Platinum Triumph: DSFC Wins UK Employer of the Year Award!

Durham Sixth Form Centre (DSFC) has achieved the highest national recognition, triumphing as the winner of the Investors in People (IiP) Platinum Award for UK Employer of the Year 2025 (50-249 employees). This prestigious accolade, presented at a ceremony at Old Billingsgate, London, on November 12, 2025, celebrates organizations demonstrating outstanding people management practices and a truly positive workplace culture.

The award is the culmination of a 12-year journey of strategic reinvention and growth for DSFC. Following a challenging period in 2013, the leadership team and staff committed to a bold, shared vision, leading to a remarkable turnaround. By 2017, DSFC was judged Outstanding by Ofsted with soaring enrolment and academic outcomes significantly exceeding national averages.

The Platinum Employer of the Year Award confirms DSFC’s dedication to putting people at the heart of success is unparalleled. The IiP judging panel praised DSFC for its journey, observing: “The Centre has been on an amazing journey and seen great success! There is a clear plan for the future with measures in place to continue to see impact.”

Principal Jo Lain commented, “We have worked with Investors in People since 2013 to create a workplace that values its staff, supporting their wellbeing, professional development and aspirations. I am so proud that we have been recognised nationally for that work.”

The centre’s exceptional IiP score of 816/900 is proof of this commitment, resulting in over 97% of colleagues proudly stating that DSFC “is a great place to work.” This positive environment directly contributes to stellar student achievement, with DSFC ranking in the top 21% nationally for academic progress and the top 2% for applied general attainment.

Now operating as the founding member of the Providence Learning Trust, DSFC’s strategic plan is focused on sustaining success through innovation, including:

• Expanded Outreach: Extending highly successful outreach programmes in Maths and Arts to inspire young people across the North East.
• Workplace Innovation: Leading the sector by piloting flexible working options for teaching staff to enhance retention and wellbeing.
• Strategic Growth: Developing a future-focused curriculum and progressing the planned Durham Maths School in partnership with Durham University.

DSFC is committed not only to academic excellence but to creating a workplace where every member of staff is valued and encouraged to reach their full potential, ensuring students and employees alike thrive.