Strong Outcomes for New Directions College Learners

Learners at New Directions College have achieved above the national average and outcomes have improved overall, according to the college’s annual report.

Adult learners performed particularly well in English, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and skills and employment subjects.

Outcomes also improved significantly for students with a learning difficulty or disability (LDD), with that cohort achieving 92% compared with 88.6% for learners without LDD.

The figures are set out in the Annual Report for New Directions College for the 2024-25 academic year which is being presented to members of the Council’s Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and Education Committee on Wednesday (8 July).

New Directions College is the Council’s adult and community education service which is mostly funded through the Adult Skills Fund from central Government.

The college offers a wide range of formal and informal learning opportunities from entry level to Level 3 qualifications, alongside employability support, confidence building programmes and community-based learning.

A substantial proportion of learners are long-term unemployed, from vulnerable households, adults with mental health needs, learning difficulties or disabilities, and newly arrived communities including refugees and asylum seekers.

The college enrolled 877 learners in 2024-25 on government-funded adult skills provision. Overall adult skills achievement rose to 89.4% over the year, which is well above the national average of 87%.

There were particularly strong performances in English at 99%, ESOL at 95% and Skills and Employment at 94%.

Male learners outperformed their female counterparts for the first time, achieving 94% compared with 87.8%, reflecting targeted actions to support male learners’ engagement and attainment.

The most popular provision was Skills for Life, which includes English, maths and ESOL, followed by preparation for life and work, vocational education, digital skills and hospitality programmes.

Hospitality and barista provision for adults with special educational needs and/or disabilities remains a particular strength, with 99 learners and 97% achievement rate.

The achievements were against a backdrop of financial constraints across the adult learning sector, including funding reform and rising delivery costs.

Feedback from learners remains consistently strong and demonstrates high levels of satisfaction, safety and confidence across the college.

Rachel Eden, Lead Councillor for Education and Public Health, said:

“New Directions College continues to be a really important part of helping residents to gain skills that enable them to find work or progress to other educational opportunities.

“Learners most often say they are studying at the college to improve their job prospects, build confidence and progress to further learning.

“I'm proud of how the team support learners to achieve their goals and it's clear how much students value it - frequently praising the college for its welcoming environment and quality of teaching.

“Despite financial pressures, the annual report demonstrates that New Directions College continues to deliver high quality, inclusive adult education with learners reporting strong progress, increased confidence and positive experiences.”

New Direction College operates from its main site in Northumberland Avenue in south Reading, as well as Southcote and Whitley Community Hubs, children’s centres as part of the Family Hub offer, libraries and community venues. Further expansion is planned at the recently opened new Reading Central Library at the Civic Centre.