Old Hall Street, on Monday and Tuesday, 9 and 10 February, 2015, from 10am to 7pm and Wednesday 11 February from 10am to 4pm.
- released: Wednesday 4 February, 2015