2024 A Year in Review
Around this time last year I reflected on what was my first year as Principal for Adult Education and Skills (article here) at Plymouth City Council and On Course South West. Here I am, another year on and and there's so much to share and celebrate. Here are my reflections for 2024 and just some of the highlights.
Growth and Achievement
In 2024, we supported over 5,000 adults and young people with courses, qualifications, and life-changing opportunities. By diversifying and more than doubling our funding in 2024, we’ve expanded our reach and deepened our impact on the community. Here are some of the highlights of our successes:
48% of our learners live in the most deprived areas of Plymouth (IMD priority areas 1–3), demonstrating our success in tackling social inequality and providing opportunities for those who need it most.
67% of learners have progressed into further study or employment, addressing the critical need for pathways to economic stability and lifelong learning.
Our achievement rate stands at an outstanding 92%, ensuring learners meet their goals and gain qualifications that support their future aspirations.
Our retention rate is an impressive 98%, highlighting the effectiveness of our support systems in helping learners stay on track.
We delivered 60% of our provision directly in the community, operating across more than 70 venues, breaking down barriers to access for those who might otherwise be excluded.
30% of our learners are from ethnic minority backgrounds, showcasing our commitment to inclusivity and ensuring diverse communities have equitable access to education.
An incredible 98% of learners would recommend studying at On Course South West to their friends and family, underscoring the value and positive outcomes of our programmes.
This year, we supported over 5,000 adults and young people aged 16 to 18 with courses, qualifications, and life-changing experiences, contributing to education provision on a broad scale.
Recruitment for our 16–18 study programme has increased by 25% year on year, enabling us to better support this critical demographic and prepare them for future opportunities.
20% of our learners are over the age of 55, addressing the need for lifelong learning and skill development for older adults.
100% of our learners report feeling safe while studying with us, ensuring a secure environment that supports all other achievements.
Why We Do What We Do
Significant Skills Gaps*
1 in 6 adults (16.4%) in England struggles with literacy, and 1 in 4 (24.1%) has poor numeracy skills, limiting their ability to function effectively in everyday life and the workplace.
These gaps impact individuals’ confidence, employability, and progression opportunities.
Economic Costs: Poor adult skills cost the UK economy more than £20 billion annually, reducing productivity and creating significant barriers to economic growth.
Employment Inequalities: Adults with higher skills are 20% more likely to be employed and earn significantly more than those with low proficiency levels.
Only 52% of adults with poor numeracy skills are in employment, compared to 83% of those with stronger skills.
Age-Related Declines: Older adults (55–65) show lower proficiency in literacy and numeracy compared to younger adults, leaving many unable to adapt to changing job markets.
Technological Divide: Only 50% of adults aged 25–65 demonstrate problem-solving skills needed in technology-rich environments, exacerbating inequalities in the digital economy.
*Survey of Adult Skills 2023 (PIAAC): National Report for England
A Refreshed Intent and Our Key Priorities
This year, we refined our overarching goal of promoting social mobility and inclusion for all, guided by five clear priorities:
Expansive Access to Education and Training – Supporting deprived communities in accessing learning and training.
Empowering Vulnerable Youth – Creating pathways to improve opportunities for disadvantaged young people.
Addressing City-Wide Skills Needs – Developing inclusive curricula to fill Plymouth's skills gaps.
Enhancing Everyday Skills – Equipping residents with essential skills for sustainable careers.
Social Mobility and Inclusion – Reducing life-chances gaps and enhancing social engagement.
Supporting Our Learners To Achieve - 100% Pass Rate on All GCSEs
Learner collecting her GCSE results
We are immensely proud to celebrate a 100% pass rate in GCSEs across Maths, English, and Science — a truly outstanding achievement. This success is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and resilience of our adult learners, as well as the exceptional support and expertise of our teaching team.
Key to addressing these challenges has been our learner-centred approach, which includes small class sizes and personalised guidance tailored to individual needs. By creating an environment that fosters confidence and builds foundational skills, we’ve enabled adult learners to overcome barriers, achieve their potential, and access further education or career opportunities.
