In this series of blogs, Dr Katerina Kolyva, Chief Executive of the Education and Training Foundation (ETF), reports on her visits to Further Education (FE) and Skills providers across the sector. She uncovers the transformational learning opportunities available to students alongside the dedicated professionalism of teachers, trainers and leaders from the wide variety of different providers across the sector.
My recent visit to Learning Curve Group (LCG) was both inspiring and insightful. Being taken through their journey from a small operation in 2004 with just 40 staff and a turnover of £1 million, to a thriving business with £65 million revenue and over 850 employees, one can’t help but marvel at their growth and dedication to impact.
LCG’s CEO, Brenda McLeish OBE, embodies the organisation’s ethos, co-chairing key industry groups like St Martin’s and serving on the board of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP). Alongside her executive team they “bleed purple,” a phrase that reflects Learning Curve’s deep commitment to their mission and values.
PURPLE stands for Passionate, Unstoppable, Right, Partnerships, Learners, Empowered. It is the first time I have seen a colour have such a meaning that is spread across the organisation and beyond.
Their culture is purpose-driven. From young learners to military veterans, LCG ensures that every individual’s experience is central to their operations. But how do they create and maintain such a strong culture? According to Brenda, it’s about creating a home – a space where people feel valued and supported.
LCG has always embraced complexity. With 63 specialist sites, working across the UK and internationally in diverse offerings of over 200 qualifications, they cater to unique markets. However, teaching staff recruitment remains their most significant challenge.
LCG’s agility has allowed them to diversify their services. They’ve developed edTech solutions, adapted to various education and qualification reforms and consistently evolved to meet the needs of learners. Yet, they remain focused on improving critical skills such as GCSE Maths and English, areas where students often face hurdles.
The Learning Curve team doesn’t just operate – they innovate. From participating in the Education and Training Foundation’s (ETF’s) accreditation group to influencing sector-wide improvements, like through the ETF’s Apprenticeship Workforce Development programme, feedback to ETF is clear: keep it simple and work collaboratively with the sector.
I left LCG feeling inspired and enthused, noting how a strong culture impacts directly on the experience of learners and the community.