02 Oct Leadership, Governance & Teaching Standards: A Shared Responsibility

By Jenny Holloway, CEO, Fashion-Enter Ltd / Fashion Technology Academy

Following our Ofsted inspection in November 2025, we took the opportunity to reflect carefully on the feedback around leadership, governance and the continuing professional development of our tutors. While we already had established CPD programmes and highly experienced teaching staff, we welcomed the opportunity to strengthen our approach even further.

Since then, we have strengthened our governance, expanded professional development and introduced additional specialist input around SEND, neurodiversity and barriers to learning. Most importantly, we have reinforced a culture where teaching quality is continually reviewed, challenged and improved.

On 1st October, I personally undertook teaching observations with staff in Leicester, looking closely at how learning is embedded, how tutors support learners of different abilities and how effectively they create an environment where learners can Achieve, Belong and Thrive. The observations were designed to be constructive, with tutors reflecting on their own practice and identifying areas where even small improvements could make a difference to the learner experience.

These standards extend across our teaching provision, including the courses delivered through FC Designer Workspace, where we utilise many of the same highly skilled tutors. Whether a learner is undertaking a longer vocational programme or joining us for a short, practical fashion course, our expectation remains the same: excellent teaching, expert industry knowledge, meaningful learning and a supportive environment.

For us, quality assurance is not simply something that happens when an inspection is approaching. It is an ongoing responsibility shared by leadership, tutors and everyone involved in delivering education. Our commitment is to keep listening, keep learning and keep raising the standard of teaching for every learner who walks through our doors.