This milestone not only underscores the transformative power of education but also highlights our critical role in tackling the broader skills gap, contributing to economic growth and social mobility.
Apprenticeships and Supporting Employers
In 2024, we proudly achieved Apprenticeship Delivery Status, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to bridging Plymouth's skills gap and fostering economic growth within our community. This development enables us to offer a diverse range of apprenticeship programmes tailored to meet the evolving needs of key sectors, ensuring both individuals and employers benefit from a workforce equipped for the future.
Our apprenticeship services are designed with flexibility in mind, featuring rolling start dates and adaptable learning options to accommodate the unique requirements of each apprentice and their employer. We collaborate closely with businesses to develop training plans that align with organisational goals, comply with funding regulations, and address the specific needs of the workforce.
By integrating adult apprenticeships into our educational offerings, we provide practical, hands-on experience that complements theoretical learning, empowering individuals to gain valuable skills while contributing meaningfully to their workplaces. This initiative not only enhances employability for our learners but also supports local businesses in cultivating a skilled, dynamic, and innovative workforce.
For more information about our apprenticeship programmes and how they can benefit you or your organisation, please visit our Apprenticeships page.
Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs)
Our bespoke Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) have been another highlight of the year. Designed in collaboration with employers, these programmes create tailored pathways into meaningful careers.
One standout partnership has been with Babcock International, delivering exceptional results. With 50% of participants securing employment, this programme demonstrates how targeted training can address local workforce needs while providing life-changing opportunities for learners.
SWAPs are a testament to our ability to adapt and innovate, ensuring our services remain relevant and impactful in today’s job market.
Learners at Babcock, Plymouth
A Comprehensive Offer
In addition to apprenticeships and SWAPs, our employer-focused services include:
Bespoke Training Solutions: Customised training designed to meet specific organisational needs, enhancing workforce skills and readiness.
Work Ready Courses: Programmes aimed at improving employability and life skills, equipping learners to meet the demands of modern workplaces.
These services, combined with our growing apprenticeship and SWAPs provision, form a robust and responsive offer that supports local businesses in building skilled, resilient teams.
Enhanced Employer Support
In 2024 we hosted our first-ever On Course South West business breakfast which was a fantastic success. We connected with employers across Plymouth, sharing updates on our programmes and launching our new apprenticeship offerings. Events like these are crucial for strengthening ties with local businesses and driving workforce development.
Business Breakfast at Chapel Bridge school
Our First Employer Advisory Board: Aligning with Labour Market Needs
This board brings together local employers from diverse industries to provide insights, guidance, and expertise. Their contributions ensure that our programmes are aligned with the evolving needs of Plymouth’s labour market, enabling us to:
Address skills shortages effectively.
Design training that reflects current and future workforce demands.
Strengthen partnerships between On Course South West and the local business community.
By fostering this dialogue, we are creating a system where education and employment are seamlessly connected, driving economic growth and individual opportunity.
The first employer advisory board meeting July 2024
A Diverse and Inclusive Governance Framework
2024 also saw the refresh of our governance structure incorporates a diverse range of voices, including independent leaders from businesses, public sector organisations, charities, and community representatives. This inclusive approach ensures that our strategies are informed by a wide array of perspectives and grounded in the real needs of Plymouth’s communities.
The presence of such a broad range of stakeholders fosters a culture of high expectations and robust challenge. This dynamic drives us to continuously improve our provision and deliver impactful education and skills training for Plymouth.
After the success of the Your Future pilot programme, we have expanded opportunities for even more young people to get involved. Your Future is a bespoke initiative designed to support young people in building confidence, developing skills, and exploring aspirations toward employment, education, or training.
