North East sixth form named UK Employer of the Year
Photo, pictured left to right: Announcer Alan Dedicoat, Principal Jo Lain, Chief Executive Ellen Beveridge & Television Presenter Anna Richardson.
A leading North East institution is celebrating success after Durham Sixth Form Centre (DSFC) was crowned Investors in People (IiP) Platinum UK Employer of the Year 2025 in the 50–249 employees category. Another huge win for the region on the national stage!
The award – the highest national recognition from Investors in People – was presented at a prestigious ceremony at Old Billingsgate in London, confirming DSFC’s position as one of the very best organisations in the country for staff wellbeing, leadership and people management.
A remarkable transformation journey
This national victory marks the culmination of an extraordinary 12-year journey of improvement and cultural change. Following a challenging period in 2013, leaders and staff at Durham Sixth Form Centre united behind a shared vision for excellence.
That commitment rapidly translated into success, with the centre achieving an Outstanding Ofsted rating by 2017 and academic outcomes that continue to exceed national averages. Today, DSFC stands as a powerful example of how sustained investment in people drives lasting improvement.
Putting staff first helps students thrive
The Platinum Award recognises DSFC’s unwavering focus on empowering staff, nurturing professional growth and creating an environment where people feel valued and supported. Even better, that culture has a direct impact on students’ success.
The sixth form now ranks in the top 21% nationally for academic progress and the top 2% for applied general attainment, while over 97% of staff say DSFC is a great place to work.
National recognition for a North East success story
The Investors in People judging panel praised the centre, stating: “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.”
Words of pride from the North East
Principal Jo Lain said: “We have worked with Investors in People since 2013 to create a workplace that truly values its staff, supporting their wellbeing, professional development and aspirations. I am incredibly proud that this work has now been recognised on a national stage.”
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, added: “This is an outstanding achievement and a proud moment for the North East. Durham Sixth Form Centre shows what is possible when education leaders put people at the heart of their organisation. Their success is something the whole region can celebrate.”
A platinum standard for the future
Winning the IiP Platinum Employer of the Year Award is a definitive endorsement of Durham Sixth Form Centre’s commitment to both academic excellence and a thriving, valued workforce – and a powerful demonstration of the strength and ambition of education across the North East.
Huge congratulations to everyone involved!