East Lancashire Learning Group tops national achievement rate tables

East Lancashire Learning Group (ELLG) has been ranked the number one further education college group in England in the latest national achievement rate tables.

The group includes Nelson and Colne College, Accrington and Rossendale College and Lancashire Adult Learning and the latest data places ELLG at the top of the national tables for 16-18, adult and overall achievement rates.

The group say it confirms its consistent strength across provision types and learner cohorts, and highlighting its sustained focus on quality, outcomes and accountability.

The result is particularly significant within the context of a highly scrutinised further education landscape, where achievement rates remain a key accountability measure for providers, inspectors and policymakers alike.

ELLG’s performance reflects a strong alignment between curriculum intent, high-quality teaching, and learner outcomes across Lancashire.

In addition to securing the top national position for achievement, ELLG has also ranked number one for both A Level and vocational progress measures.

This indicates that learners not only achieve at higher rates, but also make significant progress, outperforming expectations and reflecting the strength of the group’s curriculum design, evidence-informed pedagogy and teaching practice.

ELLG also remains the only college group in the country to have maintained Ofsted 'Outstanding' status for 20 consecutive years, an exceptional record that continues to set it apart within the sector.

This national recognition is also reflected in the group’s influence on education policy.

Lisa O'Loughlin, chief executive and Principal of East Lancashire Learning Group, recently served as a member of the national College Accountability and Reform panel and is currently contributing to Alan Milburn’s national review into young people not in education, employment or training.

She said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised as the number one further education college group in the country. This achievement reflects the dedication, expertise and professionalism of our staff, and the ambition and success of our learners.

"At a time when the further education sector is under increasing scrutiny, this result demonstrates what can be achieved through a relentless focus on quality, high expectations, and strong alignment with the needs of learners, employers and communities.

"We are particularly proud that this success is rooted in Lancashire, and that it contributes to wider regional and national priorities around skills, productivity and social mobility.”

This latest recognition further strengthens East Lancashire Learning Group’s reputation as a leading provider within the FE sector, offering a model of sustained excellence in outcomes, quality and system leadership.

The East Lancashire Learning Group has 2,400 A Level and technical students aged 16 to 18, 16,500 adult learners, 1,300 apprentices, and 400 higher education students.

It works alongside hundreds of local employers, shaping a skilled, adaptable, and ambitious workforce that drives growth and opportunity across our region.