LSST Achieves Prestigious matrix Accreditation for Outstanding Student Support
By Kunal Chan Mehta | Article Date: 25 March 2025
LSST has secured the prestigious matrix (sic) Standard accreditation for its steadfast commitment to student success and offering high-quality student Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG). This national benchmark, conferred on behalf of the Department for Education, underlines LSST’s dedication to delivering the highest calibre of support that empowers its students, local employers and alumni. This achievement comes hot on the heels of LSST’s successful visit by Ofsted in February 2025 (the results of which can be read here).
Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for LSST and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. We believe that at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service and a focus on continuous improvement, all underpinned by effective use of the resources available.”
The matrix Standard assessment lauded LSST’s student-centric approach to personalised IAG services that guide learners through their academic and professional journeys.
Mr Ali Jafar Zaidi, LSST’s Deputy CEO, added: “Achieving the matrix Standard underscores LSST’s commitment to student success and is a testament to the exceptional quality we consistently offer by ensuring that every student receives IAG that goes beyond expectations.”
Another strength highlighted in the report was LSST’s highly approachable IAG provision. By seamlessly integrating Careers, Student Wellbeing and Student Support teams, LSST was praised for ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive student experience, further evidenced by LSST’s 96.5% student satisfaction in teaching (NSS 2024).
Transforming Career Prospects
A defining feature of LSST’s IAG services is its pioneering Skills Bootcamps in Management & Finance, funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA). Since launching in September 2023, LSST’s Skills Bootcamps have received exceptional acclaim from learners and employers. The matrix Standard assessor highlighted how LSST students developed heightened confidence, enhanced communication abilities and successful job placements as a direct result of the programme.
“Since September 2024 LSST FE has delivered Skills Bootcamps in Management and Finance funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA),” said Matt Garvey, LSST’s Head of Further Education. “Within a very short period, we have succeeded in our Ofsted inspection and now our matrix assessment. When both Ofsted and matrix praise your provision, then you know you are doing something right, which in our case is offering high quality IAG and outcomes to our learners.”
matrix Standard on What Works at LSST
Several strengths and areas that are working particularly well were identified during the matrix Standard assessment including:
✔ LSST has made a strong strategic commitment to providing high quality, personalised IAG which makes a difference: right learners for course, right skills for jobs, right jobs for learners. There is a focus on highly personalised service and continuous improvement.
✔ LSST FE’s dynamic, agile approach is working really effectively. All the different IAG elements are working together in synergy. New roles are in place to ensure the offer is resourced and learners are supported.
✔ For recipients there is a clear understanding of the difference IAG is making to those receiving it. The feedback from learners about the IAG they receive and the delivery staff is very positive. All learners would recommend the Bootcamps. They appreciate the variety of learning experiences on the course. A number focused on the benefits of learning in a group – after the isolation of looking for work on their own.
✔ Staff are passionate, purposeful, and committed: “Bootcamps change lives”. Widening participation and equality and diversity are central values. The emphasis is on recruiting “staff who care”. Staff are clear about their individual roles. CPD and on the job training are bringing benefits to both staff and learners.
✔ Partnership is a significant strength. Three very different partners (representing pre-course, on-course and post-course) were able to articulate the benefits of partnership working with LSST. Links are carefully managed and communication is strong.
Source: matrix Standard/The Growth Company 2025.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The matrix Standard highlighted LSST’s progressive approach to refining its services based on student and employer feedback. LSST’s focus on widening participation, personalised support and creating strong industry collaborations was also acknowledged as a key strength.
Charles Tennant, LSST’s Vice Principal, said: “Achieving the matrix Standard is a resounding testament to the relentless dedication of our staff. We are devoted to cultivating an environment where every learner has access to the high-quality IAG and resources needed to excel. This accreditation reaffirms our dedication to transforming lives through education and empowering individuals from all backgrounds with the skills and confidence to succeed.”
The matrix Standard is the Department for Education’s (DfE) standard for ensuring the delivery of high-quality information, advice and guidance (IAG).
Editors note: matrix Standard is intentionally spelt with a lower-case letter m as part of its branding.
To join LSST’s Bootcamps please apply via: www.lsst.ac/skills_bootcamps/
Read LSST’s Ofsted report here: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/33/2814824?utm_source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=report
For more information about this article, please get in touch with the author, Kunal Chan Mehta, via kunal.mehta@lsst.ac.
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