13 Jan Learning at the Heart of FC Designer Workspace: FEL Meets Ofsted’s ‘Expected Standard’ Across All Areas

Learning and skills development sit at the core of everything delivered at the FC Designer Workspace, and this commitment has been formally recognised following Fashion-Enter Ltd’s (FEL) latest Ofsted inspection. After a visit in November, FEL’s education division achieved a green ‘Expected Standard’ rating across all assessed areas, under Ofsted’s newly introduced and highly rigorous scorecard framework.

The inspection reviewed learning provision delivered through the Fashion Technology Academy (FTA), including apprenticeships, adult learning programmes and specialist fashion courses delivered across FEL’s education hubs — notably the FC Designer Workspace and Fashion Hub. Achieving the ‘Expected Standard’ confirms that FEL meets Ofsted’s expectations in full, with no areas falling below the required benchmark.

Under the new framework, providers are measured against more detailed and demanding criteria than ever before. FEL successfully met the standard across seven key areas, including Safeguarding, Inclusion, Adult Learning Programmes and Apprenticeships — areas that are fundamental to the learning experience offered at the FC Designer Workspace.

The result highlights the strength of the Workspace’s diverse learning offer, which supports designers, makers and garment professionals at all stages of their journey. From short technical courses and professional development workshops to accredited programmes and hands-on industry training, learning at the FC Designer Workspace is rooted in real-world practice, technical excellence and accessibility.

Lan Leeder, Head of Education at Fashion-Enter Ltd, welcomed the outcome and acknowledged the dedication of the education team:

“This is a great result for the team following the Ofsted visit. I am proud of every single team member at the FTA. Achieving seven ‘Expected Standards’ in Safeguarding, Inclusion, Adult Learning Programmes and Apprenticeships shows that we have met Ofsted’s expectations as a provider. This success reflects the hard work we all put in to support our learners in achieving their goals.”

At the FC Designer Workspace, this approach translates into practical, skills-focused learning environments where creativity is matched with technical knowledge. Learners benefit from expert tutors, industry-standard equipment and courses that respond directly to the needs of the fashion and garment manufacturing sector — whether they are emerging designers, career-changers or experienced professionals seeking to upskill.

While the Ofsted outcome is a strong endorsement, FEL views it as part of an ongoing journey:

“However, there is still work to be done,” Lan added. “We are now working closely with Kurt Hintz, on our Non-Executive Board, to review our provision and to make changes and improvements for the FTA.”

This forward-looking mindset ensures that learning at the FC Designer Workspace continues to evolve alongside the fashion industry, maintaining relevance, quality and inclusivity.

Together, the FC Designer Workspace, Fashion Hub and Fashion Technology Academy form a connected learning ecosystem — one that supports creativity, technical skill and sustainable career pathways. The Ofsted result reinforces FEL’s role as a trusted provider of high-quality fashion education and a vital resource for the UK’s garment and design community.