Your Future learners getting stuck in at Poole Farm
By engaging in day trips, short breaks, and hands-on learning experiences, participants:
Meet others and make new friends
Develop interpersonal and social skills
Boost employability
Build confidence
Support self-resilience
Increase teamwork and independent living skills
Gain an understanding of local opportunities that suit them
This programme is open to young people aged 19-25, with additional opportunities for those aged 16-18 who have Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs) or other support needs. Each cohort experiences up to four weeks of enjoyable learning, inclusive of a tailored short break, with individualised coaching and mentoring throughout. The next intakes are scheduled for January and February 2025.
Turing Scheme Success
In 2024, On Course South West (OCSW) was awarded £190,000 through the prestigious Turing Scheme, enabling us to offer transformative international study and work placements to our learners.
This funding supports opportunities between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, aligning with the scheme's goals of advancing social justice and enhancing skills.
Our inaugural Turing trip to Iceland was a resounding success, providing eight learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) a transformative experience that enhanced their skills and cultural understanding.
With six more trips planned for 2025, we are opening up international opportunities for learners to broaden their horizons, develop invaluable skills, and have life-changing experiences.
The Turing Scheme funding covers placement and trip costs, including transport and accommodation, ensuring accessibility for all eligible students.
This initiative reflects our commitment to providing inclusive, high-quality education that empowers individuals to achieve their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society.
For more information about our Turing Scheme opportunities, please visit our Turing page.
The Your Future team and their amazing learners on the first OCSW Turing trip.
Get Learning @ The Library
In Autumn 2024, On Course South West (OCSW) expanded its community outreach by launching free courses at St Budeaux Library on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
This initiative offers a diverse range of subjects, including English, Maths, Creative Writing, and Local History, aiming to make education more accessible and tailored to the interests of the local community.
New window signage at St Budeaux Library
By situating these courses within the library, OCSW leverages a familiar and welcoming environment, encouraging lifelong learning and personal development among residents.
This effort reflects OCSW's commitment to removing barriers to education and fostering a culture of continuous learning within Plymouth.
For more information about the courses available at St Budeaux Library, please visit our Get Learning @ The Library Page.
In July 2024, On Course South West (OCSW) hosted its inaugural Learner Awards Ceremony at Chapel Bridge School in Plymouth, celebrating the remarkable achievements of our adult learners.
The event featured awards such as Learner of the Year, Special Recognition, and Outstanding Achievement, acknowledging individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience, and success in their educational journeys.
Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills, and Apprenticeships, joined the OCSW team to honour the awardees, highlighting the significant impact of adult education on personal growth and community development.
The ceremony not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also underscored OCSW's commitment to providing inclusive and accessible learning opportunities that empower adults to achieve their full potential.
On Course South West learners and Councillor Sally Cresswell
It’s All About the People
As demand for our services grows, so too does our team. By fostering a culture rooted in collaboration, openness, and trust, we have not only attracted exceptional talent but also created an environment where our staff can truly thrive. This culture empowers our team to innovate, support one another, and deliver their best work.
When we prioritise the well-being and professional growth of our staff, the benefits ripple outward. Our learners and stakeholders receive high-quality skills and services from a team that is not only passionate about their roles but also deeply committed to the success of our community. This alignment of values ensures that every interaction with On Course South West is marked by care, expertise, and purpose.
In the past 12 months, application numbers for our job roles have grown significantly, a testament to the reputation we’ve built as an organisation that values and invests in its people. This recognition fuels our ambition to continue growing as a first choice employer choice, ensuring we have the talent and dedication needed to meet the increasing demand for transformative education and skills provision.
Powerful Partnerships
Our partnerships with organisations such as Discovery College, Shekinah Mission Plymouth, Odils Learning Foundation and Trevi have been invaluable, contributing to our shared mission of empowering individuals through education and skills development. The list of partners doesn’t stop there, we’re working across all directorates at Plymouth City Council to enhance public services and to extend our reach into communities, organisations such as Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), employers big and small from Babcock - Land sector and LiveWell to CATERed LTD and Blackwell Bate Chartered Accountants & Tax Advisers, the list goes on…
OCSW and Marjon's Leadership Team
This autumn, we joined forces with Plymouth Marjon University to enhance access to higher education for adults. Starting in January 2025, this partnership will offer a diverse range of Access to Higher Education courses, providing clear pathways to university-level studies. Together, we are removing barriers to learning and creating opportunities for individuals to achieve their aspirations.
