EKC Group's training centre for prisoners wins Association of Colleges Beacon Award

East Kent Colleges Group (EKC Group) has won a prestigious award for its adult training centre for prisoners.

EKC Group’s EKC Training site in Eastchurch, which offers courses to those who are on ‘Release on Temporary Licence’ (ROTL) from an open prison, has scooped an award at this year’s Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Awards.  

After reaching commended status in November 2024, the Group was then shortlisted as a finalist before yesterday (Tuesday 3 March) being announced as the winner of the Widening Participation Category.  

This award aims to recognise, celebrate and promote examples of colleges which widen their participation in learning in their communities.  

The EKC Training centre in Eastchurch aims to equip individuals with the skills necessary to secure employment upon their release from prison. 

The open-prison status also allows inmates to participate in courses and, in some cases, engage in paid employment through the ROTL scheme. 

Since the Group began delivering provision there, the centre has experienced significant growth in both enrolments and successful outcomes. It achieved an overall success rate of 97.2 per cent in 2023-2024 with the provision helping to deliver training courses that have a real impact on the learners. The prison now boasts one of the lowest reoffending rates in England. 

Speaking on the Group’s success at this year’s awards, EKC Group’s Chief Executive, Graham Razey, said: “I am incredibly proud that EKC Group has been recognised at this year’s AoC Beacon Awards, winning in the Widening Participation category for the work we are delivering at HM Prison Standford Hill.

“It’s a category that I’m personally passionate about as I’ve long believed that we need to deliver great educational opportunities to everyone within the communities we serve. Our submission was based on the work we do at our Eastchurch training centre, supporting our learners from the open prison, and is a testament to the power of education in giving individuals a second chance, helping them develop new skills, and creating brighter futures.”

The AoC Beacon Awards celebrate excellence in the sector and highlight the breadth and quality of education in colleges throughout the UK. They also help to increase the understanding of colleges’ contribution to their communities’ economic and social development. 

AoC is the national voice for further education, sixth form, tertiary and specialist colleges in England. 

It is a not-for-profit membership organisation established in 1996 by colleges, for colleges. Its members make up more than 90% of the sector – educating and training 1.6 million people each year.