London South East Colleges wins prestigious Pearson Teaching Award

London South East Colleges’ Hospitality and Catering team has won a prestigious Pearson Teaching Award.

The Silver Award for FE Team of the Year was presented today, at the College’s student-led restaurant BR6. The award recognises the team’s outstanding achievements over the past year – particularly in relation to work being done with employers, helping students to get first class industry experience.

The team now goes forward to the final, which takes place in London in October at a televised ceremony – where winners of the Gold Awards will be announced.

Principal and CEO of London South East Colleges, Sam Parrett OBE, says: “This is such fantastic news for a very hard working team. I am absolutely delighted that their dedication has been recognised by an external organisation – beating off much competition from around the country.

“We have built up our Hospitality provision over the past five years. The teaching team has worked tirelessly to give students the very best experience, ensuring they are equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence that is needed for the real world of work.

“Today is national ‘Thank a Teacher Day’ and there are many wonderful and dedicated teachers working in the FE Sector. It’s wonderful to be celebrating our award on such a special occasion.  We now have our fingers crossed for October!”

Tania Sumner, Head of the Hospitality and Catering team, says: “Gosh! I am so thrilled by this and I can tell the team are as well. It’s absolutely wonderful. I have to say, we all deserve this too. We have worked so hard over the past few years to create a team of experienced industry professionals who all share a set of common goals; our main priority being to pass on our skills and knowledge to the students so that they can progress to their next level and beyond.

“The FE sector has faced many challenges recently – most of all concerning funding and resources. We have made our training facilities into a successful student-led business, meaning the students receive on-the-job work experience as well as excellent training from passionate tutors. It’s great to receive such special recognition for our hard work and I am grateful for the support we have received from all our customers and supportive employers.”