Our new Access to Higher Education programmes cover subjects such as Creative Industries, Health Science, Nursing, Sports Studies, and more. These courses are designed to prepare learners for higher education and enable progression into degree-level studies. This initiative reflects our commitment to lifelong learning and social mobility.
Achieving the Matrix Standard Accreditation
Another huge milestone for OCSW was the achievement of the Matrix Standard Accreditation, a prestigious recognition of our excellence in providing high-quality information, advice, and guidance (IAG) to learners. This accomplishment underscores our unwavering commitment to empowering individuals through education and skills development, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed.
The Matrix Standard is more than a badge of honour; it is a rigorous benchmark that evaluates how effectively organisations deliver IAG services. Achieving this accreditation demonstrates that our learners and stakeholders can trust the quality, accessibility, and relevance of the guidance we provide. Whether helping individuals navigate career paths, access training opportunities, or overcome barriers to learning, our focus remains on enabling informed choices and positive outcomes.
This achievement reflects the dedication and expertise of our team, who continually strive to improve our services. It also reinforces our ethos of putting learners at the heart of everything we do. As we move forward, the Matrix Standard will serve as a foundation for driving further innovation and maintaining the high standards our learners and community deserve.
Looking Forward to 2025
As we close the chapter on 2024, we’re already looking ahead to an exciting and ambitious 2025. Building on the successes of this year, our plans reflect our commitment to innovation, inclusion, and community impact. Here’s a glimpse of what’s to come:
Creating a Lasting Legacy with the Your Future Programme
The Your Future programme will continue to grow, offering a range of supported opportunities, from internships and apprenticeships to tailored learning programmes. These initiatives are designed to empower young people and adults with the skills, confidence, and pathways they need to succeed in employment, education, and life.
Expanding Capacity and Accessibility
To meet the growing demand for our services, we will develop a comprehensive property strategy, ensuring our spaces are equipped for expansion while prioritising accessibility. This strategic investment will enable us to reach more learners and provide environments that inspire and support education at all levels.
Strengthening Partnerships
Collaboration will remain at the heart of what we do. We will continue to build strong relationships with employers, community organisations, and educational institutions, ensuring our programmes align with local and regional priorities while addressing evolving skills needs.
Broadening International Opportunities
Our success with the Turing Scheme in 2024 has laid the groundwork for even more transformative international experiences. We will continue to offer life-changing opportunities for learners to develop global skills, broaden their horizons, and enrich their personal and professional growth.
Meeting Bespoke Requests with Agility
In 2025, we will enhance our ability to respond swiftly to time-sensitive, bespoke requests from employers and organisations. This agility will allow us to deliver tailored training solutions that meet the unique and urgent needs of businesses and the community.
Promoting Wellbeing Through Inclusive Training
We are passionate about creating open and inclusive training that supports employee wellbeing. In 2025, we will expand our educational offerings to include courses focused on:
Menopause awareness and support
Domestic violence and workplace responses
Stress management and resilience building
British Sign Language (BSL)
These programmes will enable organisations to foster healthier, more inclusive workplaces, while empowering individuals with tools to navigate challenges and thrive.
A Shared Vision for the Future
As we look forward to 2025, our mission remains clear: to change lives through education, empower communities, and build a brighter future for all. Together with our dedicated staff, partners, and learners, we are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Gratitude and Reflection
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our staff, the support of our partners, and the trust of our learners. Thank you to our Head of Skills and Post-16, Tina Brinkworth, Plymouth City Council, and all our stakeholders for sharing this vision. Together, we’re building a brighter, more inclusive future for Plymouth and beyond.
Here’s to another year of transforming lives, one learner and one community at a time.