Suffolk New College joins Chartered Institution of Further Education

Why it matters: The membership follows an assessment of nine criteria, including teaching quality, financial health, and community engagement.

The details:

• The college attended a ceremony at Apothecaries' Hall in London in late December

• Principal and CEO Alan Pease was accepted into the institution by The Rt Hon Lord Lingfield

• Three staff members – Kayleigh Norris, Michael Mears, and Charlie Simmans – were made associates

Behind the scenes: The Chartered Institution of Further Education, established in 2013, works to promote further education in the UK. It serves as a membership body for colleges and education providers that meet exceptional standards while working with industry to help shape the national skills system. The institution aims to ensure further education providers are recognised for their role in local economic growth and development.

What they're saying: Suffolk New College CEO Alan Pease said: "The council looked at the college in terms of nine different criteria – teaching and learning, learner responsiveness, collaboration, quality improvement, governance, financial health, community engagement, employer engagement and FE sector engagement.

"It's a great honour to become part of this fantastic organisation that helps showcase the absolute best of our sector."

The bottom line: The college's membership follows what Mr Pease described as a "rigorous application process" after being invited to apply.