East Lancashire Learning Group (ELLG), comprising of Nelson and Colne College, Accrington and Rossendale College, and Lancashire Adult Learning, has once again achieved the Matrix Standard Accreditation, recognising the high quality of its Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) services for students, apprentices and adult learners.
The assessment, conducted in October 2025, confirmed that ELLG continues to meet the rigorous national standard, highlighting the Group’s commitment to delivering exceptional guidance and support across all stages of the learner journey.
During the review, assessors commended ELLG for embedding IAG as a “golden thread” woven through curriculum delivery, student support and strategic planning. The evaluation found that ELLG’s IAG provision is seamlessly integrated across its three campuses, underpinned by strong collaboration between Careers, Student Services and Schools Liaison teams.
ELLG’s extensive employer partnerships emerged as a major strength during the assessment. These relationships ensure course offerings align with local skills needs while providing learners with valuable insights into career pathways and opportunities. The report highlighted the Group’s “positive and productive partnerships with numerous external stakeholders,” including employers and secondary schools across East Lancashire.
Learner feedback also played a significant role in the accreditation process. Surveys demonstrated that 91% of students felt able to make an informed decision about their future after an IAG appointment, representing a dramatic increase in confidence following support from ELLG advisers.
The achievement reinforces findings from Ofsted’s 2024 inspection, which praised ELLG’s “extremely high-quality careers advice and guidance” and noted that learners benefit from well-qualified, knowledgeable advisers from their first point of contact.
Leyanne Fitzmaurice, Assistant Principal for Learner Experience and Support, said: “The matrix accreditation is a real testament to the work our teams put in every day. We are proud to offer high-quality, personalised guidance that genuinely changes lives. Seeing learners grow in confidence and clarity about their futures is what motivates us, and this recognition reinforces why that work matters. As a career-focused college, ensuring every learner has access to outstanding careers guidance is at the heart of everything we do.”
The matrix Standard is the Department for Education’s national benchmark for high-quality IAG services and is held by leading education providers across the country. ELLG will now continue its work through the ongoing annual checks and continuous improvement cycle ahead of the next full review in 2028.
