4 November 2025
Ridgeway Education, a vocational learning service for patients in our Trust, has successfully passed its first full external quality assurance inspection by City & Guilds.
The service was graded ‘outstanding’ for exceeding quality standards, a major milestone in becoming a recognised college.
This rating means Ridgeway Education can move toward independently managing enrolment, deliver teaching, conduct examinations, and hold direct claims status that will give patients greater access to accredited learning opportunities.
In September and October, our patients completed 18 City & Guilds functional skills exams, with all participants passing Maths and/or English, some achieving a perfect 100%.
Since 2023, over 200 AQA accredited units have also been awarded to our Ridgeway learners, including bespoke units developed to meet individual needs.
The education team includes a specialist teacher, lifelong learning tutor (joinery) and learning support assistant and has built strong partnerships with internal services and local organisations.
These include MGL Group, an engineering contractor that has supported wood workshops, and Night Light Theatre Group, a community interest company that helps patients plan and rehearse performances.
Our staff have also co-developed courses with our equality and diversity and quality improvement teams to promote inclusion and improve initiatives.
I’m incredibly grateful to our leadership team for believing in Ridgeway Education and supporting the service.
Andy Longstaff, specialist teacher and education lead
“This is incredible news!” added Claire Bainbridge, associate director of therapies, “from supporting and empowering our patients to engage in learning, to the creation of an ‘outstanding’ college, you have all surpassed my expectations.
“Very well done to our patients in achieving their City & Guilds functional skills, an amazing achievement.”
City & Guilds is a global leader in skills development, offering vocational qualifications across a wide range of industries. AQA qualifications, including GCSEs, A-levels, and bespoke awards, are recognised by employers and universities worldwide.
Ridgeway Education delivers accredited vocational learning to our patients. The team supports recovery, wellbeing, and reintegration through inclusive, person-centred education.
